President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Marian University has been awarded a grant from the Amos Butler Audubon Society’s Birdathon, with the aim of advancing environmental restoration efforts at the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab. The restoration project will be spearheaded by Professor of Biology and EcoLab Director David Benson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and EcoLab Science Director Zachary Sylvain, Ph.D., and Sarah Moss (Downing), the full-time restoration ecologist for the EcoLab.

The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is a 75-acre wetland and lowland forest situated on the northern end of Marian University's campus. Originally part of the James Allison Riverdale estate, this area underwent extensive rehabilitation in 2000 under Dr. Benson's leadership, thanks to an initial grant from the Amos Butler Audubon Society and a subsequent grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. In 2011, a generous $1 million gift from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust established an endowment for the EcoLab. Since then, it has hosted numerous Marian University students, faculty, staff, alumni as well as local K-12 students and members of the public on its trails and greenspace—many of whom participate in environmental restoration projects themselves.

The Birdathon is an annual fundraiser organized by the local Amos Butler Audubon chapter of the National Audubon Society. Each year funds raised are allocated towards bird research and conservation, environmental education, and habitat restoration. Dr. Benson leads “Team EcoLab,” one of the Birdathon teams that compete to identify as many bird species as possible within a 24-hour period. Team EcoLab had their 2024 “big day” in early May where they identified 77 bird species on the EcoLab property including a rare yellow-billed cuckoo.

The recent grant from Amos Butler Audubon Birdathon will facilitate continued restoration efforts such as the removal of invasive species. Following these control efforts, Marian University plans to plant a variety of wetland plant species and grasses to restore diversity and enhance habitats for numerous bird species. Since 2002, the Birdathon has awarded over $36,000 to the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, in addition to an initial grant of $25,000 in 2000.

“We are grateful for the continued support from the Amos Butler Audubon Society for the Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab,” says Dr. Benson. “The funding helps provide the necessary resources for restoring and maintaining this biodiverse area, which enhances our impact on the local community along with providing habitat enhancement for birds and a wide array of other species.”

The Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is open to all members of the Indianapolis community. Individuals of all ages are welcome to participate through social media, community event days, and volunteerism.