Conservation land trust in Michigan City, Indiana

Seven Pillars Nature Preserve, located at 3985 Mississinewa Road in Peru, Indiana, is a park managed by the ACRES Land Trust. The preserve is named after the iconic limestone pillars on the north side of the Mississinewa River, which have been shaped by centuries of erosion. Visitors can enjoy spotting bald eagles fishing along the river banks in late winter and early spring, as well as exploring the forest filled with spring wildflowers such as spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches, and squirrel corn. The land is sacred to the Miami people, and the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana still gather at the site today. ACRES Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural and working lands in northeast Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio. With the support of over 2,000 members, ACRES is able to preserve these areas and provide free public access to their trail systems, which are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Asherwood Nature Preserve, managed by ACRES Land Trust, is a beautiful park located in Wabash, Indiana. The preserve features a variety of trails that wind through wooded areas, deep ravines, wetlands, and ponds. Visitors can explore paved trails, wide flat earthen trails, and narrow winding trails that climb steep grades. In the spring, the ground is covered with vibrant wildflowers such as Mayapple, wild geranium, blue-eyed Mary, and Dutchman’s breeches. One of the highlights of Asherwood is the dense stand of towering sugar maples known as a “sugar bush.” During February, visitors may see old-fashioned metal buckets hanging on trees collecting sap, which is then boiled down in the property’s historic sugar shack to make fresh maple syrup at the end of winter.

Bicentennial Woods, located at 340 West Shoaff Road in Huntertown, Indiana, is a stunning park managed by the ACRES Land Trust. This area, known for its picturesque hills and ancient trees, was shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. The preserve's sandy hills are a result of the glacier's meltwater depositing sediment in the area. As part of the Cedar Creek Corridor, Bicentennial Woods is home to some of the largest and oldest oak, hickory, and sycamore trees in the region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of woodland birds and spring wildflowers, such as wild blue phlox and bloodroot.

Blue Cast Springs - ACRES Land Trust is a park located at 21412 Bluecast Road in Woodburn, Indiana, United States. Situated along the Maumee River, this area has a rich history of Native American settlement. The park features ravines, upland forests, and bluffs with stunning views of the river and its islands. The riverbank is home to a blue heron rookery, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings. The property was once home to a natural spring believed to have healthful properties. In the early 1900s, businessman Henry F. Schnelker purchased the land and operated a spring water bottling business with plans to open a sanitarium. Despite later owners realizing his dream, the sanitarium closed due to financial troubles in the 1920s. Visitors can still see the foundation of the old building on the property today.

Greenhurst Commons, located at 1740 North Main Street in Auburn, Indiana, is a beautiful urban preserve that was once the grounds of the former Greenhurst golf course. Thanks to the efforts of Abby and Mark Millett, along with Rick and Vicki James, this green space was saved from development and opened to the community in 2013. In 2022, they generously donated the land to ACRES Land Trust to ensure its preservation for future generations. This natural area is home to a variety of wildlife, with native habitat reclaiming the fairway. Cedar Creek runs through the preserve, which also features a serene pond. The entire trail system is paved, making it accessible for individuals using wheelchairs, bicycles, and other mobility devices.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust St. Francis Nature Preserve is a 39-acre wetland forest located at 3500 Franciscan Way in Michigan City, Indiana. This park features a 1/4-mile boardwalk trail lined with oak and maple trees, offering visitors a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience. In partnership with Franciscan Health Michigan City, the nature preserve provides a unique opportunity for healing and relaxation in nature. Visitors can learn about the history of St. Francis, the “Patron Saint of Ecology,” and the health benefits of spending time outdoors through informative signs along the trail.

Heinzerling Family Five Points Nature Preserve, managed by ACRES Land Trust, is a beautiful park located at 6800 County Road 7A in Garrett, Indiana, United States. The preserve features the scenic Black Creek, which meanders through vibrant wetlands, agriculture acreage, an oxbow stream, and a small forested wetland system. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of fall foliage and a carpet of wildflowers in the spring, including Dutchman’s breeches, wild geranium, bloodroot, and trillium. The preserve also holds historical significance, with remnants of an interurban rail line and the former Five Points School on the property. The land was originally purchased by Carl Heinzerling in the 1920s, a co-founder of the Creek Chub Bait Co. His grandchildren have worked to protect this land for future generations.

Welcome to Barker Woods Nature Preserve Nestled in the heart of Michigan City, Indiana, at 444 Barker Road, Barker Woods Nature Preserve offers a serene escape into nature amidst an urban residential setting. Established as a dedicated state nature preserve in 1975, Barker Woods is a rare urban example of an old-growth forest, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The James P. Covell Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 2727 County Road 52 in Auburn, Indiana, United States. This preserve spans 2,700 feet along Cedar Creek's west bank and was generously donated by Dr. Jack Covell to preserve his late brother's land for the local wildlife. The preserve features a variety of habitats, including 40 acres of agricultural land, 33 acres of emerging upland forest, and 23 acres of mature forested floodplain. The property is home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as wild turkeys, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, minks, otters, and more. Some of the trees in the preserve are over 150 years old.

Welcome to Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Schererville, Indiana. Located at 135 East Main Street, this remarkable preserve is one of the few remaining grasslands in the Midwest, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's natural heritage. Dedicated as both a State Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark in 1977, Hoosier Prairie is a sanctuary of ecological diversity amidst the industrial backdrop of Northwest Indiana. Spanning a rich tapestry of rolling topography and sandy soils, the preserve is home to more than 350 native plant species, including 43 that are uncommon or rarely seen in Indiana, such as the striking wild white indigo. This vibrant ecosystem supports a variety of habitats, from dry black oak barrens to wetland pools and wet prairies, all carefully conserved to maintain their natural beauty and ecological importance.

Welcome to Hoosier Prairie, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Highland, Indiana. Located at coordinates 41 522903, this exceptional park is one of the few remaining grasslands in the Midwest, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's natural heritage. Designated as both a State Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark in 1977, Hoosier Prairie is a testament to ecological diversity amidst the bustling industry of Northwest Indiana. Spanning rolling topography and sandy soils, Hoosier Prairie boasts a rich tapestry of habitats that support over 350 native plant species, including 43 that are uncommon or rarely seen in Indiana. Among these are the striking white wild indigo and other prairie treasures like Indian paintbrush and rose pogonia. The preserve is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot red-headed woodpeckers, sedge wrens, and the delicate eyed brown butterflies. Keep an eye out for the unusual reptiles and amphibians that thrive in the wet prairie "potholes."