We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office working to protect and conserve endangered, threatened and rare species, migratory birds, inter-jurisdictional fish and their habitats in Indiana, and ensuring compliance with federal wildlife laws such as the Endangered Species Act. Our strategy for conservation relies on engaging with partners, focusing on implementing conservation on the ground, and reaching out to foster an appreciation of fish and wildlife and habitat among all Hoosiers.

Latest News

Regal fritillary butterfly on a common milkweed
Endangered Species Act
USFWS Proposes ESA Protections for Both Subspecies of the Regal Fritillary Butterfly
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to list both subspecies of the regal fritillary, a large butterfly, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on a review of the best available science, the Service is proposing to list the eastern regal fritillary as endangered, and the...
logo that shows a silhouette of a bighorn sheet and bird going up the side of a mountain with the text "Endangered Species Athletics"
Wildlife Wonders
Endangered Species Athletics
The premier summer sporting event of 2024 is here – the Endangered Species Athletics competition! From July 20-July 27, 2024, 16 listed species from across the United States went feather-to-fin and leaf-to-paw in four virtual events: swimming, climbing, track and strength.
a tan sea turtle lays on the sand under some grass
Endangered Species Act
Endangered Species Athletics 2024 Strength
Athletes competing in the strength event at the Endangered Species Athletics come bearing their fittest flippers, burliest trunks, tightest grips and mightiest mussels (err.. I mean muscles). They show us that strength comes in all shapes and sizes, young and old, flora and fauna. This event...
Wind turbines in northwest Indiana
Energy
Seeking public comment for Sweet Acres Wind Project Habitat Conservation Plan
We're seeking public comment on a draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment for the Sweet Acres Wind Project in White County, Indiana. The draft plan accompanies an Endangered Species Act permit application by Indiana Crossroads Wind Farm II LLC for limited, unintentional take of...
Brown and black striated freshwater mussels sitting a steel truck bed
Endangered Species Act
Draft recovery plan for four imperiled freshwater mussels
They have quirky names and are often mistaken for stones, but freshwater mussels are very much alive and perform critical ecological functions in rivers and streams. We've drafted a plan to save four imperiled mussels protected under the Endangered Species Act: the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox...
Close up photo of multiple green and brown mussels in a person's hand
Endangered Species Act
Proposal to list the salamander mussel as endangered
We're proposing to list the salamander mussel as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and are seeking public comment. The salamander mussel is a species of freshwater mussel currently found in scattered populations across 14 states from New York southwest to Arkansas. We are also proposing...
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About Us

For over 60 years, Ecological Services has protected and restored fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats. Our roots trace back to the River Basins Program that reviewed Federal water development projects. Since 1945, Ecological Services’ responsibilities have expanded to include reviews of most Federal construction projects, endangered species, environmental contaminants, and a variety of conservation partnerships and grants.

What We Do

We are responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act; evaluating the impact of environmental contaminants of fish and wildlife; ensuring fish and wildlife and their habitats are considered by federal agencies and private industry during project planning; and restoring habitat on private lands through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

Our Organization

A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA

Our Species

The Indiana Ecological Services Field Office works to recover and prevent the extinction of our nation’s most imperiled species. Indiana is home to 30 federally listed endangered, threatened, or candidate species, including the Indiana bat, piping plover, copperbelly water snake, Karner blue butterfly, fanshell mussel, and eastern prairie fringed orchid. 

Projects and Research

Get Involved

Many opportunities exist to help restore and protect wildlife and native plants in Indiana. Consider providing habitat for pollinators, bats, and other beneficial species by using native plants in your garden. Help wildlife thrive by being a responsible pet owner, gardening organically, and preventing the spread of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species .

Location and Contact Information