The Nature Conservancy in Indiana

10/14/2026

Great article from IndyStar on dam removal in Indianapolis. The Nature Conservancy is proud of our work with our partners to remove dangerous dams—in Indy and across the state—for safer recreation, while also creating aquatic passage for Indiana's fish, imperiled mussel populations and other species. Read the full article at https://nature.ly/4jlIeqr

10/13/2026

It's that magical time of year 🍂🍁

Autumn has arrived, which means a vibrant display of fall foliage is just around the corner. Now through November, these iconic autumnal hues will wash over the Midwestern U.S. at varying times.

In Indiana, fall colors are predicted to peak through most of the state during the first week of November while the southernmost region can expect their peak mid-way through the month.

TNC Indiana preserves offer scenic spots like Big Walnut Preserve and Hitz-Rhodehamel Woods for you to take in the tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows. Plan your leaf peeping trip to a TNC preserve near you. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/?s=indiana&en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/13/2026

Buck moths are flying at Kankakee Sands! This day-flying moth is a member of the giant silkworm moth family (Saturniidae) and adult moths are only seen in the fall. You may spot them darting across the prairie in search of mates. Eggs are laid on willow branches and overwinter until the caterpillars hatch in the spring to feast on willow leaves. Photographer Jeanette Jaskula was excited to find a female buck moth perched just below an egg mass!

According to Jeanette, buck moths are so beautiful, it's hard to take a poor photo above them. Maybe so, but these images are gorgeous!

10/09/2026

Autumn is in full swing in the Midwest 🍂 Here are a few ideas for your next outdoor fall adventure:

🍁 Complete a fall color scavenger hunt
🦅 Spot wildlife preparing for winter or migration
🌰 Look for seeds, cones and acorns
💡 Learn about nature near you

Looking for a place to visit in Indiana this weekend? Check out our fall preserve guide and find your next autumn adventure. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/find-your-connection/find-your-connection-stories/fall-for-nature/?en_txn6=lol.fyc.x.evgr.mmx.x&en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/09/2026

TNC's John Ketzenberger is quoted in this article about the 1,700-acre property in Vermillion County.

Indiana still plans to acquire 1,705 former Newport Chemical Depot acres for $10 and open the property to the public.

10/08/2026

This fall, millions of migratory birds are using TNC and our partners’ sites to rest and refuel as they migrate through Indiana and the Midwestern U.S. Autumn is the best time of year to see one particular type of feathered friend making the journey down to central or south America for the winter: mighty, majestic raptors. 🍂🦅

Raptors refer to large birds of prey like hawks, eagles, ospreys, vultures, and falcons. To take advantage of rising warm air currents known as thermals, many raptor species migrate in massive, swirling flocks called "kettles" — aptly named after its resemblance to the swirling bubbles in a boiling kettle of water (swipe through this carousel to see a kettle of turkey vultures and black vultures in action❗)

In the Midwest, it’s most common to spot raptors alone or in kettles from August to December along the Great Lakes shorelines, elevated inland ridges, and the Mississippi River basin and its surrounding marshy landscapes.

Protected natural spaces where these birds can take respite are absolutely essential to ensure that they survive and thrive. Learn more about how our critical restoration work across the Midwest helps support these regal raptors and other birds. https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/midwest/stories-in-the-midwest/migratory-birds/?en_txn1=s_fbo.reg_mw.x.x

10/08/2026

The Indiana Chapter is seeking candidates for an Indiana Conservation Information Manager. This is a part-time, salaried position based in Indianapolis. For more information and to apply, visit https://nature.ly/4jFFiF6

10/07/2026

Great video about eelgrass in the White River! Eelgrass provides a number of important functions, including foraging areas and shelter for young fish, and TNC is excited to be part of this eelgrass partnership!

10/02/2026

Welcome to a jet-setting year in the life of a mallard duck 🦆📅

This incredible timelapse follows a single GPS-tracked drake (a.k.a. male) mallard duck and his movements from November 2024 through November 2025, representing some of the epic migration routes that millions of ducks take each year as he bounces between wetlands up and down the Mississippi Flyway — including TNC preserves like Emiquon Preserve in Illinois and Aspen Parkland Preserve in Minnesota, along with partner restoration projects like the newly restored McGregor Lake, a 200-acre backwater lake within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Wisconsin.

The tracking video comes from the Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center, which has deployed around 200 GPS transmitters in Arkansas over the past five years to understand mallard movements and habitat relationships during the winter. The data collected helps guide decisions about habitat management to better support migrating waterfowl populations throughout the flyway.

This mallard’s movements demonstrate how well-managed wetland complexes can act as connected networks that ducks and countless other birds depend on year-round. These kinds of networks only exist thanks to the many dedicated partners that work to protect them across borders, reminding us that conservation never happens in isolation — and that nature truly connects us all.

Thank you to Ryan Askren from Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center for the original timelapse video and and mallard video clips! This work is a collaboration between Five Oaks, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, private landowners, and more.

10/02/2026

Kankakee Sands in northwest Indiana offers one of the clearest night-time skies. You can see for yourself at our Moonlight Hike at Conrad Station Savanna, happening Saturday, October 24!