Blue River Community Foundation has announced an award of $14,510 to Central Indiana Land Trust for the Native Wildflowers for Meltzer Woods Addition project.
For 35 years, Central Indiana Land Trust has worked to preserve some of the most ecologically significant natural areas in the region. Meltzer Woods is one of Shelby County's greatest natural treasures and one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Indiana. In 2020, the preserve expanded by 35 acres through the Lawrence and Martha Meltzer Spalding Addition. Since then, restoration efforts have included planting more than 23,000 native trees to create a protective buffer around the historic forest.
While those trees are thriving, the next phase of restoration is critical. This project will introduce native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, and pollinator plants throughout the addition, creating habitat for pollinators, supporting ground-nesting birds, reducing erosion, and helping suppress invasive species. Planned species include milkweed, coneflower, blazing star, butterfly weed, and other native plants essential to healthy ecosystems.
Pollinator populations continue to face increasing threats from habitat loss across Indiana. By enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the ecological resilience of the preserve, this project will help ensure that Meltzer Woods remains a thriving natural resource for wildlife and visitors alike.
This grant was made possible through the following funds held by BRCF: Beaty/C-Tech Non-Permanent Fund, Meltzer Woods Preservation Fund and Thurston Family Fund.
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