Meet Kyle Gebhart, bird enthusiast and West Lafayette Park Naturalist for the Celery Bog Nature Area and Lilly Nature Center. Kyle hails from Ohio and has had an exciting journey to his current position.

Check out this episode to learn about:

• the history of the Celery Bog
• how wetlands improve water quality
• fun programs Kyle leads in West Lafayette
• camp and park improvements
• places on his travel bucket list
• advice for people heading into the conservation field

--Resources--

• Celery Bog Virtual Field Trip (purdue.edu)

• Why are Wetlands Important? | US EPA

• Wetlands and Water Quality: WQ-10 (purdue.edu)

• Lilly Nature Center & Celery Bog Nature Area | West Lafayette, IN

• Register for Kyle’s programs or others offered by WL Parks & Rec under the yellow programs tab: Catalog - City of West Lafayette Parks & Recreation (rec1.com)

"It's one thing I like about volunteering...as much as you give, you're getting back from the community." In this episode, I talk with the AmeriCorps Conservation Crew from the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department: Larry Lomax, Clara Lotz, Miles Romans, and Esme Gonzalez! Discover the inspiring work this dedicated team is doing to enhance our local parks, engage with the community, and promote environmental stewardship. From ongoing projects to personal development, the crew shares their goals, challenges, and success stories. Learn how you can get involved and support their efforts to make West Lafayette a greener, more sustainable place.

Links and Resources:

• West Lafayette Parks and Recreation AmeriCorps Program: ⁠https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/government/parks-recreation/community-forestry-and-greenspace/americorps⁠
• Greater Lafayette Climate Action Plan: https://greaterlafayetteind.com/climate-action-plan/

• West Lafayette Forestry Management Plan: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2130/638381402318900000
• AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/
• Volunteer Opportunities: https://tippecanoecountyswcd.org/tict-2#:~:text=Upcoming%20Invasive%20Species%20Events
• Foraging Books: https://www.foragersharvest.com/sams-books.html
• Music League: https://musicleague.com/

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @TippecanoeWater
• Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcpwq/
• Follow our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Tune in to hear firsthand from the AmeriCorps Conservation Crew and be inspired to take action in our community!

Join us for an engaging conversation with Amber Slaughterbeck, our Regional Specialist with the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM). Amber takes us on a journey into the world of invasive species, sharing her passion and expertise in managing these ecological invaders.

In this episode, we explore Amber's background, her inspiring career journey, and the critical role she plays in combating invasive species in Indiana. She breaks down what makes a species invasive and why we should all be concerned about them.

Amber shines a spotlight on problematic invasive species in the region, shedding light on their ecological and economic impacts. Discover what you can do to help prevent the spread of these invaders and contribute to their demise.

Amber shares exciting projects and initiatives she's involved in, providing insight into the challenges she faces and successes in the field. She also offers valuable resources for those eager to learn more about invasive species.

Tune in for an informative and motivating conversation with Amber, an inspiring champion in the fight against invasive species.

–Show Notes–

• State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM)

• Landowner Toolkit — State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management

• Native Plant Books: Wildflower Books by Dan Childs

• Find Your Regional Specialist - State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management

• Runnin' & Wranglin' 5K Fun Run/Walk