A century ago, the land here was a mosaic of rolling oak savanna and wetlands. Today it’s relatively flat, but no less fascinating. The property is one of roughly 300 nature preserves dedicated by the State of Indiana. The distinction affords it the highest level of natural area protection available.
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Coulter Preserve
How to Grow Sundews: A Complete Guide
Introduction: In the realm of carnivorous plants, the Sundew (Drosera species) stands out with its glistening, dew-covered tentacles ready to ensnare unsuspecting prey. Not only are they captivating to watch as they capture and consume their meals, but they are also a stunning addition to any plant collection with their sparkly, tentacle-covered leaves and beautiful […]
How to Grow Pitcher Plants
Pitcher plants (Sarracenia species) are fascinating carnivores that thrive in specific natural habitats—especially bogs and wetlands. Cultivating them at home can be a very rewarding experience. Yet, even if you don’t have the ideal boggy garden spot, they can be successfully grown in containers. This approach provides greater control over their environment, making it especially […]
Container-growing Lady’s-Slipper Orchids
Most lady’s-slippers are creatures of niche environments—hence their universal rarity. And while suitable conditions can often be recreated in the home landscape, it’s often even easier to accommodate Cyps in containers. In fact, this method provides a level of control and flexibility that is very enticing, even for those with lots of land. To be […]
Planting and Care of Calopogon Species
Grass pinks are a fun and rewarding species to cultivate. They’re easy and adaptable and produce striking flowers in early summer. And, like the more common spring-flowering bulbs, they can be grown in pots and even “forced” so that you have flowers for an extended period of time. In the wild, Calopogon tuberosus grows in […]
Planting and Care of Cypripedium Species
Download PDF Although native orchids have a reputation for being challenging to grow, we find that they are generally unfussy and long-lived, provided their cultural requirements are met. We cannot guarantee your success, but we offer the following advice based on practice, experience, and the wisdom of others who have been at this for a […]
In Search of Venus’ Slippers: Finding Native Orchids in Northwest Indiana’s Vanishing Wilderness
In Search of Venus’ Slippers: Finding Native Orchids in Northwest Indiana’s Vanishing Wilderness — by Richard Hawksworth Cypripedium candidum, the white lady’s-slipper, is a small orchid native primarily to the midwest United States and adjacent Canada. Earlier this year I embarked on a search to locate the six species of lady’s slipper orchids native to […]
New Life for Dune Acres’ Clubhouse Dune
New Life for Dune Acres’ Clubhouse Dune — by Richard Hawksworth Clubhouse Dune To characterize Dune Acres’ Clubhouse Dune as special place would be an understatement… The nineteen-acre sand dune is the tallest in this quiet lakeside community and among the most imposing on Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline. For nearly a century, it has been […]
Lions, Lynxes, and Bears: The Forgotten Fauna of the Indiana Dunes
Lions and Lynxes and Bears (Oh My!): The Forgotten Fauna of the Indiana Dunes The Wild Side of the Dunes The recent stir caused by a black bear ambling near Michigan City… invites us to consider the eclectic cast of creatures that once roamed the southern shore of Lake Michigan. We’ve cracked a few natural […]