Indiana University Indianapolis
OP-T2-20: Wildlife Habitat

White River "Bat Boxes" Bats play a vital role in controlling insect populations, which helps curb the spread of insect-related disease in both humans and animals. This project provides bat shelters along White River and Fall Creek, and raises campus and community awareness about this important species. Native Plant Project The project added plants native to Indiana outside of the University Library building, namely at the front (East) and to the right (North) and left (South) of the building. On both sides, we used the currently bare, mulched space all the way to a partition in the ground on both sides. The native plants we are growing are naturally drought-resistant and insect-resistant. This minimizes the need for maintenance by requiring little to no fertilizer and less water. The selected species have extensive root systems that function to slow surface water runoff, increase infiltration, and recharge groundwater resources. Purchasing them from Spence Restoration Nursery in Muncie, IN promoted locally acquired and grown products and ensure the ecological integrity of the plantings. The plantings will improve quality of air, support native pollinators, and enrich soil health. The native plants cover the formerly unused area around the building and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The selection of specimens will beautify the grounds altogether and help towards enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. For this project, we teamed up with the Indiana Wildlife Federation, DIGS and Honors College students, thus engaging students in the sustainable practices of planting and care of native species. Native plants are also known to be a beneficial part of a local ecosystem as described by the National Wildlife Federation in the following link: http://www.nwf.org/how-to-help/garden-for-wildlife/gardening-tips/using-native-plants.aspx