Adam’s Understory S1P1 What’s an Understory?

Adam’s Understory

Series 1, Part 1: What’s an Understory?

What's an Understory?

Before starting my work at the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, my forest walks focused on birds and other wildlife, taking photos of nature, and the towering trees and canopy above. I’m a big fan of nature and love sharing my experiences!

However, after two years working in and around the park, I find myself drawn to what is often overlooked. On a recent hike with Foundation Members, I saw my first jack-in-the-pulpit (pictured above), a delightful spring wildflower. Once I was keyed into this unusual and beautiful plant, I noticed at least a dozen more “jacks” throughout the hike!

In ecology, the understory includes plant life growing beneath the forest canopy where sunlight rarely reaches. These shade-tolerant species may appear stunted, but they play crucial roles in forest health.

But I think “understory” can mean so much more. It’s the less-noticed elements that sustain our world—including our beloved park.

Two men lifting a wooden beam while walking on a trail surrounded by greenery.

Two men discussing a trail project with wooden structures in a forested area.

Two individuals standing on a wooden staircase in a forest, one pointing towards the trees.

Two hikers navigating a muddy trail with directional signage in a forested area.

Alex and Brent show me the plans for the nex trail project.

Take a recent experience: I joined Alex (the trail crew manager) and Brent (a board member) behind the Earth Discovery Center. They were reviewing plans for this year’s Iron Eagle-funded trail project. As we discussed the details, dozens of visitors struggled past us on that challenging trail section.

What struck me most was the invisible network making this trail improvement possible—volunteer hours, cross-organizational cooperation, and community support. Much like how a forest’s complex root systems protect against invaders, Eagle Creek Park thrives through the interconnected efforts of multiple organizations working in harmony.

Just as a forest’s understory supports the entire ecosystem, Eagle Creek Park thrives through its own hidden networks. The park’s organizations collaborate much like how trees and plants use their root systems to ward off invaders and nurture the whole forest.

Put simply, Alex, Brent, and this project are the understory of Eagle Creek Park.

A group of people hiking along a forest trail with trees and greenery in the background.

A hike with Foundation Members on Eagle’s Crest Nature Preserve loop

Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant with green leaves and a curled flower in a forest understory.

Trillium flower with white petals and green leaves in a natural setting.

Bloodroot plant featuring large, lobed green leaves in a natural setting.

Group of small pink flowers with green leaves growing among dried leaves and grass.

A group of hikers standing together in a forested area with trees in the background.

I recently took Foundation members hiking on the Crest Nature Preserve trail (map >) and discovered a remarkably healthy understory. Minimal invasive honeysuckle, but abundant native wildflowers—drooping trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and the elusive bloodroot with its fleeting blooms that last mere hours (we missed it)!

Many hikers, like my former self, only casually notice these treasures. Witnessing the beauty of a robust understory has changed me. I’m now motivated to protect what goes unnoticed—not just in forests, but in my connections with park staff, volunteers, and the public.

That’s the beauty of my time with the Foundation. I’ve worked with talented, passionate people, especially outdoor educators who’ve taught me to slow down and notice the wonder behind every leaf. Paying attention to the understory has helped me discover peace, calm, and connectedness here at Eagle Creek Park.

My goal with this series is to explore the overlooked elements that have an outsized impact on the park’s beauty and wonder. I hope you’re ready for the unexpected things one can find at Eagle Creek Park.

< Read the previous blog

Read the next blog >

Adam’s Favorite Photos

A short collection of Adam’s favorite photos at the time of starting this blog. He’s always taking more, so stay tuned!

Bald eagle sitting on a tree branch with green pine needles in the foreground.

A blue heron walking through shallow water, casting a reflection on the surface.

A group of people posing for a selfie on a snowy landscape with a frozen lake in the background.

Group of individuals participating in an outdoor activity near a stream surrounded by vegetation.

Four white pelicans swimming in calm water with reflections visible.

Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.

Individual paddling a turquoise kayak on calm water, wearing a gray shirt and a cap.

A person stands beside a large tulip tree at Eagle Creek Park, showcasing its impressive size with a sign detailing its status as a champion tree.

Two individuals walking a black dog on a wooden path through a forested area, surrounded by greenery and sunlight.

Family walking along a path by a lake with fishing rods, surrounded by greenery and trees.

A child in a butterfly costume interacts with adults in a garden setting, showcasing engagement and creativity.

Three individuals standing in front of the Carlsen Aviary signage, showcasing educational materials about raptors and wildlife conservation.

A group of people walking along a nature trail surrounded by greenery and trees, enjoying the outdoors on a sunny day.

Meet Adam

Adam has served as the Marketing and Program Manager at Eagle Creek Park Foundation since April 2023. He oversees the marketing plan, member program, partnerships, and a whole lot more. Besides his desk job, Adam enjoys leading member events, going on solo hikes, and taking photos of birds at the park.

If you have a question about membership, events, or anything else, you can reach out by emailing adam@eaglecreekpark.org.

Adam Hibshman

Marketing & Program Manager

Adam is a former physics and astronomy teacher with a life-long love of learning and the outdoors.

Contact ADAM

MORE ABOUT ADAM

Adam Hibshman was born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana where he spent most of his early life outdoors playing sports, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and exploring the streams and rivers of northern Indiana with his father and brothers. All this outdoor adventure led to Adam’s strong sense of conservation of the environment and its natural resources.

Adam moved to Indianapolis to study Physics and Middle/Secondary education at Butler University. While at Butler, he worked as a public tour guide at the J.I. Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium for more than 2 years. As a tour guide, he worked with space enthusiasts of all ages, and developed a passion for science communication and storytelling.

After graduating from Butler Adam taught high school physics, astronomy, mathematics, and Earth Science for eight and a half years in Indianapolis before leaving the classroom. For seven of those summers Adam helped lead a camping and hiking trip to Colorado with Indiana students with his father, who led trips himself for 35 years. During his career as an educator (in and out of the classroom), Adam focused on making science accessible and meaningful for all students through storytelling.

Adam has thoroughly enjoyed the new challenge of working for a nonprofit in Marketing and Programs. He’s been able to combine his love of both nature and storytelling to educate the public about the Foundation’s mission both in the Park and online. He especially enjoys connecting with Indy Parks Staff to tell stories about the Foundation’s impact on the amazing natural resource that is Eagle Creek Park, as well as the experiences of park goers and Foundation members who cherish Eagle Creek Park.

Adam is supported by his wife, Jenny, and their 2 cats, Ted and Earl. Adam enjoys writing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors.