Ghoulish decorations may be the symbol of the season, but it’s the bat who should be the headliner for this holiday. Without bats, chocolate candy, pumpkins, and apple cider would be in short supply...
The Red-tail Blog

Fall Webworm Nests Are Not Harmful to Healthy Trees
In late summer each year, fall webworms become noticeable when they build their highly visible thick white webs on the tips of tree branches...

Volunteering Builds a Sense of Belonging
While the essence of volunteerism does not involve payment, that does not mean there is no reward...

Union City Public Library’s pop-up exhibit blends literature, art, nature
In celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8, the Union City Public Library and Red-tail Land Conservancy have partnered to present a free outdoor pop-up storywalk of the book “A Brush with Nature,” written by local author Laurie Lunsford and illustrated by the Union City Plein Air Painters...

Eat, prey, love: the story of a praying mantis
Praying mantises are ruthless, ambitious, and efficient predators. The patience and surprise of the hunt is a fascinating, if somewhat terrifying, process...

Clouds Reflect the Weather and Our Imagination
Clouds are an ever-present source of interest and entertainment. Not only do they inspire songs, stories, paintings, and pictures; they also help us predict weather patterns and plan for outdoor activities. So, what exactly is a cloud?...

Berry Picking (and eating) is a Summer Tradition
The wild berries of summer bring back memories of picking and baking...

The masked bandit who stole our hearts (and leftovers)
Whether you're surrounded by trees or buildings, you've probably encountered a raccoon. Humans have had a complicated relationship with these masked bandits, from friend to food...

Open Space 2021 Call for Entries
Learn more about how to enter "Open Space: Art About the Land" competition and exhibition...

Poison Ivy: a scourge of summer or salad for wildlife?
Poison ivy is a plant we love to hate. But humans are pretty much the only animal that dislikes it! A wide variety of wildlife rely on this three-leafed terror for nutritious food and multi-purpose shelter...

Enjoying fresh summer produce? Thank a pollinator!
One in every three bites of food is thanks to a pollinator. Their lives are spent helping plants thrive, which makes biological and human communities healthy...

How to plant a prairie
Prairies have long since been a symbol of the Midwest and even part of Indiana's natural heritage. Restoring these grassland habitats takes a lot of work, but is well worth the reward...