October 23, 2025 • 37 mins
An update from the Natural Resources Foundation, venison donation and the great Mediterranean gecko invasion.
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Speaker 1 (00:28):
Time to get up and started. That's right music, says
Indiana Outdoor Time. I couldn't be any more excited about that.
We have had a beautiful fall, did a little traveling around,
did my little wandabouts on the weekends, and love to
see the crops coming out, the colors, changing festivals on
(00:50):
every street, corner and every town. I love it. A
lot of opportunities field and forest await. We are in
the midst of our hunting season, whether it's upland game,
it's waterfowl, it's deer. Fishing has been fantastic, so many
things to look forward to and already in progress. So
the Indiana Outdoor Show today, of course, brought to you
(01:11):
by our good friends at Indiana Donor Network, driven to
SaveLives dot org. That's the number two. You can easily
sign up to be an organ and tissue donor when
you buy your hunting and fishing license. A good reminder
that if you are going to be buying those licenses,
Indiana has a new system, so don't wait till the
last minute. Might take an extra step or two. Don't
(01:32):
leave yourself in the lurch, so to speak, and get
yourself in an unintended consequence, So go and check it
out today, huge show because deer season is underway. We're
going to visit with our friends at Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.
Susie Jordan is going to join us. It's such a vital,
(01:55):
important part of our Hoo's your culture to give back
and you can donate deer, they'll process it for you,
and it stays in the local communities, in those folks
that are hunger dependent on these types of donations. And
we're going to visit with her. We're also going to
catch up with our friends at the Natural Resources Foundation.
It's been a minute whenever we don't talk to them
(02:15):
for a minute. There's all kinds of things going on.
Of course, that's the five oh one C three of
our Department of Natural Resources. And then get this, this
is what I've been waiting for. We have an invasion
in the State of Indiana by the Mediterranean gecko. Yep oh,
I love this. This means I get to talk to
(02:36):
the state herpetologist. We talk to him every time the
cool stuff happens, and we have these critters coming to
Indiana today no different. We're going to find out what
that's all about. We're gonna have to check out what
these things look like before we talk. Nonetheless, it's the
Indiana Outdoor Show. I am your host, Brian Pointer. Susie
Jordan with Who's just Feeding the Hungry? On deck, don't
go anywhere, We're going to be back right after this
(03:10):
Indian Outdoors. What a beautiful time of the year. Indiana
Outdoor Show loves it. That would be me your host,
Brian Pointer. Many thanks to all of the stations that
carry Indiana Outdoors and have for all these many years.
And we couldn't do it without our good friends at
Indiana Donor Network. Remember them always as you're buying your
hunting and fishing license, sign up to be an organ
(03:32):
and tissue donor. Couldn't be any easier and give the
gift of life, heal and save many many others. As
we mentioned, it's a big show. We are trying to
figure out here each and every week what the best
items to talk about because there's just so many. And
with that, we are going to be talking about this
hunting season and one of my favorite people, one of
(03:54):
my favorite organizations is Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. Susie Jordan
joins us.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
How have you been we are doing really well. I'm having
a great day up here into Calb County. It's a
beautiful fall day. Well, Wendy, but you know, it is
what it is.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
It is what it is, indeed, and Susie, I know
worked tirelessly. You had a big event in September and
year round. But it's kind of like the here I'm
going to use a bad radio clay. It's the meat
and potatoes time of the year, right because there's a
lot of folks out in field and forest. Our archery
(04:30):
season has been open now since October one, and we
have many folks maybe taking two field and forests for
the first time since last hunting season. As we are
on the verge of the rifle and gun season starting
in November. But your organization is so critical this time
(04:50):
of the year and always we'll get to that. But
what's your message to those that might be going out
to hunt and pursue and tell us about Hoo's yours
feeding the hungry. This is your opportunity to kind of
elaborate in whatever way so that people get the message
that you want them to hear.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Well, who's just feeding the hungry? As a nonprofit and
our mission is to obtain donations of livestock, deer, and
funds to provide process meat Indiana food banks, food pantries,
and other hunger relief organizations. That's a lot to say.
We can take hogs and beef year round from different
(05:32):
communities and different counties all over the state of Indiana,
but at this time of the year we partner with
the Hunt for Hunger through the dn OUR Law Enforcement Division,
and we're one of three organizations that partner with them.
It's also the Dubois County Sportsman's Club and the Farmers
and Hunters Feeding the Hungary. But we have processors. Even
(05:53):
though our organization is based into cal County, we have
a presence all over the state of Indiana and over
sixty county Ease, not only with this program but with
our day to day livestock program as well.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You're right, that is a lot, and it's so very,
very important. Over the years your organization, you've taken it
to a whole new level and it's becoming so important
to a lot of these communities because a lot of
the protein that people will donate, as you said, through donations,
people can drop off a process here and it goes
(06:28):
into the local communities. That's so important because protein is
so in need in a lot of these hunger relief organizations.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
We were talking. I was talking to a gentleman who
is in a very small community up in northeast Indiana
yesterday and we were talking about he works for or
he volunteers at a food bank, and I said, who
is your latest big market that's needing your services? And
he said, it's grandparents who are taking in their grandchildren
(06:58):
for whatever reason that their kids aren't able to take
care of them, or they've made bad choices, but they
now have little people that they need to feed. Now
you think about as a senior citizen on you know,
social security, trying to feed two or three additional little mouths,
and protein we all know is so high no matter
(07:21):
where you go, it's high end prices, and you're trying
to feed you know, little people as well.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
You know, it is a byproduct of society and so
many people having to make adjustments. But an organization like
yours can can certainly help. And I think that's the
most important thing, is to help around the edges where
people are truly in need. It's just such a great.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Opportunity and with hunting season. Getting back to the heart
of what your show reaches out to is you know,
if you've got if you get a deer now and
you've got more coming, you can always donate one. There's
we've got plenty in the state of Indiana. But when
(08:04):
your freezer gets full, think about donating. It's very easy
to find a processor who's a partner. Just top on
the DNR's website for the Hunt for Hunger program, and
we have all the partner processors on there. No matter
if it's our organization, do boys or farmers and hunters,
we all unite on that website. So it makes it
(08:27):
easier for the hunters to get that deer field dress
tied on all deer so one of our partner processors.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
So, Susie, you know, let's go back through the genesis.
Where did all this start? Because I was there when
all this started and it was always difficult and different
funding mechanisms. But you guys have taken things to a
whole new level. Take us through that journey.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You mean for the Hunt for Hunger, for our organization
in general, just.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
All of it, because it seems like with all these
organizations working together, it was time to move things together,
but I don't want to misrepresent. So it's the organizations
have all grown together and the impact is becoming more
and more. Take us back from the very beginning, in
earliest days, when funding and finding processors and everything was
more difficult.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Well, and I think that it's harder for people to
understand that we get funds. Our organization gets funds through
a grant through the Department and Natural Resources Hunt for
Hunger program, and so we have agreements with processors all
over the state, the same as Dubois County House some
(09:37):
in their area and farmers have farmers and hunters also
have some processors as well in the state. But we
have an agreement with processors to pay for the deers
that are donated at a rate it's one hundred and
ten dollars per year that will be paid through the
(09:58):
Hunt for Hunger. We're just the catalyst that makes that happen.
