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Looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors with free, family-friendly guided nature hikes?
Tippecanoe Audubon Society announced several upcoming summer events that are open to the public. The first event is the Tippecanoe Audubon Society annual picnic on the 27th of June, followed in July and August with two field trips to local nature preserves.
These events are open to all, whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, according to a provided news release. For more information on specific events, visit tippeaudubon.org or check out our Facebook page at Tippecanoe Audubon Society.
The Tippecanoe Audubon Society Annual Picnic and guest speaker presentation will be held at the Mississinewa Observation Mount picnic shelter by the Mississinewa Dam near Peru, Ind., on Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The morning will start with birding on the adjacent Lost Sister Trail at 10 a.m. to noon (bug repellant and clothing appropriate for a hike in the woods are recommended). There is a carry-in lunch from noon to 1 p.m.; bring a dish to share if you are able to do so, and RSVP to publicity@tippeaudubon.org if you plan to join the picnic.
Following the bird walk and picnic lunch, there will be a guest speaker presentation at 1 p.m. by Dr. Jessica Outcalt. Outcalt is the natural resources training specialist for Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources. Outcalt is the author of the popular "Birder's Dozen" articles published in the Indiana Woodland Steward and will be presenting on the topic of managing forest habitat for migratory songbirds in Indiana.
On July 25 at 9:30 a.m., there will be a field trip at the Herbert L Taylor Woods Preserve. This is one of the three nature preserves in Wabash County that Tippecanoe Audubon Society manages. The preserve is a narrow triangle through a wooded area along the Eel River with some elevation changes on unpaved trails. Despite the 11-acre size of the preserve, the trail is almost a mile long. Footwear and clothing appropriate to a hike in the woods are recommended.
Tippecanoe Audubon Society field trips are guided by Dave Hicks and last about two hours.
Herbert L Taylor Woods Preserve location is adjacent to 5972 E. Eel River Road, North Manchester. (This address is for an adjacent home that is not in the preserve; to get to the preserve parking, turn left [west] before entering the home area and stay on the left [south] side of the fenceline. Parking is at the end of the lane.)
Another field trip is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Wildwood Nature Preserve. This 155-acre preserve is owned by ACRES Land Trust and has several miles of trails on rolling wooded terrain that features several wetlands and a wildflower meadow. Clothing and footwear appropriate for a hike in the woods and bug repellant are recommended. Wildwood is about 3-1⁄2 miles east of Silver Lake, on Ind. 14 on the south side of the road. Address: 409 E. Ind. 14, Silver Lak.
Founded in 1975, TAS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation, environmental education and habitat preservation. The society manages three nature preserves in Wabash County and hosts field trips, workshops and community programs throughout the year.
