Creation Care

Fall Migration is Underway and our bird friends may stop in our Woods ~ Each fall, billions of birds take flight, streaming through the air on their far-flung journeys. Cornell Ornithology hosts its annual Migration Celebration to celebrate and marvel at this amazing natural spectacle. Join them for a festival of free, online events from September 12–22. You can enjoy two weeks of webinars and family-friendly programs with ideas and resources for your own migration activities. For more information, visit the Cornell website.

Want to learn more about native goldenrods? Here is a post by Alyssa Nyberg, restoration ecologist at Kankakee Sands Nature Preserve.

Are you interested in learning more about being engaged in protecting God’s earth? The annual Hoosier Environmental Council “Greening the Statehouse” is October 15, 2022: https://www.hecweb.org/gts/.

Confront the Climate Crisis: Confront the Climate Crisis (CTCC), in preparation for advocating for SB 255 again for the 2023 Sessions, is hosting a conference to bring a diverse set of stakeholders to the table and have an in-depth conversation about potential climate solutions for Indiana. For more information, view the flyer here.

National Drive Electric Week Carmel EV Ride and Drive - Carmel, IN Oct 01, 2022 - https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=3141

Words from the Woods

From the Woods ~ On Sunday, I saw several American goldfinches enjoying the seed heads of our purple coneflowers in the courtyard. They are having a feast of the foods that are a part of their natural diet. Who have you seen eating from nature’s bounty in our courtyard and Woods?

On Monday, August 29, volunteers will be getting the Woods ready for the September 4 outdoor service in the Woods. If you are free from 9-11am, come join us do some weeding, getting the twigs and branches out of the area for the service. Insect repellent is recommended!

Upcoming events:

·       The annual Indiana Water summit will be September 7 & 8. If you’re not familiar with the Indiana Water Summit, it is a two-day annual forum designed to take a look at all the issues that our water supply faces. You can find out more about the Indiana Water Summit here: https://thewhiteriveralliance.org/programs/water-summit/

·       Solar United Neighbors will be participating in two local events to spread the word about the benefits of rooftop solar. The success of our co-ops and advocacy depends on the passionate solar neighbors who are inspired to talk to their neighbors and continually take action to advance solar power.

·       Cumberland Baptist Church Green Festival (Saturday, 9/10 from 3pm - 6pm)

Cumberland First Baptist Church

116 S Muessing St, Cumberland, IN 46229

·       Bates-Hendricks Street Fest (Saturday, 9/17 from 3pm - 8pm)

Bates-Hendricks Neighborhood

1546 S New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

·       Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands on Saturday, September 24 (if you’re not able to attend the Women’s Retreat). Kankakee Sands is a fantastic place where part of the northwest plains have been restored and American Bison reintroduced. For more information and activity locations head to www.nature.org/events and be sure to mark September 24th, 2022 on your calendar!

~Mary B, Woods Co-Clerk

You're Invited to the Indiana Water Summit

You’re Invited to the Indiana Water Summit ~ The Indiana Water Summit is an apolitical and inclusive annual forum developed to examine the complex interests and issues that face our water supply. The Summit’s subject matter seeks to remain consistent with and build upon current legislative actions in order to provide a broad planning perspective, weaving together diverse topics that together demonstrate the interdependency of water issues and the science behind the state of the waters. The summit will take place September 7th & 8th at the Athenaeum in downtown Indianapolis. Early bird registration ends this Friday, August 12! For more information and to sign up, visit https://thewhiteriveralliance.org/programs/water-summit.

Words from the Woods

From the Woods- this has been a difficult summer for our trees and plants due to the hot, dry weeks in July. We are witnessing the changes in our climate due to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  An exciting bill is now before the House to help reduce inflation and encourage a transition to lower carbon in the air.  See this newsletter from the Evangelical Environmental Network  to see why this bill is important and why we encourage you to call your congressional representative and urge them to vote YES.  

IFCL is encouraging every eligible to vote to register to vote and if registered, check to make sure your registration is up to date. You must be registered to vote by Monday, October 11, 2022.   A democracy is dependent on people voting and making their voices heard.  We believe having a balanced general assembly is better for democracy and for civil discourse.  Check to see who is on the ballot for your district, as some districts have recently changed.  https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/

Glass Recycling Explained!

Glass Recycling Explained! Many people have wondered, “Should I recycle glass or does it just go to the dump?” Glass jars make great storage containers and are healthier than plastics. But when it’s time for glass to move on, read about the importance of recycled glass in the Hoosier economy. At the end of the article, there is a link to how to properly recycle glass. https://www.circularindiana.org/post/glass-recycling-explained.

Words from the Woods

Words from the Woods ~ The high temperatures with minimal rain continue. Give your plants and trees planted within the last 3 years a hearty soaking. If the leaves start to droop, give them some refreshing water. Keep your bird baths filled and clean. The birds and insects need some water in these dry times.

These hot temperatures are due to human caused climate change. Be sure and call your senators ask to support legislation that reduces our dependence on energy produced by fossil fuels. It’s good for God’s creation and good for national security.

Let AESIndiana know that as customers, AES needs to change its plan to shut down one of the superpolluter power plants at Petersburg by 2030, not 2042. They are already planning to close it at the end of its lifespan, but scientists tell us that strong action needs to occur in this decade to avoid the worst outcomes from a hot planet.

Here is this month’s HortusScope: a Central Indiana monthly newsletter put out by Wendy Ford. July HortusScope.

Also, tell congress- we need climate action now!

Words from the Woods

Words from the Woods ~ The high temperatures with minimal rain continue. Give your plants and trees planted within the last 3 years a hearty soaking. If the leaves start to droop, give them some refreshing water. Keep your bird baths filled and clean. The birds and insects need some water in these dry times.

These hot temperatures are due to human caused climate change. Be sure and call your senators ask to support legislation that reduces our dependence on energy produced by fossil fuels. It’s good for God’s creation and good for national security.

Let AESIndiana know that as customers, AES needs to change its plan to shut down one of the superpolluter power plants at Petersburg by 2030, not 2042. They are already planning to close it at the end of its lifespan, but scientists tell us that strong action needs to occur in this decade to avoid the worst outcomes from a hot planet.

Here is this month’s HortusScope: a Central Indiana monthly newsletter put out by Wendy Ford. July HortusScope.

Also, tell congress- we need climate action now!

Creation Care

Creation Care

We just got through our prolonged heat wave, so we hope your plants are thriving with the extra water you provided. Hoosiers will be using more electricity to stay cool in this more frequent heat waves, so remember to conserve electricity in some simple ways. Use Energy Star LED lightbulbs: turn off lights when you leave the room or put them on timers or motion detectors to save electricity. Put your computer and printer on a power strip and turn off the power to them at night. Electricity is drawn by your devices even when the device is turned off.

AES is in the news over requests for price increases for the cost of buying more expensive fossil fuels. From the Indy Star:

“Customers can submit comments to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) here: bit.ly/3xEGnDm. Cause No. 38703 FAC‐136.

In addition, other interested parties may intervene, then the IURC will hold an evidentiary hearing and evaluate evidence submitted in relation to the statute's requirements, according to Stephanie Hodgin, spokesperson for IURC.”

Here is a link to information by Citizen’s Action Coalition. High fossil gas prices increase AES rates.

With climate change causing increasing weather instability and higher average temperatures, consider signing the petition to AES Indiana’s CEO, Kristina Lund, to move more quickly to cleaner energy sources. They currently plan to delay closing their coal fired Petersburg plant until 2042. Our earth requires that they move more quickly to 2030. There are petitions in Fellowship Hall.

Words from the Woods

Words from the Woods:

It’s hot out there and the trees and other plantings can suffer in this heat.  Please give your trees several gallons of water this week.  Even though we have had rain, sometimes the actual amount of rainfall can be spotty. Check your rain gauge and if it’s been less than an inch, water your trees and shrubs.  They will thank you with CO2 removal, UV light protection, cool shade and life giving oxygen.

