By David Benson
Director at Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
Title, Goals and Objectives of Project: .
- To provide an opportunity for Amos W. Butler Audubon Society (AWBAS) Audubon members, K-12 students from Central Indiana, the Marian University community, and the general public to become involved in environmental restoration and stewardship and learn how they can make a difference for birds in their neighborhoods and backyards.
- Habitat restoration: This year, the team primarily focused on plug planting projects on wetland areas in the EcoLab where invasive species have been removed. The team also planted in areas where invasive honeysuckle was recently removed. These plants were installed by EcoLab interns, classes, volunteers, TeenWorks, and school groups doing service projects in these areas.
The Marian team continually works to eradicate invasive plants, especially in the wetland areas. Wetland is an endangered habitat in Indiana, and only about 15% of our original wetlands remain. Even more endangered is the wetland habitat in Marion County. The EcoLab is a prime example and an excellent showplace for conserving and restoring this important habitat type. Marian hopes to soon enter into an agreement with the in-lieu fee program of the Indiana DNR to restore, preserve, and protect Indiana’s wetlands in perpetuity (see below).
Project Completion: The project is ongoing. All the plants ordered in spring 2024 have been installed, and additional plant plugs have been purchased and installed starting in spring 2025 (see invoices).
Marian had 1,301 participants and at least 41 different groups on EcoLab field trips this year, with many of those taking part in the installation of Birdathon plant materials or removing invasive species. The university also continues to involve many Marian students in restoration and other projects, including all sections of the Environmental Science general education course and the freshman-year biology course, Principles of Biology. EcoLab interns and volunteers worked over the summer planting and removing invasive species and will continue this again in 2025.
All who worked in the EcoLab were able to participate in a direct conservation activity of the Indiana ecosystems, learning about native and non-native plants and how to plant and remove invasives. Other groups participated in the box turtle research project and had an introduction to the importance of natural habitats for cool critters like turtles. Restoration and management of the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab will never be completed, as restoration and land management are ongoing processes. The EcoLab is an ecological laboratory used to educate visitors on these techniques.
The Marian Ecolab team continues to work on eradicating reed canary grass and phragmites from the wetlands. The progress is to the point where it is safe to plant native species where the eradication work has taken hold. Next spring, the team will have a fun look at how well these treatments and plantings are doing.
This year, the team planted in some of the prairie areas and area where honeysuckle was recently removed. These are both also excellent habitats for the EcoLab’s eastern box turtles. Four of the turtles regularly are found in these restoration areas. They are charismatic characters who draw people to the importance of native habitats here in the city. It’s not just the birds who benefit!
Measuring Effectiveness: The Marian restoration ecologist keeps detailed records of herbicide treatments and monitors herbicide treatment sites several times after application. These monitoring opportunities allow the EcoLab staff to evaluate the most effective techniques and estimate the time required for treatment impact. These data are invaluable for creating restoration and monitoring calendars for the upcoming year. As a result of this work, monitoring start dates and preparation deadlines for known problem species were developed. With the monitoring and observation of the first spring appearance of the species targeted for control, treatments are applied when the species is at its most vulnerable. Monitoring this process is a significant accomplishment for restoration efforts and contributes to a successful management season.
Marian’s new restoration ecologist, Taylor Lehman, also brings expertise in monitoring restoration projects using GIS technology. This capability enhances the EcoLab’s ability to track changes over time, visualize spatial data, and refine treatment strategies for improved effectiveness.
Degree Attained Goals: Even though Marian’s restoration ecologist, Sarah Moss, went on to another position over the summer, the EcoLab team still impacts many people by involving them in restoration projects in the EcoLab. She also left after all the Audubon plant materials were in the ground. The plants included the unsold plants from the EcoLab Spring Native Plant Sale; this year, that was 387 plants!
Problems Encountered: The most challenging issue was that restoration ecologist, Sarah Moss, took a job as a high school science teacher at Guerin HS. It was a great move for her (and for Guerin)! Marian wishes her all the best. Although her departure slowed down any work the Ecolab staff would have accomplished this late summer and fall; all the Audubon-funded plants were in the ground when Sarah left us. Her departure led to the hiring of Taylor Lehman in late 2024, who has quickly become an indispensable member of the EcoLab team.
Opportunities for Enhancement: Hiring restoration ecologist, Taylor Lehman, has been a tremendous opportunity to enhance this project. She has excellent ecological restoration experience and plans to greatly impact Marian’s on-the-ground successes. The Ecolab team will increase efficiency by using the side-by-side ATV and pump sprayer to gain a better foothold on some of the more difficult invasive species. The team is also renting a track skid steer and forestry mower this February to make more effective progress on the woody invasives. It’s a constant battle, but heightened efficiency will help to keep ahead of the invaders. Taylor also has experience with prescribed burns. So, in 2025, Marian plans to burn the prairies and one of the wetland areas to improve bird habitat quality!
Another major opportunity is a large potential project with the Indiana DNR. Marian is working with them on a plan to do habitat restoration along Crooked Creek and in the wetland areas starting in late 2025 or early 2026. This project has many obstacles but great potential, and Marian is hopeful it will come to fruition.
Additional Funding/Partnership Since Initiation of Project: The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust paid for updates to the outdoor classroom this summer and fall. The roof was replaced, and some rotten decking was removed. A ramp was installed on the south end of the building to improve accessibility to the wetland and beaver canal network.
Thanks, as always, for allowing Marian to do the planting projects with students and volunteers! Getting kids and adults actively involved in conservation is the most important thing the EcoLab can do.