Land & Ethic Nature Reserve proudly welcomes internationally recognized wetland designer, Tom Biebighauser to conduct this hands-on workshop aimed at demonstrating practical, low-cost techniques to create or restore natural and native wetland habitats.

Participants will learn to select the best locations, test soil texture, choose appropriate construction techniques, work directly with heavy equipment operators, and select and establish native wetland plants. The workshop is intended for biologists, ecologists, engineers, landscape architects, and wetland professionals.

Aside from the wetland design and install process, the workshop will also include several breakout sessions in which experts in the fields of ornithology, freshwater ecology, chiropterology, habitat restoration, prescribed fire, and soil science will be on hand to lead field trips amongst the reserve’s diverse layout.

Breakout Sessions

Cassie Hauswald - Conservation Program Lead - The Nature Conservancy “Freshwater Ecology”

Matt Williams - Bird Program Lead - Sam Shine Foundation “Birds of the Riparian Corridor”

Steve Samoray (Copperhead Environmental Consulting) – Indiana's Bat Species

Amanda Hayden - Habitat Restoration & Prescribed Fire

The workshop will take place on July 30-31st, 2026 at Land & Ethic Nature Reserve located at 7373 E Hogtown Rd Marengo, IN 47140. Please be sure to email Jeff Kennedy at jeff@ouiskarunfarm.com after purchasing your ticket(s) to provide a list of who will be attending from your organization and to receive the itinerary.

Learn more at: http://www.wetlandrestorationandtraining.com/