Carmel Green had these updates to share:

2040, a film documentary Join us this Thurs. June 16, 7:30 p.m. at Midtown Plaza in Carmel for the FREE screening of the uplifting documentary about climate solutions that exist today and what the world could look like in 2040!   We’re excited to announce the Hoosier Environmental Council, Citizens Climate Lobby and CHS Green Action Club will be there. This is a great opportunity to get involved at CHS as well as the city, state and national levels!!    Watch the trailer!   Read more.

Carmel Students Call for Climate ActionYoung people are worried about how climate change will impact their future!  These amazing students have met with Mayor Brainard and Carmel City Councilors to share their concerns and ask for a climate action plan.  To support our young people, we’re collecting signatures on this petition which will be presented to the mayor and council members.  Adults and youth are encouraged to sign!  Please share with friends and family. Read more.

AES Indiana and the Petersburg Power Plant

Petersburg is one of AES Indiana’s power plants 125 miles southwest of Indiana.  Most of its energy comes from burning coal and is one of 22 "Super Polluter" coal plants that release some of the most toxic pollution and greenhouse gases in the U.S.  Exposure to these kinds of toxic emissions has been implicated in increased respiratory and heart problems, as well as premature births.

The Indianapolis Star reported in June 2020 that AES violated its water permit 120 times polluting the White River, a major source of fresh water with boron, selenium, cadmium and mercury. Groundwater monitors have identified heavy metals in the coal ash ponds that are leaching into groundwater.

In 2019 AES announced plans to keep burning coal at Petersburg until 2042 in its two remaining coal towers, despite requests from the mayor and the City-County Council to replace all of its coal with affordable renewable energy, Climate scientists have determined that carbon emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 to keep the worst effects of climate change from occurring.

Read More at https://coal.sierraclub.org to understand the problem.  I will bring petitions on June 26 if anyone would like to let AES know that its customers want more clean renewable energy in its portfolio. Or consider submitting a customer concern through their website.  You can reach out to Megan Anderson, coordinator, at Indiana Beyond Coal on Facebook.

Mary B, Creation Care Advocate

Creation Care Updates

Creation Care Updates

Shout out to Mindy, Barb S., Terry T, Ed, David B for tending the courtyard and memorial mound and super big thanks to Brad for knocking down all the overgrown areas of the Woods. It was a huge job!

The Art Park at Newfields has a fantastic pollinator garden that was planted one year ago and it is wonderful to see so many native plants in bloom. Stop by soon- it’s free!

The University of Illinois Extension has several free webinars on gardening.

Signup for “Natives versus Cultivars” webinar on June 21, 2022. Natives vs. Cultivars | Four Seasons Gardening: University of Illinois Extension

Have an area in your yard that gets overrun during a rainstorm? Consider a rain garden!

Join representatives from Marion County SWCD and Purdue Extension for an intensive two day Rainscaping workshop on Thursday 6/16 and Friday 6/17. Attendees will learn how to design, build and maintain residential rain gardens to treat stormwater runoff and provide pollinator habitat in their own backyards. This workshop is funded through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Clean Water Indiana grant program and Purdue Extension and costs $100 to attend, with lunches provided. Participants will take home native plants for their home projects and visit local green infrastructure projects as well as gain valuable experience planting a local rain garden project.

More information about the Rainscaping program is available here: https://extension.purdue.edu/rainscaping/

Registration deadline is Wednesday 6/8-click on the Register link below!

Upcoming RainscapingWorkshop-Register by Wednesday 6/8!Rainscaping Workshop Thursday 6/16 and Friday 6/17Two Day Rainscaping WorkshopRegister

Action Alert:

The State of Indiana is investing $25 million dollars in buying conservation land, as our state parks and other areas were highly used during the pandemic. I am thrilled. However, at the same time there are proposed projects that will destroy some sensitive rural areas to build an interstate connection in Southern Indiana. Many of you watched the impact of building the I-69 extension to Bloomington, mature trees removed, topography altered. The Indiana Forest Alliance would like for you to comment on the proposed route through Daviess county, impacted the Gantz Woods Nature Preserve by JUNE 10TH!

