The habitat needs of wildlife were a significant factor in shaping the "core areas" of the green infrastructure network in central Indiana. A team from the Fund, the Land Trust, and local scientists studied the forests, wetlands and aquatic systems and examined the needs of key wildlife or “focal species” that use these landscapes. The habitat needs for these species were modeled and combined with the natural resource features of the three landscapes; together, they form the "core areas" of the green infrastructure network.

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

Central Indiana is the summer home of several colonies of the Indiana bat, a federally listed rare and endangered species. By day, the Indiana bat prefers to be tucked snuggly under the bark of a well lit tree, especially old shagbark hickories. At night, the bats come out, and hunt along streams and wetlands for insects.

By using habitat models created by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the Fund's team mapped forest and wetland areas in Central Indiana that would make an ideal habitat for the Indiana bat. But these models won't just benefit the bat—conservationists hope they will also protect a host of other species that also rely on these complex linkages.

For more information on the Indiana bat, click here.

River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

Due to both hunting and habitat loss, by 1942 no breeding pairs of river otters were left in Indiana. As a top predator—they feed on a wide range of fish, frogs, toads, snakes and crayfish—a healthy population of otters is a sound indicator of the overall health of a river or creek. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has been working hard to restore the otter and today several creeks in Central Indiana now support populations. River otters have a large home range of 18 to 30 miles along a river or stream.

Find out more from the River Otter Alliance.

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus)

The ovenbird needs at least 750 acres of large, unbroken deciduous forest to provide sufficient food and protection. Because the ovenbird builds its nest on the forest floor it is particularly vulnerable to predators—including other birds that take over its nest by replacing its eggs with their own. By dwelling deep in the forest, the ovenbird reduces its vulnerability. Areas that have 750 or more acres of forest are priorities in the Greening the Crossroads network.

For more information go to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.