But also we make sure once that meat has been processed,
we have partner recipient agencies all over that can go
get that and distribute it to people who truly need
it for their freezers.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
I love it. Susie Jordan is with us. She's the
executive director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry Great organization. And
you know, the admitted fact is is that everybody takes
their mobile devices with them for safety for all the
technology that's available to hunters. And as you said, they've
changed some of the bag limits in different counties, but
(10:35):
there are still so much ample opportunity in the state
and around the state. You know, people can take three
or four, many cases more with the different license features
and structures. And the simple fact is is that a
family usually can't feed that many people. But if you
have licenses and you have permission to hunt, and you
want to continue your season, this is a great place
(10:55):
to do it. So no better place to have it
bookmarked so that you know where to go and where
to take it. And then the next thing you know,
the deer is off to these local communities. And I
think it's worth reminding that an average Indiana dough, an
average Indiana deer can feed a lot of people. How
do you break that down?
Speaker 2 (11:17):
We break it down by a pound. We are very
simple here. We don't decide how many meals it is.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
We know that the.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Average deer can vary and.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Where it comes from.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
If a child's going to shoot it or for an
adult will But I think the biggest thing is we
look at it as a pound of meat.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
And an average deer feeds broken down to the equivalent
of a lot of one pound packages. But you know
one deer can feed an awful lot of people. What's
the latest statistic you're using.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Well, that's what I was just looking at. I know
that Captain Quilland sent out a note and it was
out on a lot of media side, and I know
that some television stations have picked it up up here.
I want to say the numbers about two hundred.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Meals, I've always heard that's the number I've used, but
you know, we grow some big deer. I just wanted
to make sure that we were still quoting the right thing.
And whether it's one hundred meals, it's two hundred meals
or somewhere in between. There is no better lean protein
than fresh Indiana venison that gets processed and donated to
these counties. And you mentioned Captain Jack Quillan. He's also
(12:29):
one of our long, long time regular contributors here and
does so much not just for me and Indiana Outdoors,
but I know he's passionate about your program. As well,
and others that we've had on all seemed to be
aligned with the mission and getting the message out, and
I hope that's working. Do you feel like it is?
Are things? Are people participating more?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
I think this year we are having more processors and
our organization, with our staff, are going to process users
who are deer processors that we've heard about, whether it's
from the consumers that come to the Deer Turkey Waterfowl
Expo or maybe nasks. We've gotten some people suggesting processors,
so we're asking people if they're interested. And I think
(13:14):
that's one of the things that as your listeners go
to their deer processors, ask them if they're a part
of this program. One of the things that we have
done when we bring a partner on, whether it's one
who we've had for years or someone new this year,
all of the Hunt for Hunger processed meat packets will
(13:38):
get a label on them explaining the Hunt for Hunger.
But also when we send those labels to our processors,
we're also sending rap cards from the DNR so that
they can get more of the hunters involved in the
program and aware of it. And I think that's the
biggest thing that everybody needs to know is it's free
for the hunters.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Boy, that's such a simple marketing idea, but it has
to have long legs. What a great idea to get
people a war in.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Line, right, And I think it's just the more who know,
the more the whole program can grow.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Absolutely. So you had a big event in September, and
I assume I couldn't make it for that, but I
assume that that went well and funds were raised and
a good a good time had by all. Am I
wrong about that?
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Yeah? We raised over sixty nine six hundred dollars net. Wow,
that's pretty good. And just so you can mark your calendars,
we're going to be moving that event to the to
the spring this year, so it'll be in May of
twenty twenty six.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
All right, So you told me, and my calendar is open.
Do you have a date?
Speaker 2 (14:46):
May seventh?
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Thursday, May seventh? It's on my calendar here at Indiana Outdoors.
So as you go now into this season, I'm sure
or it's just a management process at this point, but
you got a lot of volunteers out there, and I
know you like to give credit where credit is due,
and a lot of volunteers are out there doing your messaging,
(15:11):
much like Indiana Outdoors and others. How could people get involved?
You've already mentioned one way, just spread the word, But
do you have specific needs that you'd like Hoosiers to
help you with.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
I think the big need that we see ongoing is
during deer season. This is great because the money is secured,
but it's that ongoing need when it's not hunting season
where your listeners can also be a donor to our program,
whether it's through maybe you have listeners who are farmers
(15:42):
or active in four age, you know, and you have
an animal to donate, or maybe you're a livestock farmer
and you have a pig that doesn't match up to
the needs that the market is. You can donate that
to us and it's texted. We just need to make
sure we have those funds secured to process that. The
(16:05):
other thing is if you have donor advice funds or
require distributions that need to be made before the end
of the year, think about our organization. We're feeding families
day in, day out all over our state, but it
also takes operating funds to secure our organization to keep
us moving forward as well with our small staff of
(16:28):
three people.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
Well, you make it sound like you run the United
Nations out there with the great people in your organization,
and that's no insignificant feat. So Okay, there's hunters right now,
or maybe there's farmers. Any of the messages, what do
they need to know as they are heading into their
deer woods wherever that may be, between now and whenever
the season is over. What do you suggest people do
(16:50):
now to be prepared.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
I think the biggest thing is as you're preparing, take
a peek at the website for DNR for the Hunt
for Hunger to see who the processors are in your area.
They're a partner. Understand that list is growing every week.
It's growing, which is great. So keep an eye out
when you're going out into the woods, know ahead of
(17:13):
time who your processor would be. If you are very
interested in getting an extra dear and donating it, which
is the heart of our program.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
Well, you've left us with a very simple exercise, a
little homework, Susie. Congratulations to you, your organization, all the
member partners up there. We appreciate your time and contributions
on Indiana Outdoors. I know you'd wish everybody is safe
and happy and successful hunting season. And remember the hoosiers
feeding the hungry as you go into the woods. Susie.
We'll be back in touch with you probably before the
(17:42):
end of the year, but thanks for giving us some
of your time today.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Sounds great.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Thanks, Brian, my pleasure. It is the Indiana Outdoor Show.
I'm your host, Brian Pointer. Don't go anywhere. We're going
to talk about some new geckos in the state of Indiana.
What's that all about? Right after this in Indian Outdoors
(18:14):
rolls on. I your host, Brian Pointer. Is there better,
anything better in the state of Indiana than a beautiful fall?
I mean, we've finally had I've said this for the
last several weeks, thinking it's the last time I'm going
to say it because it's going to be snowing and
fall is gone. But no, no, no, Mother Nature and
all her glorious beauty has provided us with. At least
(18:35):
in my fading recollection, this is one of the best
we've had in a long time. So a lot of
folks taking to the Indiana outdoors, which we love. We appreciate.
Susie Jordan. Hoosiers feeding the hungry a great organization, a
lot of folks contributing to their local food banks and
processors volunteering to donate the donated meat the meat and
(19:00):
it goes to those food shelters. So we thank her.
As I mentioned also at the top of the hour,
our friends at the Natural Resources Foundation always front of
mind or should be joining us is Erica Janik and
Erica for a lot of folks, First and foremost, thanks
for being a part of Indiana Outdoors. Again. I think
the last time you were with me, you were there
all but about a week. So now you've solved all
(19:23):
the issues at the Natural Resources Foundation. How are things
are going?
Speaker 2 (19:27):
That's right, yeap.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
I have a little bit more experience than ourmind belt now,
so it's great.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
To be talking to you again, no problem. So there's
probably folks that are news new stations and folks that
maybe are catching us for the first time. So this
is a good way for you just to kind of
give a quick commercial on what the Natural Resources Foundation is.
It's a very unique organization inside our Department of Natural Resources.
Speaker 4 (19:50):
Yes, of course, so our mission at the Indiana Natural
Resources Foundation is to celebrate and preserve Indiana's natural legacy.
