This spring Gov. Daniels joined community leaders and officials from Cardinal Greenway to officially open 14 miles of new greenway as part of the State’s plan to develop a comprehensive system of trails.

Cardinal Greenway is a 60-mile, privately owned and operated not-for-profit greenway that runs from Richmond to Marion. Cardinal is part of the northern section of the American Discovery Trail, which is being developed by states to span the country from coast to coast as a part of the national trails plan.

The new section includes 7 miles of paved trails and 7 miles of equestrian trails that extend through Blountsville and Losantville. This trail was built as a public/private partnership using nearly $9 million of State and federal funding, as well as $3 million in private donations.

In May 2006, Gov. Daniels announced that Indiana would double its financial support of trails development from $10 million to $20 million annually, combining the State/federal funds. In December, the State finalized a comprehensive statewide trails development plan that will be implemented during the next 10 years, with the goal of placing every Hoosier within 15 minutes of a trail.

It’s initiatives like these that continue to impress upon we Hoosiers the value and importance of protecting our natural resources. But chances are you already know that. This issue of Outdoor Indiana has almost 50 pages of great news, stories and photos from all across the state that we hope will only serve to increase your appreciation of your state’s precious resources.

Beginning on page 4, News and Views includes a review of the Central Indiana Land Trust’s art opening and a piece on the recent infiltration and breaking of an illegal caviar ring.

Ask a Conservation Officer, on page 3, offers advice for those who want to keep their property clear of geese and expert information about coyotes, which seem to be getting so much press lately.

Read Vicki Albietz’s report about the Virginia Opossum, North America’s only marsupial, in our Creature Feature on page 6. Mike Homoya follows it with a story about Indian Pipe for the Plant Feature on page 7.

Deanna McCool’s Hoosier Profile on page 8 of bird-enthusiast Chuck Gooding should inspire anyone who has experienced major health trouble-—and, come to think of it, those of us lucky enough to haven’t.

Our first feature, Marty Benson’s article on dam repair on page 10, goes deep inside those structures that provide us with flood control, drinking water and recreation. There’s more to dams than meets the eye.

State Fair-goers, we’ve got a schedule of events for you on page 20. Mark your calendars now. Don’t miss your favorite events.

Anglers, both armchair and avid, will enjoy Ben Shadley’s piece on small-stream fly-fishing on page 22. He explores the seldom-practiced art of fly-fishing little streams for Indiana’s most distinguished native fish, the smallmouth bass.

Let Angie Manuel show you how to build an Aldo Leopold bench on page 32. Anybody who appreciates a good rest after a hike or just a long day at work will enjoy this piece and its product.

Garlic mustard is non-native and invasive, but seems to be here to stay. Stephanie Keevil’s report on page 34 will educate both aspiring botanists and those not quite so plant-savvy.

Bison in Indiana? Yes, it’s true. Kayleen Reusser visits Ouabache State Park, where a herd of what we often call buffalo “roam” for the pleasure of the park’s visitors. Read her article on page 38.

Next is an article that could save your life, but only if you wear its subject, a life jacket, and wear it correctly. Shadley’s report on life jackets is both interesting and important to anyone who spends time on or in the water.

The Explore Your Environment kids article is on page 46. Jill Vance explains how to make your very own snail slime, no snail required.

Wrapping up this issue on page 48 is Shadley’s report on Sugar Creek, one of Indiana’s most scenic waterways. Flowing through two state parks in close proximity, this river is both accessible and beautiful.