AGENDA ITEM # 5

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Consideration of the dedication of Mary Gray Nature Preserve in Fayette County The proposed Nature Preserve is a 37.99 acre property southwest of Connersville in Fayette County. It is a portion of the larger Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, which includes parking and trails open from dawn to dusk each day. Two indoor meeting facilities, primitive campground, and an outdoor shelter are located outside the boundary of the preserve. Current research is being conduction by bird banding during the spring and fall migration of the northern saw-whet owl and ruby-throated hummingbirds. A long term turtle population research project has been on-going since 1985. The site is included in Alton Lindsey’s Natural Areas in Indiana. This Nature Preserve consists of a high quality mesic upland forest with a showy spring wildflower display. It is mostly dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). These community types along with their component flora and fauna contain many species that are area-sensitive forest interior plants and animals dependent upon large, un-fragmented forest ecosystems. Plant species include: doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda), maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum), jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), and silvery glade fern (Deparia acrostichoides) It is located within the Switzerland Hills Section of the Bluegrass Natural Region. Many noteworthy animal species are found in this Nature Preserve, including eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), and pileated woodpecker (Hylatomus pileatus). This tract is owned and managed by The Indiana Audubon Society. The Division of Nature Preserves recommends dedication of this site as a State Nature Preserve. Attached is Nature Preserves Exhibit A: map

map created by M Wyrick IDNR Nature Preserves 6.22.18

E0 0.50.25 Miles

Mary Gray Nature Preserve County: FayetteSize: 37.99 acres

State Land Office Exhibit AUSGS Quad Map: New Salem, Alpine Ownership: Indiana Audubon Society

map created by M Wyrick IDNR Nature Preserves 6.22.18

E0 0.50.25 Miles

Mary Gray Nature Preserve County: FayetteSize: 37.99 acres

NRC Exhibit AUSGS Quad Map: New Salem, Alpine Ownership: Indiana Audubon Society