By raising funds that support the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources and its programs. So we support dn r's work
to connect poosiers with our parks, forests, natural areas through
(20:12):
different outbor education and recreational opportunities. I mean, we also
have a big focus on land acquisition and supporting conservation
efforts for DNR.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
Very very well done. And you said an awful lot there,
because there's probably people right now going to wait a minute,
what is the Department of Natural Resources need a nonprofit?
You do so many things that fall outside of the
workings and the day to day administration and execution for
all the different divisions that people may not be familiar with,
so critically important. I don't want to steal your thunder,
(20:44):
but give us some highlights of what I might be
talking about for people that hadn't heard this before.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
So our foundation works to just enhance what dn r's
already doing. So we have a partnership with individuals, corporations,
and then also our relationship with DNR so we can
work to promote our natural resources and protect them for
future generations.
Speaker 2 (21:08):
So some of our main.
Speaker 4 (21:09):
Programs include the Indiana Tree Project, which is planting trees
and expanding our state forest.
Speaker 1 (21:18):
Is that still ongoing because I know we hit the
million tree marks set by the previous governor. Do I
assume that that continues.
Speaker 4 (21:25):
Yeah, We're continuing to plant trees through our partnership with
the Division of Forestry. So we have a tree plantings
already scheduled for this spring. It usually happens around Arbor
Day or Earth Day with our partners at.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Houston Solar, so they.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Have an initiative where every kill a lot of solar
installed goes towards planting a tree. So we'll be plant
seen trees at Profitstown State Park this spring and expanding
their oak savannah habitat there.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
You know, Okay, I'm going to ask be master of
the obvious here. But you look around in any of
state forests and state properties and you say, we got
a lot of trees, why do we need to plant
a million more? And where are they going? I know
the answer to this because it's so critically important. We
had our state forester, Jack Seyffert, on regularly and he
was on recently explaining the complex science of forest management management.
(22:19):
But where are these trees being planted?
Speaker 4 (22:22):
A lot of them are being planted in state forest
Profitstown State Park is a unique property. Or we're planting
more trees there for their oak savannah habitat. But there's
been a big focus at Green Sullivan. We partnered with
Green Sulvan several times to plant trees there, and they
(22:42):
really focus on planting oak and hickory trees to create
that important habitat in that area and promote it for
years to come. They are really you know, they're partnering
with the Division of Forestry. They have their guys out
there checking on the trees, putting fences around so that
(23:04):
deer can't you know, eat the saplings, and making sure
they have the best.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Shot at service those darn deer.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Right.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
So okay, now I'm down a rabbit hole. So we
know where some of them are going. Where do you
get a million new trees of the Division of Forestry.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
They have their nurseries and that's where we get our
trees from.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
So these are for lack of homegrown and they raise
them from seedlings and a million little trees out there
is a lot a monumental legacy creating type of opportunity.
You're telling me that we just have a million little
saplings growing around that get moved from the forest management
into the actual woods.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Yep, yep.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Yeah, they usually do. With our plantings. It's anywhere from
two to five acres that they plant, and in that
area it can be you know, two to two to
three thousand trees. So that's why we allso all the
focus on land acquisition so we can also expand our
forest by you know, having more property. That can be
(24:08):
so very forward in the future.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Yah, you do far more than plant trees. And I
kind of got off on a rabbit hole because it's interesting,
But the Natural Resources Foundation has played such a critical
role and it is a nonprofit so always I usually
call you at the end of the year as people
are trying to plan their charitable giving. We're too soon
for that, promise you'll be back with me at that time.
One of the things does the NF do throughout the
year that people might not be so familiar with.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
So one of our big programs is to discovery the
outdoors s field trip grant program, which I just have
the opportunity to go on a field trip last Friday
at Fort Harrison State Park.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
So it was a big group around.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
One hundred and thirty middle schoolers from Wesleyane Middle School
and they got the opportunity to be guided through the
park with some naturalists and learn about the parkst the plants,
the animals, and ask all sorts of questions and then
engage with the outdoors and really embrace being outside at
(25:09):
this wonderful time of year. So this program started back
in twenty thirteen. It's a partnership that we have with
Indiana State Parks and it's a grant available.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
For all K through twelve schools.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
Grants are up to five hundred dollars and they can
cover the cost of transportation, fees, classroom supplies, anything that
helps them get outdoors and enjoy these field trips.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
So I'm a huge fan of this and I remember
when this initiative came up, and it just warms my
heart to know that so many kids are getting to
be able to go into the woods and the field
and forest wherever that may be through these field trips.
In a short time, we have left anything that you
want people to know this time of the year in particular.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
Yeah, So this.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
Time of the year, during the holiday season is a
really important time for us at the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.
So we send out our year and appeal, and a
significant portion of our annual operation budget is raised at
this time of year. So we're always looking for people
that have an interest in our public lands and want
(26:18):
to give back and support Indiana's natural legacy. So you know,
we're always willing to connect with more people, and we're
grateful for our donors and partners who are already helping
to protect our natural resources. For anyone that's looking for
more information, our website is Indiana inurs dot org. And
(26:41):
then also we're on social media and it's still Indiana
rs to find.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
Us on there, Erica, thank you so much for bringing
Indiana outdoors to a lot of different folks. In the
message of the NRF, the Natural Resources Foundation, we'll be
back in touch with you. Enjoy this beautiful fall that
we've had and I look forward to more success is
coming out of you and we'll talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
All right, Thanks for having us.
Speaker 1 (27:04):
My pleasure of the Natural Resources Foundation. One of my favorites.
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show, my favorite. We're going
to be back. What are these gecko things all about?
Right after this? What a great show. It is the
(27:32):
Indiana Outdoor Program. I am your host, Brian Pointer. It's
great to spend a little bit of time in this
beautiful time of the year. So many people take into
their annual traditions. Whether that's upland or waterfowl or deer
or small game, it doesn't matter. Fishing is still fantastic.
Get out and enjoy the great Indiana Outdoors. Many thanks
to Erica Janik who was with ours, is with our
(27:55):
Natural Resources Foundation, the nonprofit arm and also to Sue
U Jordan with the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry program. And
now I've saved the best for last, because I'm really
fascinated about this. Nate Engbrecht is with us. He's our
state herpetologist. Nate, you and I spoke at the last
(28:15):
time about some of these little critters that people are
finding in the state of Indiana, and now I think
we've got a new the Mediterranean gecko. What is this
all about. Thanks for being a part of it on
Indiana Outdoors.
Speaker 3 (28:31):
Yeah, thanks, Brian, it's good to be here.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
You're right.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
The last time we spoke, it was wall lizards invading
Southeast Indiana, and now we're looking at Mediterranean geckos, which
are not exactly invading but they've been showing up.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
I was going to say, we have a lot of
invading going on around the world. We're being invaded by
geckos here.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
Well. It's funny because you know, in Indiana we don't
really get many invasive amphibians and reptiles just because our
winters are so cold. But this Mediterranean gecko has found
a way by overwintering and heated buildings. And we've had
some records popping up, and so we just got curious
after some more information came in and thought, let's do
a press release and find out what people are seeing.
Because these geckos live in cities, they live around buildings,
(29:09):
and so people might actually be seeing them.
Speaker 1 (29:11):
Now, what in the heck? First of all, what does
the state herpetologists do? I think I know, But for
the others, I would like to talk to folks new
because there's so many different, diverse things going on in
our Department of Natural Resources. When you're not talking about
the invading Mediterranean geckos, what does the state herpetologists do?
