by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Apr 2, 2026 | Behind the Gate
As winter loosens its grip, a quiet transformation begins across the forest floor. Before the trees leaf out and shade the ground, a special group of plants known as spring ephemerals takes center stage. These wildflowers make the most of the brief window of sunlight...
by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Feb 26, 2026 | Behind the Gate
As summer temperatures rise, our bison and elk at LC Nature Park have a few clever ways to stay cool, some of which might surprise you. One of the most iconic behaviors you might observe from our bison is wallowing: rolling, wriggling, and flopping around in the dirt....
by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Feb 26, 2026 | Behind the Gate
Summer is the season of growth in our prairies. That’s because many of the grasses you see swaying in the breeze are warm-season grasses, plants that thrive in the heat and soak up the long days of sunshine. Big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass wait patiently...
by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Feb 26, 2026 | Behind the Gate
Each fall, elk enter their breeding season, known as the rut, which typically occurs from early September through mid-October. During this time, bulls (male elk) compete for the opportunity to mate with cows (female elk). Hormonal changes drive this...
by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Feb 26, 2026 | Behind the Gate
As days grow shorter and temperatures cool, many trees prepare for winter by slowly shutting down their food-making process. Throughout spring and summer, leaves act as tiny solar panels filled with chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight and helps...
by kelly6bf9db3cdc | Feb 26, 2026 | Behind the Gate
As October gives way to November, the weather in northeast Indiana begins its familiar shift. Days grow shorter, the air feels crisper, and the last of the bright autumn leaves give way to the muted golds and browns of late fall. Nights cool quickly now, often dipping...
