Indiana Nature Is Calling Jake & Susan

Jake & Susan's 2014 New Year's Resolution:  

Over the next year, we plan to visit 55 of Indiana's Nature Preserves 

and blog about each trek within our beloved Hoosier state.

Read on to discover the catalyst of our goal.

While Christmas shopping this season, Jake & I stumbled upon a treasure we deemed as a "must have" present for ourselves.  We purchased the find with the intent that it would be wrapped and swore off use until after Christmas.   

Well, our self-purchased gift never saw ribbons or bows or paper; it simply proved too good to tuck away under the tree.  

Just what did you buy? you ask.  The answer?  This book:  

The Nature Conservancy's Guide to Indiana Preserves is superbly organized with in-depth content of 55 of Indiana's Preserves, most of which are "owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy and other land trusts."  The book is alphabetized by preserve name and color-coded by region.  Each featured preserve includes a fact list, a conservation profile, directions, and a detailed history & description of the preserve.  Multiple photos by Christopher Jordan and Ron Leonetti enhance each entry to further entice a visit.  

Amazon has the book for a purchase price of $24.99.  In our opinion, the book is worth every penny (& much, much more) because of the breadth of knowledge that is packed into this comprehensive source.

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A Praying Mantis in Jake & Susan's Yard

What's that praying in my lavender bush?  

Praying Mantis

Recently, I've been keeping my eye on this praying mantis that's been hanging around our house.  Jake & I spotted at least one more smaller mantis on our back porch this season.

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Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest

We hiked the two-mile trail at Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest.  

A tall canopy of trees surrounds the beginning of this hiking trail.  

At times, the trail is narrow and steep.

While venturing to the falls at Hemlock Cliffs, I spotted a cougar track just off the trail.  The photo on the left is the original, and the one on the right has an overlay of a cougar track.  

     

Farther down the trail we came upon stairs to take us deeper into the valley and closer to the cliffs.

The landscape drastically changed, and the temperature cooled while climbing down into the valley.

Hemlock Cliffs is the largest vertical drop in topography in Indiana.

The diversity of the trail and scenery from the beginning of the hike to the Hemlock Cliffs was delightful and worth every step.  

USDA Forest Service.  "Hemlock Cliffs."  Hoosier National Forest.  N.p.:  USDA Forest Service, 2000.  Print.

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Indiana Pine Needle Tea

Jake & I made pine needle tea while camping in Hoosier National Forest.

First, gather pine needles.  Avoid dry needles if possible; they lack flavor & nutrients.  Try to harvest ones that appear to be young and healthy.  Pick out & discard the driest ones.  
Wash the needles if necessary.

 Next, put the pine needles into the water to soak for a few minutes before turning on the heat source.  Boil the water and needles for at least 3 minutes.

Then, cover the and allow the needles to continue steeping for another 3-5 minutes.

Once ready, the pine needles will be softened from their original state.  A slight change in color might also be noticeable.  Allow the tea to cool to the desired temperature and drink.  

It's not a necessity to transfer the tea to a new mug or to remove the pine needles before drinking; it's merely a preference.  I do not usually remove mine.

Check out my Yukon River Trip blog!