Nature's Neighbors

06/13/2026

Go get plants today!!!

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Literally just brake. Just brake, that is all people need to do to save a life.

Be kind.

This afternoon we said goodbye to a female red-eared slider who suffered devastating injuries after being struck by a vehicle and later chewed on by a dog. Her wounds were simply too severe to repair, and the kindest thing we could do was help her pass peacefully.

During our examination, we discovered she was carrying eggs. After she was humanely euthanized, we carefully removed them and placed them in an incubator.

Whether they will develop successfully remains to be seen, but we’re giving them every chance we can.

This turtle’s story is a reminder that the adult turtles we see crossing roads aren’t just individuals. Many are mothers carrying the next generation. When a mature female turtle is lost, the impact can extend far beyond a single animal.

For now, we wait. If these eggs are viable, some part of her genetic legacy may continue on, despite the injuries that ultimately claimed her life. We couldn’t save her, but we’re hoping to save what she left behind!

06/11/2026

Before you pull that thistle, take a second look. You might be removing a pollinator powerhouse by mistake.

Not all thistles are bad! Our native field thistle (Cirsium discolor) provides important resources for pollinators and other wildlife, while invasive Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) spreads aggressively and can quickly take over fields, roadsides, and natural areas.

One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by looking at the leaves and bracts. Bracts are the small leaf-like structures located just beneath the flower head. Field thistle has bright white leaf undersides, deeply lobed leaves, and green bracts. Canada thistle has green leaf undersides, more shallowly lobed leaves, and bracts with a noticeable purple tint.

Learning the difference helps solve a common problem for landowners and gardeners: controlling invasive plants without accidentally removing beneficial native species.

Have you ever mistaken a native plant for an invasive one? Let us know in the comments!

Learn more about invasive and native species at sicim.info

06/10/2026

25% off sale at Peacock Valley Nursery and Farm! They have a massive selection of straight native plants ready for new homes!

Starting Monday, June 15th, all nursery stock will be 25% off! Come shop the Nursery with me and my team!

We can take up to 6 people at a time, so please book an appointment through this link. IF IT DOES NOT WORK: Message me and I will get you added.

The $5 charge will be taken off your purchase when you check out!

Peacock and baby Peacock Booties for collateral!

https://squareup.com/appointments/book/L9ZXTAKE69XBN/start

06/10/2026

Join our Hoosier Chapter Book Club's this summer!

📖Our June 30th selection is Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian's Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature. Learn more & RSVP here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001QJ9oDIAT

📚On July 14th we will discuss The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance by Dan Egan. Learn more & RSVP here: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001ZwwVGIAZ

Can't make either? We have several more great reads lined up this year! Visit sc.org/hcevents to find out more about the rest of our Book Clubs this year and check out the other cool events we have coming up at Hoosier Chapter!

06/10/2026

06/05/2026

Get outdoors this weekend!

National Trails Day and Free Fishing Weekend! Enjoy fishing derbies, workshops and guided hikes, June 6-7. Find more DNR activities at events.IN.gov/dnr.
Sat., June 6
• Guided Hike, Baltzell-Lenhart Nature Preserve, 9a ET, https://ow.ly/OSg050Z3qr0
• Youth Fishing Derby, Summit Lake State Park, 9a ET, https://ow.ly/ShEe50Z3qr2
Sun., June 7
• Oh Deer!, McCormick's Creek State Park, 4p ET, https://ow.ly/TUth50Z3qr3
• Discovery Fossil Bed Hike, Falls of the Ohio State Park, 1p ET, https://ow.ly/Ahhs50Z3qr4

06/05/2026

This IS what it is all about.
Join us outside 🌿
We love you 🫶