Why Caterpillars (and Healthy Forests) Matter to Indiana’s Birds As April turns to May, something magical begins in Indiana’s forests: our breeding birds return and begin raising the next generation of chicks. But did you know that caterpillars are one of the most important food sources for these birds during this critical time? Many of our songbirds and resident species, like warblers, chickadees, and vireos, rely almost entirely on insects—especially caterpillars—to feed their young. In fact, a single nest of chickadees can eat 6,000–9,000 caterpillars before the fledglings leave the nest! So where do these caterpillars come from? The answer: Our native hardwood forests, particularly oak trees, which support hundreds of caterpillar species. Oaks are true champions of biodiversity. Without them and other native hardwoods, birds simply wouldn’t find the food they need to successfully raise their chicks. That’s why we’re working with partners across Indiana to protect and restore these vital forests. Through long-term conservation efforts, we’re supporting the regeneration of hardwood species—ensuring that not just today’s birds, but tomorrow’s generations, have the food and habitat they need to thrive. Our work includes: ✅ Restoring native oak and hickory species ✅ Removing invasive plants that crowd out young hardwoods ✅ Supporting landowners who manage their woods for wildlife ✅ Partnering with local, state, and federal conservation programs Healthy forests mean healthy bird populations—and healthy ecosystems for us all. By investing in forest restoration today, we’re not only helping birds, but we’re also supporting cleaner air, better water quality, and climate resilience for Indiana communities. So this spring, when you hear birds singing in your backyard or local park, remember: behind every happy chirp is a hardworking parent searching for the next caterpillar snack. Let’s make sure they find it. #IndianaBirds #CaterpillarConnection #ForestConservation #NativeTrees #BirdsNeedBugs #HabitatMatters #ProtectIndianaForests #SongbirdsOfIndiana (fb)

🚨 BREAKING: This week, the Town of Ogden Dunes began building a massive stone wall along a half-mile of Lake Michigan—*despite* an active legal challenge and a recent ruling that the state may have approved it unlawfully. For 2 years, CLC attorneys have been representing Save the Dunes to stop this dangerous project that would destroy fragile dunes, worsen erosion in Indiana Dunes National Park, and privatize public shoreline. We immediately sought an injunction—and we won. Construction is halted *for now*. But we’re alarmed by DNR’s silence. As stewards of the Lake and public trust, they should be protecting—not enabling—harm to Indiana’s greatest natural treasure. We won’t stop fighting to protect Lake Michigan and hold the state accountable. 🌊✊ #savethedunes #lakemichigan #IndianaDunes #PublicTrust #NotOnOurWatch (fb)