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Well? Herpetology is a study of the amphibians and reptiles,
and so I oversee the program that involves basically managing
and researching Indiana's amphibians and reptiles. And so we are
based out of Bloomington at the Bloomington Field Office, but
we work all around the state, and so we do
a lot of work in southern Indiana.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
The type of work we.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Do is broad.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
I mean, it involves a lot of like field surveys,
field studies, whether it's geckos or crawfish, frogs or hellbenders.
And then you know, connecting with the public on outreach events,
project management. It's a lot to it. It's all things
amphibians and.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
Reptiles for us, all right. The only gecko I know
is on the Geico commercial. What is a gecko?
Speaker 3 (30:08):
So a gecko, it's a type of lizard. You know,
We've got several different varieties of lizards across the globe
and in North America, skinks, race runners, Geckos are just
another group of lizards that we've got, and we've got
this one species that we're kind of keeping an eye on.
Speaker 1 (30:23):
So you talk about I heard you invoke the hellbender.
You guys in herpetology have the coolest names for things.
Why is this when the Mediterranean gecko?
Speaker 3 (30:33):
So it kind of almost goes without saying These Mediterranean
geckos are native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe
in northern Africa. That's kind of where they occur naturally,
and so that's just how they got their name.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
Okay, so is this these are friendly foe. It's not
like these are causing any problems, but you just are
trying to gain more intel, kind of like the armadillas.
It's the armadillas are invadian as. We got a lot
of invasions going on. The armadillos. I've had fun with
talking to a lot of different folks, and I think
(31:06):
it is great because you talked about the mild winters
that we've been having, and there's no reason that armadillos
can't come to Indiana except for the winter, and they
figured out how to do it. And the same for
these Mediterranean geckos. When people call in, how do they
identify them? How do would they even know they're looking
at this particular gecko?
Speaker 3 (31:23):
Yeah, I mean they do have kind of a distinct
body shape and like they they have really large bulging eyes.
They've got these sort of wide toepads, like our tree
frogs have these kind of wide toes that help them climb.
These these geckos are kind of like that. They've got
a little bit of a wardrier skin. A lot of
our lizards in Indiana have pretty smooth scales, but these
guys are pretty wardy and probably the best. I don't
(31:46):
know if it's the best way, but if you were
to see a lizard hanging around a porch light on
a wall at night, there's a decent chance that's a
Mediterranean gecko, because our native species don't really do that much.
Speaker 4 (31:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
Not only do you guys come up with some wild
names in the herpetology field, you really paint a picture
that only a mother could love. I mean, these, I
know you have to have a soft spot for them,
But if I saw one of these little critters, I'm
looking them up as we speak. If I saw one
of these little critters, I'm not sure what I would do,
and it'd probably be depending on how many PBRs I
(32:17):
had had. But I mean, there's nothing wrong with them, right,
So where would they live if they're not living in
people's warm structures?
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (32:27):
I mean, you know, they're widely introduced in the southern US,
and they're almost always around buildings, So they love hanging
around buildings. And so you know, in this region, like
I said, they have to have a warm building in
order to buy winter. So sometimes they're found inside of buildings.
We've had reports of them being found in a movie
theater or in some kind of warehouse, showing up on
a shipment of something, you know, probably arriving as a
(32:49):
stowaway or a hitchhiker, because that's how they're getting around.
They're not really moving across the landscape. They're showing up
on cargo and shipments and so either randomly in a building.
Some people actually have caught them in like those glue
mouse traps, just part of rodent control and they'll get
a gecko.
Speaker 1 (33:03):
On there, or they're actually I like them.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
I always I'm a lizard guy, you know, but I
think they're all.
Speaker 1 (33:10):
Yeah, I'm looking these update and you described it pretty
darn perfectly here. I'm looking at these pictures, the bulgy
eyes and the you know, the pimply skin, and they're
actually kind of a cool little thing. And I can
only imagine after a night of PBRs too many and
looking up and I probably want to make friends with
this little critter. So what are you asking people to do? Specifically?
(33:32):
I know there was a press release that went out
earlier this week, but what in particular.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Well, we're really interested in trying to map out where
these lizards occur. They've kind of been on my radar
for a few years. I know they're established in some
nearby states, Kentucky, Illinois, and I thought it's just a
matter of time before they show up in Indiana. And
we did learn we've been getting more records and we
think we have one or two established colonies, and I'm
thinking there's there's got to be probably more of them
out there that we just don't know about. So we're
(33:57):
really wanting to get just where the data collection of
wanting to understand where these things are at. And because
they're around cities and buildings, I thought, you know, our
local hoosiers might actually have a shot at seeing them,
more of a shot than I do either.
Speaker 1 (34:08):
And where do they call? What do they do? How
do they register? Once they say, hey, I saw this
big bulgy eyed skin, you know, pimply or whatever, what
do you do?
Speaker 3 (34:19):
What do you?
Speaker 1 (34:20):
What do they call?
Speaker 3 (34:21):
So we're asking them to email their observations, especially if
they can get photographs. That's going to be super helpful.
For identifying the geckos but emailing them. I've got an email.
It's it's actually HERB Surveys at DNR dot ion dot gov.
H e ERP Surveys at DNR do ian.
Speaker 1 (34:38):
Do you better make sure you spell that correctly too,
by the way, or else you're gonna end up. I
know you're going to end up in some website you
may not want. Well, listen, Nate, I love doing this.
I love that you're with us when we have these invasions.
I use that term very lightly because I always think
it's cool when we have critters coming to Indiana. So, Nate,
thank you for all the work that you do in herpetology.
You guys rule because you have the coolest out there
(35:00):
with all these things, and we'll have it here on
Indiana Outdoors for sure. Thanks for being a part of
it today and all the work that you do. You bet, thanks, Brian,
My pleasure so cool. It is the Indiana Outdoors Show.
I'm your host. Don't go anywhere, that's right, we'll be
back right after this. Oh you heard here first. I
(35:35):
want this to be used in a sentence at your
bonfire somewhere this coming week that hey, did you know
that we're being invaded by the Mediterranean gecko. It's not
a terrorist, it's not an organization. They're actually kind of
a cute little species. And thanks so much to our
(35:56):
state herpetologist Nate Engbrecht teasing him because we've talked to
him more times in the last couple of years, and
I think we had in the previous twenty. But that
means we have new things to talk about. Whether it's
the Hellbenders or the Mediterranean geckos. These guys always come
up with the cool stuff, cool names, cool things going on,
and we want to make sure hoosiers around the state
(36:19):
are aware and they are asking for some help. I
kind of want to see one now. So with that
we are thankful for him. We're also thankful for our
friends at the Natural Resources Foundation, very busy time of
that year. Remember them in your year in giving. They
are a five and one C three organization helping our
Department of Natural Resources. You heard her talk Erica talk
(36:42):
about the tree plannings that are continuing such great work.
And then of course we kick things off with the
all important hoosiers feeding the hungry Executive director Susie Jordan
in the work that they do if you're outfield and
forced and you put a deer down that you've already
filled your own. So many people are in need of
that protein rich venison in their local communities. We appreciate her.
(37:04):
As always, remember, as I mentioned the top of the hour,
if you're buying a license, go in there early, go
there now. New steps, maybe to update your account folks.
As always, remember remember to turn in a poacher. One
tip I d n R. See you next week. Everybody,
have a good one.
Time to get up and started. That's right music, says
Indiana Outdoor Time. I couldn't be any more excited about that.
