Why The Springtime Is Ideal For Fieldwork From Metric’s Natural Resources Team
Spring serves as a critical window for wetland delineations because it coincides with the beginning of the growing season, otherwise known as “leaf-out” and “green-up.” During this period, some environmental indicators are highly visible, and hydrology, the most temporary of the three mandatory wetland parameters (Hydrophytic Vegetation, Hydric Soil, and Hydrology) is at its peak. As snowmelt and seasonal rains fill depressional areas and raise water tables, Metric’s field crews can more easily identify primary markers such as surface ponding, saturated soils, drift lines, and water-stained leaves. Performing this work in the spring allows our scientists to distinguish between wetlands and upland sites before warmer temperatures cause excessive drying or dense summer overgrowth obscures the landscape. This ensures accurate boundary mapping for regulatory compliance with agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
Metric field scientists navigate saturated terrain to evaluate soil and vegetation indicators as well. They look for early emerging hydrophytic plants, such as skunk cabbage, blue flag iris, cattail, marsh marigold, sedges, and rushes, while monitoring phenological cues like t
ree bud bursts. To confirm the presence of hydric soils, our field scientists perform soil test pits to identify clues that indicate anaerobic conditions. They look for distinct sulfurous scents and visual “mottling”. Mottling in the form of gleying (bluish-grey, greenish, or pale color) or redoximorphic concentrations (orange color patterns caused by oxidation and reduction of iron and manganese during wetting and drying cycles) are wetland indicators which signify prolonged saturation. Despite the physical challenges of unpredictable rains, muddy traverses, and the early arrival of ticks, the easy identification of these indicators is unmatched during the spring thaw.
Beyond identifying soil and plant life, spring fieldwork is essential for verifying the presence of vernal pools and the breeding amphibians that inhabit them. Metric field scientists use GPS and flagging to precisely mark boundaries, providing crucial data early in the project planning process. This proactive approach identifies potential development constraints and ensures adherence to environmental regulations before significant construction begins. By documenting how water interacts with topography and biology during this high-water period, Metric Environmental can provide the most defensible data for their clients and regulatory agencies alike. To keep your project on track and ensure all state and federal waterway protections are addressed, please reach out to Amy Noel, PWS (amyn@metricenv.com) with the Metric Natural Resources Team for professional assistance with your project’s waterway concerns.
Indiana Bats Emerge
In addition to w
etlands, the spring “active season” for Indiana’s bat populations presents a high-stakes timeline for project managers and developers. Beginning April 1, as temperatures rise and insect activity resumes, at least 13 documented species—including the federally endangered Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, and the proposed endangered tricolored bat—emerge from winter hibernation. During this critical window, bats transition to summer roosts, forming maternity colonies under exfoliating tree bark or within human-made structures like bridges and culverts. Because this period marks the onset of breeding and foraging, strict federal and state laws are triggered to restrict tree clearing and construction impacts, making early spring the most strategic time to conduct thorough habitat investigations.
Taking advantage of spring investigations allows for the identification of active roosting sites before
project schedules are derailed by seasonal restrictions. Since bats frequently utilize bridges, buildings, and culverts as stable day roosts or migratory stopovers, conducting structural inspections early in the active season provides immediate clarity on occupancy. Identifying the presence of protected species during the spring “green-up” ensures that any necessary coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is initiated before peak summer activity, preventing costly mid-season work stoppages or environmental non-compliance.
Metric’s Natural Resources Team is specifically trained to navigate these seasonal complexities, offering specialized investigations of both timbered habitats and man-made structures. By deploying experts early in the spring, we help you determine bat usage and habitat suitability while the active season is still in its infancy. To keep your project on track and ensure all federal wildlife protections are addressed, please reach out to Jason Damm, MS, CWB, CSP, ASHM (jasond@metricenv.com) for professional assistance with your project’s bat-related concerns.
Natural Resources Highlight
The Natural Resources Team has extensive project experience evaluating sites for potential environmental impacts to wetlands, waterways, and wildlife. With a diverse natural resources staff with backgrounds in wetland and stream assessment and mitigation, wildlife management, and natural habitat mitigation and management, we assist our clients with understanding and complying with State and Federal Clean Water Act regulations concerning impacts to Waters of the U.S./Waters of the State and in the protection of other precious natural resources.
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Celebrating 10 Years In Business
On April 4, Metric Environmental proudly marks 10 years in business, celebrating a decade defined by purpose, perseverance, and people. The name Metric reflects our founding vision: to establish a set standard against which environmental consulting can be measured. From the beginning, our mission has guided us to ethically perform exemplary environmental consulting services that challenge our people, enhance our communities, and inspire those who work with us.
What began in 2016 with 11 professionals has grown into a multidisciplinary firm of more than 55 employees, offering expanded service lines including Health & Safety, Cultural Resource Management, Stormwater Services, Urban Forestry, and enhanced Industrial Hygiene expertise. Over the past decade, Metric has expanded geographically into Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania while diversifying its client base across public, private, and federal sectors. Our people have worked hard to earn a reputation for being responsive and trusted consultants known for quality deliverables and exceptional client service.
Our success is rooted in our people. We are proud of a team that embodies our core values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence along with a deep commitment to community, diversity, and environmental stewardship. We are equally grateful to our clients, who place their trust in us every day, and to the partners and mentors who have guided and supported our journey. Together, these relationships have enabled Metric to contribute to transformative projects, invest in future professionals through internships and professional development, and give back through community outreach efforts.
Reaching 10 years is no small achievement. It is a testament to resilience, shared values, and the confidence our clients and communities have placed in us.
As we celebrate this milestone with an anniversary open house at our Indianapolis headquarters, we do so with gratitude for the past. It is coupled with an excitement for what lies ahead with continued growth, increasingly complex and meaningful projects, and a sustainable future for our employees and their families.
The next chapter begins with the same commitment that started it all: to serve well, lead with integrity, and “Be That Good”.
