Saturday, October 17, 2026 @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am

The flooding from the heavy rains in August caused The Burn to close for a time due to high water there, but it has reopened as of this writing. The water has receded but may still offer some waterfowl or shorebirds this year at Lye Creek Prairie Burn aka “The Burn” for the fall field trip there on October 17, 2026 from 8:30-11:00am. We are glad to have hike leader Nick Kiehl back for the field trip to “The Burn” in search of fall sparrows, migrant waterfowl, and possible shorebirds.

REGISTRATION: The field trip is limited to 12 people and registration is required. Priority registration is available to ABAS/BACI members until September 17, but non-members should sign up early, as once registration is open, it will be first come first serve. When you sign up, please indicate whether you are a member or not and your phone number. The phone number is in case of cancelation if the weather is too severe. To register, email Laurie Voss at laurievoss25@gmail.com.

PREPARATION & ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS: The mowed grass trail terrain ranges from flat to uneven. The ground can be muddy in some areas which may make hiking difficult, and is not wheelchair accessible. Hiking shoes will help with the terrain. There is a small shelter with a roof and benches near the bird feeders. Please note that there are no restroom facilities on the property, and all trails are exposed to direct sun. 

LOCATION: The participants will meet at The Burn at 8:30 am in the parking lot. The Burn is on County Road 650 N in Montgomery County near Crawfordsville. To get there from I74 take the US 231 exit and go north just under 3 miles to County Road 550 N. Turn right on County Road 550 N for just over a mile to County Road 150 E. Turn left on County Road 150 E and continue to County Road 650 N. Turn right on County Road 650 N for less than a mile to The Burn which will be on your right. Look for the tree line that runs north and south. The GPS coordinates are: 40.135048, -86.863575

What: Lye Creek Prairie Burn Field Trip for sparrows, migrant waterfowl, and possible shorebirds. 

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 8:30 – 11:00 am 

Where: Lye Creek Prairie Burn, Montgomery County

Registration: laurievoss25@gmail.com