We have had a beautiful fall, did a little traveling around,
did my little wandabouts on the weekends, and love to
see the crops coming out, the colors, changing festivals on
(00:50):
every street, corner and every town. I love it. A
lot of opportunities field and forest await. We are in
the midst of our hunting season, whether it's upland game,
it's waterfowl, it's deer. Fishing has been fantastic, so many
things to look forward to and already in progress. So
the Indiana Outdoor Show today, of course, brought to you
(01:11):
by our good friends at Indiana Donor Network, driven to
SaveLives dot org. That's the number two. You can easily
sign up to be an organ and tissue donor when
you buy your hunting and fishing license. A good reminder
that if you are going to be buying those licenses,
Indiana has a new system, so don't wait till the
last minute. Might take an extra step or two. Don't
(01:32):
leave yourself in the lurch, so to speak, and get
yourself in an unintended consequence, So go and check it
out today, huge show because deer season is underway. We're
going to visit with our friends at Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.
Susie Jordan is going to join us. It's such a vital,
(01:55):
important part of our Hoo's your culture to give back
and you can donate deer, they'll process it for you,
and it stays in the local communities, in those folks
that are hunger dependent on these types of donations. And
we're going to visit with her. We're also going to
catch up with our friends at the Natural Resources Foundation.
It's been a minute whenever we don't talk to them
(02:15):
for a minute. There's all kinds of things going on.
Of course, that's the five oh one C three of
our Department of Natural Resources. And then get this, this
is what I've been waiting for. We have an invasion
in the State of Indiana by the Mediterranean gecko. Yep oh,
I love this. This means I get to talk to
(02:36):
the state herpetologist. We talk to him every time the
cool stuff happens, and we have these critters coming to
Indiana today no different. We're going to find out what
that's all about. We're gonna have to check out what
these things look like before we talk. Nonetheless, it's the
Indiana Outdoor Show. I am your host, Brian Pointer. Susie
Jordan with Who's just Feeding the Hungry? On deck, don't
go anywhere, We're going to be back right after this
(03:10):
Indian Outdoors. What a beautiful time of the year. Indiana
Outdoor Show loves it. That would be me your host,
Brian Pointer. Many thanks to all of the stations that
carry Indiana Outdoors and have for all these many years.
And we couldn't do it without our good friends at
Indiana Donor Network. Remember them always as you're buying your
hunting and fishing license, sign up to be an organ
(03:32):
and tissue donor. Couldn't be any easier and give the
gift of life, heal and save many many others. As
we mentioned, it's a big show. We are trying to
figure out here each and every week what the best
items to talk about because there's just so many. And
with that, we are going to be talking about this
hunting season and one of my favorite people, one of
(03:54):
my favorite organizations is Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. Susie Jordan
joins us.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
How have you been we are doing really well. I'm having
a great day up here into Calb County. It's a
beautiful fall day. Well, Wendy, but you know, it is
what it is.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
It is what it is, indeed, and Susie, I know
worked tirelessly. You had a big event in September and
year round. But it's kind of like the here I'm
going to use a bad radio clay. It's the meat
and potatoes time of the year, right because there's a
lot of folks out in field and forest. Our archery
(04:30):
season has been open now since October one, and we
have many folks maybe taking two field and forests for
the first time since last hunting season. As we are
on the verge of the rifle and gun season starting
in November. But your organization is so critical this time
(04:50):
of the year and always we'll get to that. But
what's your message to those that might be going out
to hunt and pursue and tell us about Hoo's yours
feeding the hungry. This is your opportunity to kind of
elaborate in whatever way so that people get the message
that you want them to hear.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Well, who's just feeding the hungry? As a nonprofit and
our mission is to obtain donations of livestock, deer, and
funds to provide process meat Indiana food banks, food pantries,
and other hunger relief organizations. That's a lot to say.
We can take hogs and beef year round from different
(05:32):
communities and different counties all over the state of Indiana,
but at this time of the year we partner with
the Hunt for Hunger through the dn OUR Law Enforcement Division,
and we're one of three organizations that partner with them.
It's also the Dubois County Sportsman's Club and the Farmers
and Hunters Feeding the Hungary. But we have processors. Even
(05:53):
though our organization is based into cal County, we have
a presence all over the state of Indiana and over
sixty county Ease, not only with this program but with
our day to day livestock program as well.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You're right, that is a lot, and it's so very,
very important. Over the years your organization, you've taken it
to a whole new level and it's becoming so important
to a lot of these communities because a lot of
the protein that people will donate, as you said, through donations,
people can drop off a process here and it goes
(06:28):
into the local communities. That's so important because protein is
so in need in a lot of these hunger relief organizations.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
We were talking. I was talking to a gentleman who
is in a very small community up in northeast Indiana
yesterday and we were talking about he works for or
he volunteers at a food bank, and I said, who
is your latest big market that's needing your services? And
he said, it's grandparents who are taking in their grandchildren
(06:58):
for whatever reason that their kids aren't able to take
care of them, or they've made bad choices, but they
now have little people that they need to feed. Now
you think about as a senior citizen on you know,
social security, trying to feed two or three additional little mouths,
and protein we all know is so high no matter
(07:21):
where you go, it's high end prices, and you're trying
to feed you know, little people as well.
Speaker 1 (07:27):
You know, it is a byproduct of society and so
many people having to make adjustments. But an organization like
yours can can certainly help. And I think that's the
most important thing, is to help around the edges where
people are truly in need. It's just such a great.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Opportunity and with hunting season. Getting back to the heart
of what your show reaches out to is you know,
if you've got if you get a deer now and
you've got more coming, you can always donate one. There's
we've got plenty in the state of Indiana. But when
(08:04):
your freezer gets full, think about donating. It's very easy
to find a processor who's a partner. Just top on
the DNR's website for the Hunt for Hunger program, and
we have all the partner processors on there. No matter
if it's our organization, do boys or farmers and hunters,
we all unite on that website. So it makes it
(08:27):
easier for the hunters to get that deer field dress
tied on all deer so one of our partner processors.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
So, Susie, you know, let's go back through the genesis.
Where did all this start? Because I was there when
all this started and it was always difficult and different
funding mechanisms. But you guys have taken things to a
whole new level. Take us through that journey.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You mean for the Hunt for Hunger, for our organization
in general, just.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
All of it, because it seems like with all these
organizations working together, it was time to move things together,
but I don't want to misrepresent. So it's the organizations
have all grown together and the impact is becoming more
and more. Take us back from the very beginning, in
earliest days, when funding and finding processors and everything was
more difficult.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Well, and I think that it's harder for people to
understand that we get funds. Our organization gets funds through
a grant through the Department and Natural Resources Hunt for
Hunger program, and so we have agreements with processors all
over the state, the same as Dubois County House some
(09:37):
in their area and farmers have farmers and hunters also
have some processors as well in the state. But we
have an agreement with processors to pay for the deers
that are donated at a rate it's one hundred and
ten dollars per year that will be paid through the
(09:58):
Hunt for Hunger. We're just the catalyst that makes that happen.
But also we make sure once that meat has been processed,
we have partner recipient agencies all over that can go
get that and distribute it to people who truly need
it for their freezers.
