The "ending" of Garlic-mustard (GM) season can be a most discouraging time.  That is, if it arrives with any great amount of that dastardly plant still standing in Red-tail Conservancy's natural areas.  If it happens too many times, places like Yuhas Woods and Smith-Crisler Nature Preserve will look like the above photo....one plant species in the herbaceous zone instead of the hundreds of species that now thrive in our magnificent forests.
     The BSU students gave over 32 man-hours to the task of removing GM in Yuhas Woods, but we have a long way to go to remove a satisfactory amount this year.  Unfortunately, the spring plants have arrived early this year, and GM's seed pods might start releasing thousands of seeds within two weeks.
     Now that the students are preparing for finals and on their way home for the summer, it's up to Red-tail supporters and members to take to the woods to keep this aggressive invader at bay.  Let's coordinate our efforts by calling the office (765-288-2587) to let us know when you're available.  We'll assemble groups so that you can share the experience with your fellow Red-tailers, share rides, etc.  It's always more fun to have fellow Red-tailers alongside in the woods.
       There is a lot of work to do before GM season ends.  We need a big rally in these last couple of weeks to keep this menace in check.   

  During our successful fund-raising campaign to purchase Mississinewa Woods, we received a call from Janet Burkhart.  Our discussion resulted in a generous pledge as well as a donation of Janet's land.  Red-tail Conservancy will receive title to her sixteen acre woods this week. Our total acreage protected in this riparian forest now stands at thirty-eight.
   RTC will remain forever grateful to Janet for caring about the future of wildlife habitat in east central Indiana and entrusting her magnificent woods to Red-tail Conservancy.

                              Bird-a-thon