INDOT chooses 'preferred route' for controversial Mid-States Corridor

-Mary B, Creation Care Advocate

Words from the Woods

Words from the Woods

We are in the midst of weather weirding with heavy rains in early spring and now temperatures in the 80s with no rain in sight.

If you have planted any trees or shrubs recently, please make sure that they get a good watering once a week if there is little to no rain.

We have a new addition to our wildflower habitat in the Woods- Quaker Ladies! These beautiful light blue flowers bloom in early spring and will “quake” in a gentle breeze. https://www.backyardecology.net/common-bluets-delicate-blue-flowers-of-spring/

Be on the watch for this invasive plant. They are deceptively beautiful, but multiply rapidly and will take over your garden. We have spent hours digging this out of the courtyard.

Nodding star-of-Bethlehem occurs in scattered locations in the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast and mid-Atlantic and has been reported to be invasive in Maryland and Pennsylvania. It is adapted to floodplains, fields, waste places, abandoned gardens and grows in full sun to partial shade.

Nodding Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) and ...

Questions about recycling paper products? This blog from Circular Indiana has clear instructions and a nice graphic to help you decide what can be recycled. https://www.circularindiana.org/post/paper-how-to-recycle-right

Thanks to a hearty crew of volunteers who helped dig up invasives, tidy the garden and tend to the new plants in the memorial mound. Thanks to Mindy S, Amy P, Tim D, Norma W.

Woods from the Woods

Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Meditational Woods on April 24, 2022!  It was a joyous day both inside and out!  Thanks for the special music, children’s message, blessings, sharing and food.

Several people shared how the Woods has been a healing presence. Vicki Wertz told about a special time sitting with her aging mother in the Meditational Circle, being still and being present together. Her mother has been declining in her abilities over the last few years and has difficulty expressing her thoughts.  Vicki later told me a special addition to her story. Her mother used to know the names of many trees and wildflowers and would press flowers and leaves in a book.  "As we were sitting there quietly, all of a sudden my mother says “Well, this is absolutely beautiful…” And I’m telling you, Mary, she hasn’t been able to put a sentence together in weeks”.  What a profound experience...

We are adding some new plants to the memorial mound plaque: wild petunia and butterfly milkweed are joining the recently planted blue eyed grass, and prairie dropseed.  I wonder what pollinator friends they will attract?  Add some plants to your native areas of your yards:

IUPUI Biology Dept is having a sale: For 25 years, the IUPUI Biology Club has grown and sold houseplants, succulents, annual and native perennial flowering plants, vegetables and herbs to the campus community every spring.

The sale will take place outside the Engineering Science and Technology Building-Science Building’s west entrance (or inside the lobby if it’s raining) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 to 29.

Proceeds from the sale support Biology Club activities, charities supported by the Biology Club, and student scholarships and grants.

Native Plants Unlimited starts its Spring sale on May 3.  For more information: 

https://nativeplantsunlimitedshop.com 

The Last Day of Marian University Eco-Lab Native Plant Sale is April 30th!  Order online at: https://www.marian.edu/about-marian/nina-mason-pulliam-ecolab/programs/community-programs/native-plant-sale

With love from the Woods, Mary B & Mindy S

Flood the Phones, Not Our Homes

Together we can make this month a turning point in our fight for health, climate, and God’s creation. From now until Friday, April 22, the Evangelical Environmental Network is hosting “Flood the Phones, Not Our Homes,” an opportunity for you to contact your Senators and urge them to act now by investing in crucial climate action. 

Participating is easy! Simply call 1-866-531-4003 and enter your ZIP code. Use this sample message or feel free to personalize as you see fit!

This is a critical decade for climate change, and we must continue to act boldly and swiftly to address this pressing crisis. This April, join us by calling your Senator and urging them to get bold climate investments across the finish line! Let’s flood the phones, not our homes. 