Speaker 1 (10:14):
I love it. Susie Jordan is with us. She's the
executive director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry Great organization. And
you know, the admitted fact is is that everybody takes
their mobile devices with them for safety for all the
technology that's available to hunters. And as you said, they've
changed some of the bag limits in different counties, but
(10:35):
there are still so much ample opportunity in the state
and around the state. You know, people can take three
or four, many cases more with the different license features
and structures. And the simple fact is is that a
family usually can't feed that many people. But if you
have licenses and you have permission to hunt, and you
want to continue your season, this is a great place
(10:55):
to do it. So no better place to have it
bookmarked so that you know where to go and where
to take it. And then the next thing you know,
the deer is off to these local communities. And I
think it's worth reminding that an average Indiana dough, an
average Indiana deer can feed a lot of people. How
do you break that down?
Speaker 2 (11:17):
We break it down by a pound. We are very
simple here. We don't decide how many meals it is.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
We know that the.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Average deer can vary and.
Speaker 3 (11:28):
Where it comes from.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
If a child's going to shoot it or for an
adult will But I think the biggest thing is we
look at it as a pound of meat.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
And an average deer feeds broken down to the equivalent
of a lot of one pound packages. But you know
one deer can feed an awful lot of people. What's
the latest statistic you're using.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Well, that's what I was just looking at. I know
that Captain Quilland sent out a note and it was
out on a lot of media side, and I know
that some television stations have picked it up up here.
I want to say the numbers about two hundred.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Meals, I've always heard that's the number I've used, but
you know, we grow some big deer. I just wanted
to make sure that we were still quoting the right thing.
And whether it's one hundred meals, it's two hundred meals
or somewhere in between. There is no better lean protein
than fresh Indiana venison that gets processed and donated to
these counties. And you mentioned Captain Jack Quillan. He's also
(12:29):
one of our long, long time regular contributors here and
does so much not just for me and Indiana Outdoors,
but I know he's passionate about your program. As well,
and others that we've had on all seemed to be
aligned with the mission and getting the message out, and
I hope that's working. Do you feel like it is?
Are things? Are people participating more?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
I think this year we are having more processors and
our organization, with our staff, are going to process users
who are deer processors that we've heard about, whether it's
from the consumers that come to the Deer Turkey Waterfowl
Expo or maybe nasks. We've gotten some people suggesting processors,
so we're asking people if they're interested. And I think
(13:14):
that's one of the things that as your listeners go
to their deer processors, ask them if they're a part
of this program. One of the things that we have
done when we bring a partner on, whether it's one
who we've had for years or someone new this year,
all of the Hunt for Hunger processed meat packets will
(13:38):
get a label on them explaining the Hunt for Hunger.
But also when we send those labels to our processors,
we're also sending rap cards from the DNR so that
they can get more of the hunters involved in the
program and aware of it. And I think that's the
biggest thing that everybody needs to know is it's free
for the hunters.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Boy, that's such a simple marketing idea, but it has
to have long legs. What a great idea to get
people a war in.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Line, right, And I think it's just the more who know,
the more the whole program can grow.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Absolutely. So you had a big event in September, and
I assume I couldn't make it for that, but I
assume that that went well and funds were raised and
a good a good time had by all. Am I
wrong about that?
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Yeah? We raised over sixty nine six hundred dollars net. Wow,
that's pretty good. And just so you can mark your calendars,
we're going to be moving that event to the to
the spring this year, so it'll be in May of
twenty twenty six.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
All right, So you told me, and my calendar is open.
Do you have a date?
Speaker 2 (14:46):
May seventh?
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Thursday, May seventh? It's on my calendar here at Indiana Outdoors.
So as you go now into this season, I'm sure
or it's just a management process at this point, but
you got a lot of volunteers out there, and I
know you like to give credit where credit is due,
and a lot of volunteers are out there doing your messaging,
(15:11):
much like Indiana Outdoors and others. How could people get involved?
You've already mentioned one way, just spread the word, But
do you have specific needs that you'd like Hoosiers to
help you with.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
I think the big need that we see ongoing is
during deer season. This is great because the money is secured,
but it's that ongoing need when it's not hunting season
where your listeners can also be a donor to our program,
whether it's through maybe you have listeners who are farmers
(15:42):
or active in four age, you know, and you have
an animal to donate, or maybe you're a livestock farmer
and you have a pig that doesn't match up to
the needs that the market is. You can donate that
to us and it's texted. We just need to make
sure we have those funds secured to process that. The
(16:05):
other thing is if you have donor advice funds or
require distributions that need to be made before the end
of the year, think about our organization. We're feeding families
day in, day out all over our state, but it
also takes operating funds to secure our organization to keep
us moving forward as well with our small staff of
(16:28):
three people.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
Well, you make it sound like you run the United
Nations out there with the great people in your organization,
and that's no insignificant feat. So Okay, there's hunters right now,
or maybe there's farmers. Any of the messages, what do
they need to know as they are heading into their
deer woods wherever that may be, between now and whenever
the season is over. What do you suggest people do
(16:50):
now to be prepared.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
I think the biggest thing is as you're preparing, take
a peek at the website for DNR for the Hunt
for Hunger to see who the processors are in your area.
They're a partner. Understand that list is growing every week.
It's growing, which is great. So keep an eye out
when you're going out into the woods, know ahead of
(17:13):
time who your processor would be. If you are very
interested in getting an extra dear and donating it, which
is the heart of our program.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
Well, you've left us with a very simple exercise, a
little homework, Susie. Congratulations to you, your organization, all the
member partners up there. We appreciate your time and contributions
on Indiana Outdoors. I know you'd wish everybody is safe
and happy and successful hunting season. And remember the hoosiers
feeding the hungry as you go into the woods. Susie.
We'll be back in touch with you probably before the
(17:42):
end of the year, but thanks for giving us some
of your time today.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Sounds great.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Thanks, Brian, my pleasure. It is the Indiana Outdoor Show.
I'm your host, Brian Pointer. Don't go anywhere. We're going
to talk about some new geckos in the state of Indiana.
What's that all about? Right after this in Indian Outdoors
(18:14):
rolls on. I your host, Brian Pointer. Is there better,
anything better in the state of Indiana than a beautiful fall?
I mean, we've finally had I've said this for the
last several weeks, thinking it's the last time I'm going
to say it because it's going to be snowing and
fall is gone. But no, no, no, Mother Nature and
all her glorious beauty has provided us with. At least
(18:35):
in my fading recollection, this is one of the best
we've had in a long time. So a lot of
folks taking to the Indiana outdoors, which we love. We appreciate.
Susie Jordan. Hoosiers feeding the hungry a great organization, a
lot of folks contributing to their local food banks and
processors volunteering to donate the donated meat the meat and
(19:00):
it goes to those food shelters. So we thank her.
As I mentioned also at the top of the hour,
our friends at the Natural Resources Foundation always front of
mind or should be joining us is Erica Janik and
Erica for a lot of folks, First and foremost, thanks
for being a part of Indiana Outdoors. Again. I think
the last time you were with me, you were there
all but about a week. So now you've solved all
(19:23):
the issues at the Natural Resources Foundation. How are things
are going?
Speaker 2 (19:27):
That's right, yeap.
Speaker 4 (19:28):
I have a little bit more experience than ourmind belt now,
so it's great.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
To be talking to you again, no problem. So there's
probably folks that are news new stations and folks that
maybe are catching us for the first time. So this
is a good way for you just to kind of
give a quick commercial on what the Natural Resources Foundation is.
It's a very unique organization inside our Department of Natural Resources.
Speaker 4 (19:50):
Yes, of course, so our mission at the Indiana Natural
Resources Foundation is to celebrate and preserve Indiana's natural legacy.
