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The Avi8or soars over the Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab

As the weather warms up, more and more people are searching for new places to explore close to home. On this week’s episode of Aviator Adventures, we’ll discover a spot teeming with wildlife, just 15 minutes from downtown.

Just a few miles from downtown Indianapolis lies a hidden gem on the Marian University campus: the Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab. This 75-acre natural area is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a vibrant educational resource, open to students and the entire Indianapolis community.

Dedicated to the restoration and protection of native wetlands, prairies, and forests, the Ecolab is a biodiverse haven where rare wetland habitats and threatened species thrive. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the beauty and wonder of Indiana’s natural landscape.

As you wander through the Ecolab, you might catch a glimpse of fish darting in the ponds, geese gliding gracefully across the water, or even the dramatic sight of snapping turtles in their natural struggle for territory.

But the Ecolab offers more than just a walk through nature. It serves as a dynamic classroom for students from grades 6 through 12, offering field trips that engage with local environmental experts. Upper-level high school students and Marian undergraduates can dive deeper, participating in active research projects and internships that bring college-level environmental studies to life.

The community is also invited to join in through a variety of channels, from social media to volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s helping out at an educational event or becoming part of a seasonal conservation effort, every visitor contributes to the mission of creating more and better environmental citizens.

So why wait? The Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab is a place to explore, learn, and help protect our environment. Visit today and become part of a community dedicated to preserving the splendor of Indiana’s natural heritage.”

From the heart of Indianapolis, I’m meteorologist Drew Narsutis, WISH-TV wishtv.com and follow us on Facebook for updates