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Events Calendar

Join us for a hike, educational workshop or workday, or special event!  Guided hikes and workshops are free for Sycamore members and a suggested donation for non-members is $5/person or $10/family unless otherwise specified. To become a member, click here. Volunteer days are always free. For questions about guided hikes and stewardship days, contact us at info@sycamorelandtrust.org.

 

Oct 18

Hike the Trust: Porter West Preserve

Join Sycamore Land Trust for our Hike the Trust outing at Porter West Preserve. Together, we’ll explore this every-changing forest! During the summer of 2024, a storm took out many mature trees in the uplands on the north east side of the property. Since then, the understory and canopy continue to change. During this hike, we’ll delve into the history of this preserve, discuss the different stages of succession in this forest, visit the southwestern vernal pools, and look and listen for migratory birds as they head south for the winter.

Oct 23

Oaks in the Fall with CanopyBloomington

Feel the breeze and botanize with Sycamore Land Trust and CanopyBloomington during Oaks in the Fall at Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve! We’ll focus on oak identification, learning how to recognize different species by their leaves, bark, and habitat while discussing their role as keystone species that support countless birds, insects, and wildlife. CanopyBloomington’s work to grow and care for Bloomington’s urban forest pairs perfectly with Sycamore’s efforts to protect and restore natural areas across the region, highlighting how urban and wild forests function as one connected, thriving system!

Nov 13

Little Hikers: Tree Journaling

Become a tree detective at Porter West Preserve! As oak and hickory leaves blanket the forest floor, Little Hikers will learn how to identify trees using their leaves, bark, and buds. We’ll collect fallen leaves along the trail and create beautiful leaf rubbings to take home while discovering the many trees that call southern Indiana forests home.

Nov 14

Waterfowl Conservation with Cory Lamping

Each fall, nearly a million ducks, geese, and other waterfowl migrate through Indiana, relying on healthy wetlands like our Carl Ziegler Wetlands in Monroe County to rest and refuel. Join Sycamore Land Trust and local duck hunter Cory Lamping for a workshop to explore the history of waterfowl conservation in the Midwest and the role hunters, conservation organizations, and wetland restorationists have played in protecting these species.

Our Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center is currently under construction, with a planned opening in May 2027. Join us for a special opportunity to take a sneak peek at the new Center and explore the incredible habitat surrounding it.

Following the workshop, we’ll head into the wetlands to identify ducks and other waterbirds using the restored habitat. Species may include Mallards, Gadwalls, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, Hooded Mergansers, and more. Following our birding excursion, Cory will share samples of duck jerky from several harvested species and discuss how regulated hunting has contributed to waterfowl conservation across North America. No experience needed and binoculars will be available to use! Cory Lamping (she/they) is a birder, photographer, hunter-conservationist, wild foods enthusiast and a bonafide duck nut. They love to share their passion for these incredible birds and the disappearing habitats they rely on.

Nov 30

Round up in November to support Sycamore with Bloomingfoods’ Positive Change

  • Monday, November 30

During the month of November, support Sycamore Land Trust by rounding up your purchase at Bloomingfoods in Bloomington through the Positive Change Program. Learn more at bloomingfoods.coop/positive-change.