We have the opportunity to preserve a woodland for all time. Where? Right here in Madison County, along Columbus Avenue between Interstate 69 and U.S. 36. Sixty acres that, according to Tom Swinford, an Indiana Department of Natural Resources ecologist, is a “very nice example of the once vast flatlands ecosystem” that covered central Indiana before it was cleared and drained to become cornfields.

But time is short — $275,000 must be raised before May 1, or lumbering may begin soon! That would be a tragedy, because a chance like this comes only once. “While this woods has a history of human utilization, fine stands of mixed native hardwoods of maples, ash, hickory and oak are still found on the site,” says Swinford. “There is also an intact rich herbaceous layer of native spring wildflowers and a small length of Sugar Creek contained within the property.”  

The Red-tail Conservancy land trust is looking for help in buying the property and turning it into a nature preserve with only a primitive trail and small gravel parking lot added for its human visitors. The conservancy’s track record is good. Most recently in 2004, it was able to purchase and preserve 79 woodland acres in Randolph County after three major benefactors donated the majority of the $345,000 needed.

Think of our children, grandchildren, and future generations. Let us meet this challenge now!

For more information on the Red-tail Conservancy, go to: www.fortheland.org, or call Barry Banks, its founder, at (765) 288-2587.

Wolfgang von Buchler

Anderson