By raising funds that support the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources and its programs. So we support dn r's work
to connect poosiers with our parks, forests, natural areas through
(20:12):
different outbor education and recreational opportunities. I mean, we also
have a big focus on land acquisition and supporting conservation
efforts for DNR.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
Very very well done. And you said an awful lot there,
because there's probably people right now going to wait a minute,
what is the Department of Natural Resources need a nonprofit?
You do so many things that fall outside of the
workings and the day to day administration and execution for
all the different divisions that people may not be familiar with,
so critically important. I don't want to steal your thunder,
(20:44):
but give us some highlights of what I might be
talking about for people that hadn't heard this before.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
So our foundation works to just enhance what dn r's
already doing. So we have a partnership with individuals, corporations,
and then also our relationship with DNR so we can
work to promote our natural resources and protect them for
future generations.
Speaker 2 (21:08):
So some of our main.
Speaker 4 (21:09):
Programs include the Indiana Tree Project, which is planting trees
and expanding our state forest.
Speaker 1 (21:18):
Is that still ongoing because I know we hit the
million tree marks set by the previous governor. Do I
assume that that continues.
Speaker 4 (21:25):
Yeah, We're continuing to plant trees through our partnership with
the Division of Forestry. So we have a tree plantings
already scheduled for this spring. It usually happens around Arbor
Day or Earth Day with our partners at.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Houston Solar, so they.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Have an initiative where every kill a lot of solar
installed goes towards planting a tree. So we'll be plant
seen trees at Profitstown State Park this spring and expanding
their oak savannah habitat there.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
You know, Okay, I'm going to ask be master of
the obvious here. But you look around in any of
state forests and state properties and you say, we got
a lot of trees, why do we need to plant
a million more? And where are they going? I know
the answer to this because it's so critically important. We
had our state forester, Jack Seyffert, on regularly and he
was on recently explaining the complex science of forest management management.
(22:19):
But where are these trees being planted?
Speaker 4 (22:22):
A lot of them are being planted in state forest
Profitstown State Park is a unique property. Or we're planting
more trees there for their oak savannah habitat. But there's
been a big focus at Green Sullivan. We partnered with
Green Sulvan several times to plant trees there, and they
(22:42):
really focus on planting oak and hickory trees to create
that important habitat in that area and promote it for
years to come. They are really you know, they're partnering
with the Division of Forestry. They have their guys out
there checking on the trees, putting fences around so that
(23:04):
deer can't you know, eat the saplings, and making sure
they have the best.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
Shot at service those darn deer.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Right.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
So okay, now I'm down a rabbit hole. So we
know where some of them are going. Where do you
get a million new trees of the Division of Forestry.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
They have their nurseries and that's where we get our
trees from.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
So these are for lack of homegrown and they raise
them from seedlings and a million little trees out there
is a lot a monumental legacy creating type of opportunity.
You're telling me that we just have a million little
saplings growing around that get moved from the forest management
into the actual woods.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Yep, yep.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
Yeah, they usually do. With our plantings. It's anywhere from
two to five acres that they plant, and in that
area it can be you know, two to two to
three thousand trees. So that's why we allso all the
focus on land acquisition so we can also expand our
forest by you know, having more property. That can be
(24:08):
so very forward in the future.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
Yah, you do far more than plant trees. And I
kind of got off on a rabbit hole because it's interesting,
But the Natural Resources Foundation has played such a critical
role and it is a nonprofit so always I usually
call you at the end of the year as people
are trying to plan their charitable giving. We're too soon
for that, promise you'll be back with me at that time.
One of the things does the NF do throughout the
year that people might not be so familiar with.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
So one of our big programs is to discovery the
outdoors s field trip grant program, which I just have
the opportunity to go on a field trip last Friday
at Fort Harrison State Park.
Speaker 2 (24:46):
So it was a big group around.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
One hundred and thirty middle schoolers from Wesleyane Middle School
and they got the opportunity to be guided through the
park with some naturalists and learn about the parkst the plants,
the animals, and ask all sorts of questions and then
engage with the outdoors and really embrace being outside at
(25:09):
this wonderful time of year. So this program started back
in twenty thirteen. It's a partnership that we have with
Indiana State Parks and it's a grant available.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
For all K through twelve schools.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
Grants are up to five hundred dollars and they can
cover the cost of transportation, fees, classroom supplies, anything that
helps them get outdoors and enjoy these field trips.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
So I'm a huge fan of this and I remember
when this initiative came up, and it just warms my
heart to know that so many kids are getting to
be able to go into the woods and the field
and forest wherever that may be through these field trips.
In a short time, we have left anything that you
want people to know this time of the year in particular.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
Yeah, So this.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
Time of the year, during the holiday season is a
really important time for us at the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.
So we send out our year and appeal, and a
significant portion of our annual operation budget is raised at
this time of year. So we're always looking for people
that have an interest in our public lands and want
(26:18):
to give back and support Indiana's natural legacy. So you know,
we're always willing to connect with more people, and we're
grateful for our donors and partners who are already helping
to protect our natural resources. For anyone that's looking for
more information, our website is Indiana inurs dot org. And
(26:41):
then also we're on social media and it's still Indiana
rs to find.
Speaker 1 (26:47):
Us on there, Erica, thank you so much for bringing
Indiana outdoors to a lot of different folks. In the
message of the NRF, the Natural Resources Foundation, we'll be
back in touch with you. Enjoy this beautiful fall that
we've had and I look forward to more success is
coming out of you and we'll talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
All right, Thanks for having us.
Speaker 1 (27:04):
My pleasure of the Natural Resources Foundation. One of my favorites.
It is the Indiana Outdoor Show, my favorite. We're going
to be back. What are these gecko things all about?
Right after this? What a great show. It is the
(27:32):
Indiana Outdoor Program. I am your host, Brian Pointer. It's
great to spend a little bit of time in this
beautiful time of the year. So many people take into
their annual traditions. Whether that's upland or waterfowl or deer
or small game, it doesn't matter. Fishing is still fantastic.
Get out and enjoy the great Indiana Outdoors. Many thanks
to Erica Janik who was with ours, is with our
(27:55):
Natural Resources Foundation, the nonprofit arm and also to Sue
U Jordan with the Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry program. And
now I've saved the best for last, because I'm really
fascinated about this. Nate Engbrecht is with us. He's our
state herpetologist. Nate, you and I spoke at the last
(28:15):
time about some of these little critters that people are
finding in the state of Indiana, and now I think
we've got a new the Mediterranean gecko. What is this
all about. Thanks for being a part of it on
Indiana Outdoors.
Speaker 3 (28:31):
Yeah, thanks, Brian, it's good to be here.
Speaker 2 (28:33):
You're right.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
The last time we spoke, it was wall lizards invading
Southeast Indiana, and now we're looking at Mediterranean geckos, which
are not exactly invading but they've been showing up.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
I was going to say, we have a lot of
invading going on around the world. We're being invaded by
geckos here.
Speaker 3 (28:47):
Well. It's funny because you know, in Indiana we don't
really get many invasive amphibians and reptiles just because our
winters are so cold. But this Mediterranean gecko has found
a way by overwintering and heated buildings. And we've had
some records popping up, and so we just got curious
after some more information came in and thought, let's do
a press release and find out what people are seeing.
Because these geckos live in cities, they live around buildings,
(29:09):
and so people might actually be seeing them.
Speaker 1 (29:11):
Now, what in the heck? First of all, what does
the state herpetologists do? I think I know, But for
the others, I would like to talk to folks new
because there's so many different, diverse things going on in
our Department of Natural Resources. When you're not talking about
the invading Mediterranean geckos, what does the state herpetologists do?
