In April 2002, CILTI acquired 59 acres of land along the White River in Johnson County.  The property is mostly wooded, in an oxbow of the river, and houses the largest known Great Blue Heron Rookery in Indiana.  Approximately 500 active nests were counted at this site in a 1998 study!

In January 2003 CILTI was able to purchase an additional 17 acres of land adjacent to the rookery, serving to further insure the long term protection of the rookery and its surrounding habitat.  CILTI acquired the initial 59 acres from the Sutton family, and the additional 17 acres from the Sutton Family and an adjacent landowner.  

The Amos W. Butler Audubon Society in Indianapolis was a major financial contributor toward the purchase of the 76 acres, and the Friends of the White River was a contributor as well.  CILTI also received $10,000 towards purchase of the 17 acre addition from the IPL/AES Golden Eagle Grant Program. 

The Sanctuary is not open to the public due to the fragility of the nesting herons.  However, CILTI occasionally has events where the herons can be viewed from a cautious distance.  To view an aerial photograph of the Sanctuary, click here.

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