The two-plus acres of land at the IWF headquarters in Zionsville have been dedicated to creating a model wildlife habitat in honor of past IWF president and champion of IWF causes, Paula Yeager.
The IWF office habitat demonstration area, made possible by funds from the IWF Paula Yeager Memorial Fund and donations from volunteers and local businesses, will be named “Paula’s Habitat” in her honor.
“We all feel that Paula would be thrilled to know that her memory will be preserved in a living way through this area,” said Debbie Twardy, IWF’s office manager.
IWF Habitat Stewards™ put their expertise to work and on display in several habitat demonstration areas around the 106th street office this past summer. Volunteers gathered for two days in May to prepare the soil, plant seed and plugs, and nurtured the areas over the summer.
The areas will be used to show how backyard habitats can benefit wildlife while blending easily into the home landscape. IWF plans to partner with the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society and local scout groups, using these areas to teach the benefits of native plants.
We owe a big “thank you” to the Habitat Stewards who volunteer time and materials. Special thanks go to Seasons Gardens for giv-
ing us a load of seedlings, the DNR for several small Burr Oaks, plus Tiffany’s and the city of Zionsville for donating mulch.
A rain garden, pond, and many donated plants and trees were planted in 2008. We expect to see lots of color this spring. Volunteers are needed to maintain the current plantings and prepare new areas this year.
To get involved in the project or make a donation to the Paula Yeager Memorial Fund. Call the IWF office at 1-800-347-3445.
