Professor Amy Gregg's Ball State NREM Students helping design trails at Smith-Crisler Nature Preserve.

 

Munsee Woods is Ours!!

Once again, Red-tail Conservancy has conducted a successful fund raising campaign to protect and preserve east central Indiana's finest natural areas.  We reached our goal of raising $150,000.00 with the final boost provided by Muncie Lions Club generous donation of $10,000.00, as well as the Indiana Heritage Trust provided a grant of $40.000.00.  RTC will remain forever grateful for the support of hundreds of folks in our part of the state that prove time and time again...we care about our natural areas and will step up to protect them. We are currently working with a steering committee of invested individuals to create a multi-year plan for the rehabilitation, and appropriate utilization of this wonderful property!

 

 

Check out the before (left) and after (right) picture above where the team cleared the honeysuckle 
choked areas! Imagine all the native plants that can now grow!

 

 

Rare Reproduction Strategy Spotted at Mississinewa Woods!

Barry spotted this freshwater mussel in the Mississinewa River. The mussel was using a reproductive

strategy to attract fish by using its mantle flaps to simulate minnows (a form of mimicry). As a fish passes

near the mussel, it disperses it's larvae which attach to the fish. The fish then serves as a host for a specific

time. When ready, the larvae release and drop to the bottom and start their life on the river bed.