Journey With Nature

Tucked into the landscape of Northeastern Indiana lies a unique natural community that many aren't aware of. They are called fens and represent a type of wetland unlike any other.

Some fish just don't belong in Indiana waters; silver carp is one of them. Silver carp is an invasive species that is rapidly upsetting the balance of Midwest waterways and those trying to enjoy them.

Every March 22 people around the world celebrate our greatest natural resource - water. As the most essential element for life, water is certainly worth celebrating and protecting.

In the "big toe" of southwest Indiana lays an opportunity to explore a wet, marshy ecosystem that exudes the character and feel of the Deep South. Twin Swamps Nature Preserve may not be the only swamp in Indiana, but it is one of the most intriguing and stunning natural communities found in our great state.

The walls of giant grasses growing on our roadsides and in ditches may be impressive but they aren't natural. In fact, they are down right invasive. Common reed, also known by its Latin name Phragmites, will strange our wetlands if we don't control it.

While many Hoosiers consider the red fox a backyard pest at best, it does play an important role in the pyramid of life. Learn more about one of Indiana's more interesting mammals in this podcast.

Spring is in the air, or at least we've had a taste of it! With the weather still cool and crisp, isn't it the perfect time to start on a bit of spring cleaning before it's too warm to be inside? Like many of our everyday activities, cleaning can be greener - and healthier - for you and the environment!

The Classified Forests & Wildlands Program plays an important role in helping private landowners manage their forests in a way that would benefit them and our natural community.

Unruly backyard behavior has given the Blue Jay its bad bird reputation. But like all bad boys, this beautiful bird isn't as bad as we think.

One of the first signs of spring is its smelliest - and not of the sweet-as-a-rose variety. Skunk cabbage is a wetland wildflower known well for its putrid smell and its amazing ability to keep warm in the chilly winter air.

Nothing lasts forever. Vernal Pools and the organisms that depend on them to survive are just an example of how life isn't only temporary, but pretty magical as well.

The dinosaurs that once roamed the earth are long gone, never to return. Extinct. On the other hand, wolverines and prairie-chickens have also faced a kind of extinction - a local extinction - here in Indiana.

With all this talk about climate change and global warming, you may be trying to "green" your commute by biking, carpooling or taking public transit. Does the greening have to stop once you get to work? Not if your building is LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Making greener choices in your lifestyle is as easy as changing a light bulb or trading your gas-guzzling SUV for a more economical sedan. Other decisions, such as switching to a vegetarian diet is a little more hard to swallow. Yet, going vegetarian is the greenest decision you could possibly make.

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. In order to do achieve this goal, the organization relies on a heavily science-based strategy known as Conservation by Design.

Picture this - a frozen pond being covered by yet another layer of fresh snow against a bright blue winter sky. Sounds like a perfect, peaceful winter scene, doesn't it? Except that life isn't all that wonderful for those living underneath the ice and snow.

Winter has donned its chilly head, and while we can bundle up and keep ourselves warm indoors, what about the animals outside? Where do they go and how do they survive?

Sure the weather outside is frightful, but a winter hike can be oh, so delightful! Exploring Indiana underneath a layer of snow is like being in a whole, different world. Take a hike this winter with family and friends, and you'll understand.

Across Indiana the gloves, scarves and hats have been grabbed out of back of closets, and thermostats have been turned up.

Though autumn shades of red, orange, yellow and brown come to mind during Thanksgiving, don't let it stop you from thinking green. The holiday season may be hectic, but that shouldn't be an excuse - celebrating the holiday in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way is easier than you think.