Ecosystem preservation in Indiana

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.

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.

The Nonie Werbe Krauss Preserve, located on Eller Road in Fishers, Indiana, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction alongside the White River. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of summer wildflowers, prairie plants, and oak savanna, as well as bottomland forest along the river. The preserve was restored in 2008 with the planting of over 19,000 trees, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem. Birdwatchers may hear the calls of grasshopper sparrows and willow flycatchers in the preserve, which also serves as an outdoor educational laboratory for Riverside Middle School students. The property was purchased with White River Restoration Trust funds and renamed in honor of Nonie Werbe Krauss, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the Central Indiana Land Trust.

Moraine Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Valparaiso, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a chance to explore and connect with nature in a serene and peaceful setting. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and diverse wildlife, Moraine Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hike, bird watch, or simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, this institution provides a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come visit Moraine Nature Preserve and experience the beauty and tranquility of the great outdoors.

Baintertown Dam ‒ River Preserve County Park is a picturesque park located in Goshen, Indiana, United States. This beautiful park offers a tranquil setting along the river, with stunning views of the Baintertown Dam. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking in this serene environment. The park is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to unwind and connect with nature. With its peaceful surroundings and recreational activities, Baintertown Dam ‒ River Preserve County Park is a must-visit destination for residents and tourists alike.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located at 600 Lindenwood Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This beautiful preserve offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with winding trails through lush forests, tranquil ponds, and vibrant meadows. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. With its diverse ecosystem and stunning natural beauty, Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a true gem in the heart of Fort Wayne.

Vandolah Nature Preserve, managed by the ACRES Land Trust, is a peaceful oasis located at 16151 Tother Road in Indiana, United States. Despite the constant hum of Interstate 69 nearby, this preserve offers a glimpse into the region's natural beauty before development took over. Originally owned by James and Rebecca Vandolah in the 19th century, the preserve's woodlands and wetlands have been preserved for future generations to enjoy. Thanks to a generous gift from their great-grandson, Barney Stellhorn, the land is now protected by ACRES Land Trust.

Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem located in Michigan City, Indiana. This Indiana state nature preserve is a sanctuary for a variety of plant and animal species, including rare club mosses, colorful mushrooms, salamanders, migratory birds, and hooting owls. With vernal pools, rivulets, and woodland ponds, the preserve comes alive in early spring with a chorus of calling frogs. This unique boreal flatwoods natural community is home to at least 39 state-listed plant species and many others considered rare in the region. Visitors can explore the preserve's trails and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The main parking lot is conveniently located on Meer Road, with additional parking available at the northern trailhead on Freyer Road. Come discover the wonders of Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve and experience the magic of the great outdoors.

Located in Gary, Indiana, United States, the Little Calumet River Prairie and Wetlands Nature Preserve is a park adjacent to the Indiana University Northwest campus. Spanning 11 acres, this preserve features prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats that aim to restore ecological diversity to the area. Originally home to the meandering Little Calumet River, the site has been straightened and filled in over time, but efforts are underway to bring back over 250 native plant species. Led by Dr. Spencer Cortwright, stewardship efforts include herbicide application, seeding, plug transplanting, and prescribed fires. The goal is to not only preserve the natural beauty of the area but also to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

Welcome to the Gordon & Faith Greiner Nature Preserve, a hidden gem nestled at 200 North Liverpool Road, Hobart, Indiana. This enchanting park offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse natural communities that define northwestern Indiana's landscape. From open sandy dunes and oak savannas to fens, wet woods, swamps, and prairies, each step reveals a new and vibrant ecosystem teeming with native plants and wildlife. The preserve's southern area, once used for agriculture, is now undergoing a beautiful transformation back to its prairie roots. Meanwhile, the northern section hosts fens, a rare type of wetland sustained by year-round groundwater. Here, visitors can admire a lush plant community, including sedges, wildflowers, and even rare species like poison sumac.

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.

Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located at West 1100 North in Wheatfield, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore a diverse range of natural habitats, including savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and picturesque setting. Stoutsburg Savanna Nature Preserve is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

The John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Portage, Indiana, United States. This serene preserve offers visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, with lush greenery, peaceful walking trails, and diverse wildlife to observe. Named after the renowned botanist John Merle Coulter, this preserve is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic, the John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination in Indiana.

Pine Hills Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at Indiana 234 in Waveland, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of natural habitats, including rugged limestone cliffs, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. With its breathtaking views and abundant wildlife, Pine Hills Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this hidden gem in Indiana is sure to leave you awe-inspired.

Crooked Lake Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1040 East 700 North in Columbia City, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the area, with hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and serene lake views. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature or a fun day out with the family, Crooked Lake Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and experience the beauty of this hidden gem in Indiana!

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.

Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 8001-8499 North 250 West in Bryant, Indiana, United States. This peaceful sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the marshland, with its diverse plant and animal life. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or simply taking in the serene surroundings, Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the tranquility and wonder of this hidden gem in Indiana.

Coffee Creek Preserve is a picturesque park located at 2401 Village Point in Chesterton, Indiana. This beautiful natural sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 150 acres of pristine land, including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and serene setting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a place to connect with the great outdoors, Coffee Creek Preserve is the perfect destination.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 50840 County Line Road in New Carlisle, Indiana. This stunning natural oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and peaceful picnicking areas throughout the preserve. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Spicer Lake Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the natural world.

Marott Woods Nature Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 7350 North College Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. This serene oasis offers visitors the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With winding trails, lush greenery, and peaceful surroundings, Marott Woods Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for a relaxing stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem is sure to enchant and rejuvenate all who visit.

Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6801 Engle Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. This 716-acre preserve offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, with miles of hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of wetlands and wildlife. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems and habitats, including forests, prairies, and marshes, while learning about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a chance to connect with the great outdoors, Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for all ages.

Eagles Crest Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with lush greenery, winding trails, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the majestic eagles that give the park its name. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and serene setting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or an adventure-filled outing, Eagles Crest Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Big Walnut Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 9498 North Co Road 425 East in Bainbridge, Indiana, United States. This large forest is home to a diverse range of plant life and has been designated as a National Natural Landmark since 1968. Co-managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Nature Preserves (DNP), the preserve spans over 2,400 acres and plays a crucial role in protecting local plants, animals, and natural communities. Visitors can explore the preserve through a variety of trails, including the Tall Timbers Trail, Doyle Trail, and Rayfield Trail. The Tall Timbers Trail offers breathtaking views and a moderate 2.8-mile loop hike, while the Doyle Trail features a 1.3-mile loop through tree plantations. The Rayfield Trail is an easy 2-mile out-and-back route that ends with a beautiful view of Big Walnut Creek.

Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, located at 109 West 700 North in Valparaiso, Indiana, is a beautiful park featuring a variety of natural landscapes including woods, wetlands, streams, and prairie areas. Visitors can explore three small streams that wind through deep ravines, as well as admire the abundance of spring wildflowers that bloom on the slopes in April and May. The preserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching year-round. Additionally, a reforestation project is underway to restore former agricultural fields to their original moraine forest habitat. With a paved parking lot and easily accessible trailheads, Meadowbrook Nature Preserve is a peaceful escape for nature lovers in the Valparaiso area.

Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve, located at 8484 South Ketcham Road in Bloomington, Indiana, is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts in the Hoosier State. Featuring a 75-foot high limestone bluff and gnarled red cedars clinging to cliffs, this preserve showcases species adaptation and survival in a harsh environment. The stunning views and challenging terrain make it a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers alike. Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, Cedar Bluffs offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse ecosystem and learn about the importance of conservation efforts. Visitors must use the marked access trail from Ketcham Road to enter the preserve and are reminded to stay on designated paths to protect the native vegetation. With its rich biodiversity and geological history, Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Welcome to Elliott Woods State Nature Preserve, a serene oasis nestled at South Trueblood Place in Terre Haute, Indiana. This enchanting park and tourist attraction offers a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Spanning lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Elliott Woods invites visitors to explore its scenic trails, vibrant wildlife, and tranquil picnic areas. Whether you're seeking a peaceful hike, a day of birdwatching, or a picturesque spot for a family picnic, Elliott Woods State Nature Preserve provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its commitment to preserving natural beauty and promoting environmental education, the preserve is a cherished community resource that inspires visitors to connect with nature.

Welcome to Black Rock Nature Preserve, a hidden gem located at 11598 East 350 North, Otterbein, Indiana. Nestled in the heart of Warren County, this unique park offers a rare glimpse into Indiana's north central region's natural beauty. Managed by the NICHES Land Trust, Black Rock Nature Preserve boasts stunning siltstone glades and sandstone outcroppings, surrounded by delicate wildflowers that make this habitat truly one-of-a-kind. Originally gifted to NICHES by The Nature Conservancy of Indiana in 1999 and dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 2002, Black Rock is a testament to conservation and ecological stewardship. NICHES, in collaboration with the Indiana Heritage Trust and Division of Nature Preserves, is committed to preserving this pristine environment by monitoring and removing invasive species and allowing farmed fields to revert to their natural state.

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.

Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 58111 Crumstown Highway in South Bend, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore nature at its finest, with lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors, Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in South Bend.

Twin Swamps Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located on Raben Road in Mount Vernon, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore lush wetlands, marshes, and diverse wildlife habitats. With miles of scenic trails, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The preserve is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings of the swamps. Come discover the beauty and tranquility of Twin Swamps Nature Preserve today!