Pictured: 6/12/2025, Katherine (2025 Allen Chesser Memorial Intern) doing biweekly stream testing by Culver lighthouse

The turtles along the Culver Park have been making new nests every day! We were fortunate enough to find a few in the process of laying their eggs and watched their process. It is incredible how after they are done, often you can't even tell that there is a nest there!

So far, 5 of our 6 nest protection cages are in place across the park, and new nests are constantly being made.

Keep your eye out for turtles or mothers laying their eggs next time you head to the park, and maybe you will be lucky enough to see these turtles in action!

Thanks to a new partnership with the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund (LMEF), the library now has two Kill-A-Watt energy meters available for checkout. The Kill-A-Watt is an innovative tool that allows you to plug in any appliance and see exactly how much electricity it uses, even when it is “off.” 

By making these tools available at the library, LMEF hopes to spark greater awareness about everyday resource use — from energy to water — and how small changes can make a big environmental difference.

Jimmy F. New, founder of JFNew & Associates in Walkerton, IN, passed away recently, leaving an impressive legacy in the state of Indiana with his passion for native plants and wetland conservation, land restoration and wildlife habitat. LMEF has utilized the services of JFNew (later Cardno and currently Stantec) over many years. 

Jim touched many lives with his optimistic, charismatic demeanor and love of the outdoors. Countless people gained an appreciation for the outdoors while experiencing it with him. Several of us in LMEF had the good fortune to work for and with him, and cherish that past. Jimmy F. New, 1/25/43 - 5/30/25

The data buoy has been up and running for over a month now, and it is so cool to see the water gradually warming up as the days get hotter.

Follow along here to watch the action!!

Come to the Recycle Depot for Marshall County (1900 Walter Glaub Dr, Plymouth, IN 46563) to recycle up to 10 car/light truck tires free of charge!

Recycling tires keeps them out of landfills and helps protect soil and water in our communities. It's also a practical way to free up some space, so head down to the recycling depot on June 21st!