Call Now: 1-866-531-4003 (To call both senators, simply redial the number, and you will be connected with your second state senator.)

Indy Creation Fest

You’re invited to Indy Creation Fest, Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11am-3pm at Christ’s Community Church, 13097 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana. Come join the Evangelical Environmental Network at the first annual Indy Creation Fest! Indy Creation Fest is an open-house-style celebration of our role as stewards of God’s earth. Learn about beekeeping and composting, sample vegan cooking and ethical chocolate and meet some adorable animals from local rescues. Discover what the Bible says about conservation and sustainability and find out how others in your community are caring for Creation as an expression of their faith. The festival includes activities for all ages, so bring the whole family for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and learning! For more information visit https://drivecleanindiana.org/event/april-23-2022-indy-creation-fest/

Vote for a Green Indiana

If climate change and sustainability are important policies when you vote, we encourage you to check out Voters for a Green Indiana who have prepared a digest of the environmental views of candidates for office in Central and NW Indiana. Voters for a Green Indiana is a non-partisan, independent advocacy group of volunteer citizens for urgent action on climate mitigation.

Words from the Woods

Thanks to our hearty volunteers who collected many bags of trash along Kessler Blvd and in the Woods. They also weeded the courtyard and helped transplant some prairie dropseed and blue-eyed grass to the Memorial Plaque mound. More plants will arrive in April and May.

If you walk in the Woods, notice the wildflowers peeping up. Can you identify the blood root, trillium, Jacob’s ladder, spring beauties, columbine and others?

We’ve already seen some early butterflies busy at work. ~Mary B

Words from the Woods

Do you like digging in the dirt and transplanting flowers? Weeding a flower bed? Picking up trash along Kessler Blvd? Join us as we pick up trash, transplant prairie drop seed and blue eyed grass and remove wild onion on Thursday morning April 7 from 9:30-11:00 AM.

Have you heard of “No Mow May”? Some communities choose not to mow the month of May to allow native pollinators to thrive on clover, dandelions and sedges. Help our early butterflies and bees thrive. For more, https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/travel/no-mow-may-wisconsin.html

Here's an interesting way to fight invasive species- feed them to your dog! I was reading Katharine Hayhoe’s book, Saving Us and here’s what Purina dog food has developed: https://rootlabpetfood.com/collections/invasive-species

So far, Emmett and Yogi find those Asian carp delicious.

A query for today. What actions can each of us take to keep our earth from further warming? Think of ways you can become more energy efficient and less fossil fuel dependent. Talk with friends and community members about your concern and hope for a healthier future.

Hortuscope has many opportunities to connect with local gardeners and native plant enthusiasts. See if there is an opportunity that “speaks to your condition.” Tending God’s creation renews the mind, body and spirit, so dig in!

https://hortusscope.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/HortusScope_Apr2022_rev2.pdf

May primary is May 3, 2022

The May primaries are coming up. Voting is both a privilege and an obligation for those who love this country. Early voting starts April 5 until May 2, 2022. You can vote absentee in person (early voting centers), mail-in ballot, or by traveling board for those who are homebound and need assistance. https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/vote-early/

Check your local newspaper for candidate information, or look for websites with the list of candidates and their voting record or political history.

“Please say,‘ NO!’ To Mosquito Joe and similar mosquito services. The insecticides are indiscriminate in their action. They kill helpful insects as well as mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent, long sleeves. Save a monarch or a firefly. https://blog.nwf.org/2020/09/what-you-need-to-know-before-spraying-for-mosquitoes/

Mary B, Co-Clerk of the Meditational Woods

The Meditational Woods is celebrating 20 years of service to our community.

Creation Care Notes

A work team of Kathy and Bill Farris, Amy Perry, Mindy and Paul Sommer, Mary Blackburn and David Beatty and Dan Mitchell helped load up and then unload leaf compost to get the mound ready for spring planting.  Amy Perry proposed a new design that will be easier to maintain over time and provide habitat for native insects and birds.  Thanks, volunteers!

