Celebrate fall migration at land trust properties across Indiana while contributing to a global day of citizen science!
Participating in October Big Day means you’re part of a global birding celebration that fuels migration research and conservation. Spend a fall morning exploring Indiana Land Protection Alliance (ILPA) member land trust properties, discover a new birding destination, and add your bird observations—counts, photos, or audio—to a worldwide effort in citizen science.
What To Expect
All hikes begin at 9 a.m. in each location’s respective time zone and last about two hours at a relaxed birding pace. Most hikes cover around 1.5 miles, though some may be shorter. Participants should dress for the weather and bring their own binoculars. Cameras are welcome but optional, so bring whatever helps you enjoy the morning!
Hike Locations
Choose from the following hikes at participating properties:
- Asherwood Nature Preserve (Wabash, 9 a.m. ET)
- Atherton Island Natural Area (Rosedale, 9 a.m. ET)
- Betley Woods (Trafalgar, 9 a.m. ET)
- Buffalo Trace Woods (Greenville, 9 a.m. ET)
- Eagle Marsh (Fort Wayne, 9 a.m. ET)
- Kankakee Sands (Morocco, 9 a.m. CT)
- Lloyd W. Bender Memorial Forest (Albion, 9 a.m. ET)
- Lydick Bog (South Bend, 9 a.m. ET)
- McVey Memorial Forest (Farmland, 9 a.m. ET)
- Meadowbrook Nature Preserve (Valparaiso, 9 a.m. CT)
- Mulvey Pond (West Lafayette, 9 a.m. ET)
- Oxbow Nature Conservancy (Lawrenceburg, 9 a.m. ET)
- Sam Shine Foundation Preserve (Ellettsville, 9 a.m. ET)
- Sargent Road Nature Park (Indianapolis, 9 a.m. ET)
- Shawnee Karst Preserve (Bedford, 9 a.m. ET)
- Three Forks Preserve (Carmel, 9 a.m. ET)
- Waterfield Preserve (Fremont, 9 a.m. ET)
- Webster Woods (Lexington, 9 a.m. ET)
Registrations
Registration is required to secure your spot, but max capacity is between 15-40 participants depending on each hike location. Event tickets are $5 per person, which includes Eventbrite processing fees.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies across the 18 properties. For details such as parking, trail conditions, seating, or restrooms, contact the land trust hosting that property. If you email us (see below), we can connect you with the right point of contact.
Questions
Email
[email protected] or call 765-205-1255 with any questions about this event. If you require accommodations to participate, contact us as early as possible. While we may not be able to meet every request, we will make every reasonable effort to support your participation.
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