Speaker 3 (29:28):
Well? Herpetology is a study of the amphibians and reptiles,
and so I oversee the program that involves basically managing
and researching Indiana's amphibians and reptiles. And so we are
based out of Bloomington at the Bloomington Field Office, but
we work all around the state, and so we do
a lot of work in southern Indiana.
Speaker 2 (29:46):
The type of work we.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Do is broad.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
I mean, it involves a lot of like field surveys,
field studies, whether it's geckos or crawfish, frogs or hellbenders.
And then you know, connecting with the public on outreach events,
project management. It's a lot to it. It's all things
amphibians and.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
Reptiles for us, all right. The only gecko I know
is on the Geico commercial. What is a gecko?
Speaker 3 (30:08):
So a gecko, it's a type of lizard. You know,
We've got several different varieties of lizards across the globe
and in North America, skinks, race runners, Geckos are just
another group of lizards that we've got, and we've got
this one species that we're kind of keeping an eye on.
Speaker 1 (30:23):
So you talk about I heard you invoke the hellbender.
You guys in herpetology have the coolest names for things.
Why is this when the Mediterranean gecko?
Speaker 3 (30:33):
So it kind of almost goes without saying These Mediterranean
geckos are native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe
in northern Africa. That's kind of where they occur naturally,
and so that's just how they got their name.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
Okay, so is this these are friendly foe. It's not
like these are causing any problems, but you just are
trying to gain more intel, kind of like the armadillas.
It's the armadillas are invadian as. We got a lot
of invasions going on. The armadillos. I've had fun with
talking to a lot of different folks, and I think
(31:06):
it is great because you talked about the mild winters
that we've been having, and there's no reason that armadillos
can't come to Indiana except for the winter, and they
figured out how to do it. And the same for
these Mediterranean geckos. When people call in, how do they
identify them? How do would they even know they're looking
at this particular gecko?
Speaker 3 (31:23):
Yeah, I mean they do have kind of a distinct
body shape and like they they have really large bulging eyes.
They've got these sort of wide toepads, like our tree
frogs have these kind of wide toes that help them climb.
These these geckos are kind of like that. They've got
a little bit of a wardrier skin. A lot of
our lizards in Indiana have pretty smooth scales, but these
guys are pretty wardy and probably the best. I don't
(31:46):
know if it's the best way, but if you were
to see a lizard hanging around a porch light on
a wall at night, there's a decent chance that's a
Mediterranean gecko, because our native species don't really do that much.
Speaker 4 (31:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (31:56):
Not only do you guys come up with some wild
names in the herpetology field, you really paint a picture
that only a mother could love. I mean, these, I
know you have to have a soft spot for them,
But if I saw one of these little critters, I'm
looking them up as we speak. If I saw one
of these little critters, I'm not sure what I would do,
and it'd probably be depending on how many PBRs I
(32:17):
had had. But I mean, there's nothing wrong with them, right,
So where would they live if they're not living in
people's warm structures?
Speaker 2 (32:27):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (32:27):
I mean, you know, they're widely introduced in the southern US,
and they're almost always around buildings, So they love hanging
around buildings. And so you know, in this region, like
I said, they have to have a warm building in
order to buy winter. So sometimes they're found inside of buildings.
We've had reports of them being found in a movie
theater or in some kind of warehouse, showing up on
a shipment of something, you know, probably arriving as a
(32:49):
stowaway or a hitchhiker, because that's how they're getting around.
They're not really moving across the landscape. They're showing up
on cargo and shipments and so either randomly in a building.
Some people actually have caught them in like those glue
mouse traps, just part of rodent control and they'll get
a gecko.
Speaker 1 (33:03):
On there, or they're actually I like them.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
I always I'm a lizard guy, you know, but I
think they're all.
Speaker 1 (33:10):
Yeah, I'm looking these update and you described it pretty
darn perfectly here. I'm looking at these pictures, the bulgy
eyes and the you know, the pimply skin, and they're
actually kind of a cool little thing. And I can
only imagine after a night of PBRs too many and
looking up and I probably want to make friends with
this little critter. So what are you asking people to do? Specifically?
(33:32):
I know there was a press release that went out
earlier this week, but what in particular.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Well, we're really interested in trying to map out where
these lizards occur. They've kind of been on my radar
for a few years. I know they're established in some
nearby states, Kentucky, Illinois, and I thought it's just a
matter of time before they show up in Indiana. And
we did learn we've been getting more records and we
think we have one or two established colonies, and I'm
thinking there's there's got to be probably more of them
out there that we just don't know about. So we're
(33:57):
really wanting to get just where the data collection of
wanting to understand where these things are at. And because
they're around cities and buildings, I thought, you know, our
local hoosiers might actually have a shot at seeing them,
more of a shot than I do either.
Speaker 1 (34:08):
And where do they call? What do they do? How
do they register? Once they say, hey, I saw this
big bulgy eyed skin, you know, pimply or whatever, what
do you do?
Speaker 3 (34:19):
What do you?
Speaker 1 (34:20):
What do they call?
Speaker 3 (34:21):
So we're asking them to email their observations, especially if
they can get photographs. That's going to be super helpful.
For identifying the geckos but emailing them. I've got an email.
It's it's actually HERB Surveys at DNR dot ion dot gov.
H e ERP Surveys at DNR do ian.
Speaker 1 (34:38):
Do you better make sure you spell that correctly too,
by the way, or else you're gonna end up. I
know you're going to end up in some website you
may not want. Well, listen, Nate, I love doing this.
I love that you're with us when we have these invasions.
I use that term very lightly because I always think
it's cool when we have critters coming to Indiana. So, Nate,
thank you for all the work that you do in herpetology.
You guys rule because you have the coolest out there
(35:00):
with all these things, and we'll have it here on
Indiana Outdoors for sure. Thanks for being a part of
it today and all the work that you do. You bet, thanks, Brian,
My pleasure so cool. It is the Indiana Outdoors Show.
I'm your host. Don't go anywhere, that's right, we'll be
back right after this. Oh you heard here first. I
(35:35):
want this to be used in a sentence at your
bonfire somewhere this coming week that hey, did you know
that we're being invaded by the Mediterranean gecko. It's not
a terrorist, it's not an organization. They're actually kind of
a cute little species. And thanks so much to our
(35:56):
state herpetologist Nate Engbrecht teasing him because we've talked to
him more times in the last couple of years, and
I think we had in the previous twenty. But that
means we have new things to talk about. Whether it's
the Hellbenders or the Mediterranean geckos. These guys always come
up with the cool stuff, cool names, cool things going on,
and we want to make sure hoosiers around the state
(36:19):
are aware and they are asking for some help. I
kind of want to see one now. So with that
we are thankful for him. We're also thankful for our
friends at the Natural Resources Foundation, very busy time of
that year. Remember them in your year in giving. They
are a five and one C three organization helping our
Department of Natural Resources. You heard her talk Erica talk
(36:42):
about the tree plannings that are continuing such great work.
And then of course we kick things off with the
all important hoosiers feeding the hungry Executive director Susie Jordan
in the work that they do if you're outfield and
forced and you put a deer down that you've already
filled your own. So many people are in need of
that protein rich venison in their local communities. We appreciate her.
(37:04):
As always, remember, as I mentioned the top of the hour,
if you're buying a license, go in there early, go
there now. New steps, maybe to update your account folks.
As always, remember remember to turn in a poacher. One
tip I d n R. See you next week. Everybody,
have a good one.
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