The Meditational Woods will be 20 years young this year.  First Friends transformed an urban acre of grass into a wildlife habitat for people and wildlife.  Neighbors love to come through and enjoy our woods.

Spring is a busy time in central Indiana.  Not only are the birds busy migrating, finding partners and building their homes, people are thinking about planting more native plants to protect our birds.  Here are a few opportunities:

Don’t miss upcoming native plant sales being held by three local partners:

Indy Urban Acres Plant Sale: in person and pre- sale information available here: iuaplantsale.com

Native Plants Unlimited-in person and pre- order information available here: nativeplantsunlimitedshop.com

Marian University Ecolab has an online plant sale starting April 1 through April 30. https://www.marian.edu/about-marian/nina-mason-pulliam-ecolab/programs/community-programs/native-plant-sale

Spring Gardening Workshops from the Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District/NRCS

Learn how to terminate cover crops and plant no-till vegetables! Join Kevin Allison for an in-depth tour of:

·       Cover crop termination

·       Use of tarps for bed preparation and weed control

·       Use of compost and mulches

·       No-till vegetable planting

·       Growing Biodiversity

In-Person Sessions:
Let’s get together! Sign up for free sessions HERE.

Location: The SWCD Demonstration Garden, located within the larger community Mayor’s Garden at West 56th and Reed Road Thursday, April 14: 10am-11am; Thursday, April 14: 6pm – 7pm; Thursday, May 12: 10am-11am; Thursday, May 12: 6pm-7pm

Virtual Session: Terminating Cover Crops in a No-Till Garden Presentation via Zoom. Sign up HERE. Friday, April 8th 10am-11am

During the month of April, think of one action you can take to honor God’s creation. Is it planting native plants/trees/shrubs?  Organizing a neighborhood trash pick-up.? Making your home more energy efficient? Installing solar panels?

Project Drawdown has a free video series with solutions that you can do to address the create a livable future for humans and our kindred creatures.  Let me know if you would like to organize a watch party! https://www.drawdown.org/climate-solutions-101

Submitted by Mary B

Plastics: Impact & Action

You’re invited to a 4-week online course by Cornell University, from March 14-April 10. This course explores the multiple ways we interact with plastics, and uses plastics to investigate the complex dynamic systems shaping our planet and our lives. The course will apply critical thinking and systems thinking to learn about everything from the plastic lifecycle, to plastic's social and environmental impacts, to NGO efforts and government plastic policies. You will apply your knowledge by designing and implementing a locally-relevant action targeting plastic pollution. Course materials will be recorded so attenders may work the course at their own convenience. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.civicecology.org/plastics1. For questions. email CivicEcology@cornell.edu, use “Plastics” in the subject line.

Woods Words 2-16-21

Woods’ Words ~ I’ve joined a book club for the next few weeks that is reading Dr. Katherine Hayhoe’s book, Saving Us, a book that explains how to talk to people about caring for creation to meet people where they are.  Her work is thoroughly grounded in her beliefs as a Christian and a PhD educated climate scientist.  I encourage everyone who is concerned about the changes that we are experiencing in weather, agriculture, flooding and impacts on the poor to get a copy of her book and learn to speak truth with love.  http://katharinehayhoe.com

Spring is around the corner! One of the important things we can do on a small scale is plant more native plants in our yards. Native insects need native plants which in turn, nourish the birds and other wildlife.  Our birds need to eat the protein in insects when they are feeding their hatchlings.  By planting various native plants, you will help our chickadees and Carolina wrens and others survive. Here’s a list of places to buy native plants and some cultivars from local native plant landscape designer, Laura Essex.

https://www.favornative.com/news-notes/2019/2/18/not-so-secret-sources-for-native-plants?mc_cid=043fb5ea81&mc_eid=b280684120

Celebrate the Woods’ 20th birthday on Earth Day.  Our Woods has become a haven for wildlife and for the community.

~Mary B