John Pankhurst lays out the scope of Season one of Nature Notes. He’s the Director Emerita of the Eagle Creek Park Foundation and self-proclaimed “Chief Sheepdog”. John is one of central figures behind the entire West Side trail project.

S1 E1

Dr. Blair McKissock (former Executive Director) guides listeners through a series of mindfulness exercises focused on connecting with nature. She emphasizes the importance of being present and aware of the natural environment around us. The exercises include deep breathing techniques while observing natural elements, grounding practices that involve feeling the earth beneath your feet, and mindful walking, where listeners are encouraged to pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. 

S1 E2

Why does Eagle Creek Park have an entire nature center dedicated to birds? Join Ornithology Center Manager, Jenna McElroy and Naturalist Aidan Rominger to learn about why Eagle Creek Park is a Midwest birding hotspot! They share all about birding and bird migration at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, IN. Learn about some of the rare and unusual species that migrate and breed, especially on the West Side of the park.  

S1 E3

Where did the giant “Bear” statue come from that gives “Bear Overlook” its name? What was the land Eagle Creek Park now calls home like in the past? What was it like before there was a reservoir? Park Historian and Volunteer Coordinator Anne Cecere sits down to answer these questions, and more! Anne and Adam discuss the amazing history of Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, IN.  

S1 E4

Emily Storm-Smith (current Board President) sits down to discuss the All Persons Trails on the West Side of Eagle creek park. These feature two ADA loops at the north and south end of the new West Side Hiking Trail complex. As the name “All Persons Trail” suggests, they were built as part of the larger West Side Trail project to ensure that anyone, even folks who require the use of mobility aids can. 

S1 E5

What natural wonders will you see if you hike the entire 5-mile West Side trunk trail that connects the Eagle’s Crest and Bear Overlook? Marty Risch sits down to discuss the amazing trees, water features, and more. This podcast can serve as a guide to a hike from North to South on the West Side Hiking Trail, and we’ve included resources to help you get the most out of such a hike! 

S1 E6

How did Eagle Creek Park’s West Side Hiking Trail Complex come to be? Which organizations funded, planned, and built the trails? How did Eagle Creek Park Foundation work with Indy Parks to make it all happen? A core group of people who made the project possible sit down to discuss the ins-and outs of all things West Side Hiking Trail.