On November 11, OLC Board Member Marty Jones attended Indiana Wetland Wonders: Connecting Communities & Nature—an inspiring gathering co-hosted by the Hoosier Environmental Council, Marian University’s Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, and Wetlands Not Warehouses.
Having OLC leadership present at statewide conservation events is essential. These are the places where new partnerships form, best practices are shared, and the future of Indiana’s natural lands is shaped. Marty’s participation ensured that west-central Indiana and OLC’s mission had a seat at the table.
The event began with a guided tour of Marian University’s restored 75-acre EcoLab, one of the earliest ecological restoration projects in the world, designed in 1911 by Jens Jensen using entirely native Indiana plants.
Marty’s Highlights:
• A thriving beaver colony and lodge
• 30 acres of wetlands winding through the historic Riverdale estate
• Cobblestone bridges reminiscent of Acadia National Park
• Marian students conducting hands-on environmental research
• 20 radio-tagged eastern box turtles on site
• Major progress in removing invasive species like honeysuckle
After the tour, Marty attended expert presentations, including remarks from Tom Swinford of Sycamore Land Trust, and explored a stunning photo exhibit. Three of Marty’s photos were featured, along with photos by Michael Lunsford. Both are contributors to HEC’s upcoming book Indiana’s Wetland Wonders: Connecting Communities & Nature, expected next spring.
Why this matters:
When OLC board members like Marty Jones attend statewide gatherings, we stay connected to the broader conservation movement, bring home new ideas, and elevate the visibility of the natural areas we protect in west-central Indiana.