Conservation Activities
The third Saturday of every month is a conservation day at the EcoLab. Visit the EcoLab Calendar for the complete schedule. On conservation days we do some of the following activities. We are also looking for regular volunteers to help with these and other projects.
- Exotic species management: Because the EcoLab is in the center of a highly developed area there are seed sources for non-native plants all around and we need to be in constant battle with the invaders of the EcoLab: honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, buckthorn, multiflora rose, privet, garlic mustard, and others. The problem with these non-native plants is that they take habitat away from the native Indiana species. Honeysuckle, for example, is a shrub that grows to about 15 feet and takes over woodland areas in the Midwest. None of the beautiful Indiana wildflowers that we all love will grow underneath it. Come help us have fun, learn a little, and fight exotics!
- Seed collection and planting: Because the EcoLab was totally dominated by honeysuckle before it was removed two years ago, there are several areas in the EcoLab that need more native vegetation to limit erosion and to compete against other exotics. Come help us have fun collecting seeds of native plants and sowing those seeds in the EcoLab!
- Restoration projects: There are several vegetation projects that will need to be done to improve habitat quality for native flora and fauna.
Educational Activities
- A major emphasis of the EcoLab is education. We believe that the more people know about their natural heritage, the more interested they will be in preserving it. Your help is needed!
- K-12 group helpers: Volunteers are needed to develop lesson plans, find willing school groups, and/or help lead K-12 groups in environmental education field trips in the EcoLab.
- Docents: Volunteers are needed to help lead tours and interpretive activities in the EcoLab. Training will be provided.
Citizen Science
- Several research projects are on-going in the EcoLab. More baseline data is needed on animal and plant populations found in the area. Below is a bird survey opportunity, but we would love help from plant (and any other group of organism) experts, as well to help us discover and quantify "What's out there?"
- Walking bird survey: Volunteers are needed to follow a prescribed route through the EcoLab and record bird observations using a distance-based survey method. They will be able to do this any day at any time. They will be asked to send the data to a designated compiler. With this data we will be able to assess the changing bird use of the area as the EcoLab evolves. Individuals can begin any time. Novice-advanced birders welcome.
Call David Benson, 317.955.6028 or ecolab@marian.edu if interested. |
