Indiana has 18 native species and subspecies of turtles. Most spend their time in the shallow waters along rivers and ponds. One stands out among them, the Eastern Box Turtle. It is terrestrial, one of the few that lives mainly on land. Found from southern Maine to Georgia, its numbers are in decline in the Midwest....
Education and Outreach at Red-tail
At Red-tail we believe connecting people to nature is a critical element of our mission. By increasing awareness of our natural heritage we will grow future generations who will protect what they learn love. Our preserved natural areas offer excellent places for people to experience nature and learn about wild things.
Join us at one of our hikes or events, contact us to arrange a speaker or visit for your group, or download materials to plan your own nature adventure. Check back frequently to our website for updated offerings and materials.
Between every two pine trees is a door to a new world. —John Muir
The Belted Kingfisher
From northern Canada to the Caribbean and from coast to coast, belted kingfishers inhabit both fresh water and salt water habitats. Although there are over 100 species of kingfishers around the world, the belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is the only species found in Indiana. Kingfishers perch on limbs or telephone wires overhanging rivers, streams and....
Endangered cerulean warblers an amazing find in local forest
Cerulean Warblers are endangered in Indiana, and a species of conservation concern range-wide. They have been declining at ~3% per year since 1960 across their range. In Indiana, Cerulean Warblers are typically on breeding sites by the first week of May and stay till the end of July.....
Finding your inner child outdoors
The place that sparks our sense of discovery, exploration, and curiosity can be found right outside your door. Sometimes we need a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or neighbor to show us how to delight in the simple joys of outdoor play. Try laying in...
2017 Bio Blitz Report Published
In June of 2017 the Indiana Academy of Science held its Annual Bio Blitz at Red-tail properties, White River Woods and McVey Memorial Forest. Scientists...
Spring Awakening of Trees – Budburst!
Wildlife survives winter by migrating, hibernating, or toughing it out. Trees, however, go dormant, a process triggered in the fall by decreasing daylight. Leaves drop, branches harden off, and the flow of water and sugars...
Spring Concert in the Woods
They survive the winter by pumping a sugar-like antifreeze substance into their cells. Over 70% of their body will freeze solid during the frigid months. They thaw out when temperatures start to rise above 40 degrees and can be calling for a mate within 24 hours. Chorus frogs burrow deep beneath...
How much wood does a woodchuck chuck? Well …
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle pigs, are a species of marmot that belongs to the ground squirrel family, along with chipmunks and prairie dogs. The species that we’re familiar with, Marmota monax, lives throughout the Midwest, from northern Georgia to northern Canada. The Algonquin (or possibly Narraganset) native tribes called them...
Meet Julie!
Julie Borgmann
Executive Director
Julie Borgmann is the Executive Director for Red-tail Land Conservancy. Her passion is connecting people to nature for conservation and wellbeing.
