Events

Please join us on Sunday, June 29, 2025 for, "Native Plants & Native Insects: A Tale of Co-Dependence," with Martin Lucas.

Explore the wondrous relationship of native plants and native insects-creatures that have co-evolved for thousands of years. Martin Lucas investigates the intertwined lives of plants and insects in northwestern Indiana using his macro-lens. Join us as Martin shares his amazing photos and his experience in macro photography to reveal a beautiful, intricate, biodiverse community.

Speaker Bio

From childhood I’ve enjoyed being in nature, but serious study started with archaeological field work at Indiana University’s Glenn Black Lab in the 1970s. While there, I began to understand that the native ecosystems of the Midwest are inextricably linked to millennia of active management by Indigenous peoples. Later, I became fascinated by the sand prairies, oak savannas and wetlands of the Kankakee Sand Region. At first, I focused on the native flora, but ten years ago I started using macro photography to document interactions of native plants and animals. Lacking formal training in entomology, online 'citizen scientist' sites like Bug Guide and iNaturalist provided access to recognized experts. With their patient help, I learned. Over time, I started contributing too. My photographs are used in IDNR's online guide to Indiana's native bees, in multiple publications by award winning nature guide author Heather Holm (Pollinator Press), and museum exhibitions. We can, and must, develop a better relationship with nature.

I'm a lawyer by training (JD, IU Bloomington, 1980), but currently my primary work is developing Optical Music Recognition technology for PublicResource.Org based in Healdsburg CA. I manage the Big Eastern, ~500 acres of mostly wild lands in Starke County. My wife Corinne and I reside in a historic home in North Judson, and when our schedules allow, perform music together as "Return to Normal".