Natural area protection in 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.

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.

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.

Sodalis Nature Park, located at 7700 South County Road 975 East in Plainfield, Indiana, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers over 3.5 miles of nature trails, picnic areas, and a 5.5-acre pond. The park is named after the endangered Indiana bat and is managed by the Town of Plainfield, which recently took over operations from Hendricks County Parks. The park was developed in 2010 under a lease arrangement with the Indianapolis International Airport and features amenities such as a park shelter, wildlife viewing platform, and fishing pier. The Town of Plainfield purchased the park land in 2018 as part of a larger acquisition from the airport.

Fern Cliff Nature Preserve is a stunning natural site located in Greencastle, Indiana, United States. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1980, this park is a popular tourist attraction known for its steep sandstone cliffs, lush wooded ravines, and abundant ferns and bryophytes. The preserve is a botanist's paradise, with rare plant species and unique vegetation. Managed by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with other organizations, Fern Cliff aims to protect native plant species from invasive threats like autumn olive. Visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, and bird watching on the preserve's moderate to rugged terrain. Rock climbing and rappelling are not allowed, but the diverse flora and fauna make for a rewarding outdoor experience.

Fred & Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve, located at Observatory Road in Martinsville, Indiana, is a stunning park and tourist attraction that is part of the Long Ridge conservation area. Visitors can enjoy a dramatic hike through steep slopes, ridges, and valleys in a large forest block that is unbroken by roads. The forest interior habitat is home to rare native species such as hooded and worm-eating warblers, Eastern box turtle, and the state-endangered cerulean warbler. The preserve features plants that are characteristic of the acidic, sharply drained soil of the ridges, including chestnut oak, black oak, pignut hickory, greenbriar, and star chickweed. In the protected ravines, visitors can find American beech, red oak, white ash, painted sedge, yellow trout lily, and bloodroot. This special property was made possible by a generous donation from Bob Meyer and his family, with additional support from the Indiana Heritage Trust. The preserve is dedicated to Fred Meyer, who played a key role in establishing the state's first dedicated nature preserve in 1969. The original 14 acres known as Shalom Woods was donated by the Cohen family in the 1990s.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Nature Conservancy, located at 5885 Wulfman Road Southeast, Laconia, Indiana, United States, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural environment in Indiana. With over 100,000 acres already protected, the institution is committed to engaging more people, impacting more places, and building partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for the state. By focusing on protecting, restoring, and managing priority properties, The Nature Conservancy aims to safeguard the diverse habitats and species that call Indiana home. Recognizing the importance of healthy soil as the foundation for food and water, The Nature Conservancy is working to educate Hoosiers about the vital role of nature in their lives. Through transformative action and conservation efforts, the institution is striving to create a low-carbon future and protect the environment on a global scale.

Welcome to Thousand Acre Woods Nature Preserve Nestled in the heart of Daviess County, Indiana, Thousand Acre Woods Nature Preserve is a breathtaking sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and wildlife alike. Located at County Road 300 East, Washington, Indiana 47501, this remarkable park offers visitors a chance to explore one of the rarest and most beautiful ecosystems in the state.

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 Ivanhoe North Nature Preserve Nestled in the heart of Gary, Indiana, on Hobart Street, the Ivanhoe North Nature Preserve offers a rare glimpse into a globally unique natural community known as "dune and swale." This remarkable landscape, formed thousands of years ago when ancient glacial Lake Chicago receded, features a series of linear sandy beach ridges interspersed with narrow wetlands. This distinctive topography, reminiscent of the rings of a tree, can be seen extending inland from the shores of Lake Michigan in aerial photographs from the early 1930s.

Discover Goose Pond Cypress Slough Nature Preserve Welcome to Goose Pond Cypress Slough Nature Preserve, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Posey County, Indiana. Located on Indian Mound Road in Mount Vernon, this enchanting park offers a rare glimpse of the Deep South right here in southwestern Indiana. Dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1995, Goose Pond is a unique ecosystem featuring a series of small sloughs that stretch along the Ohio River floodplain.

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.

Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 3019 Tunnel Mill Road in Charlestown, Indiana, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a chance to explore nature at its finest, with winding trails, lush forests, and an abundance of wildlife to admire. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike or a scenic spot for a picnic, Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the serenity and beauty of this hidden gem in Indiana.

The Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve, located on West Taylor Street in Chesterton, Indiana, is a peaceful park that offers a haven for wetland-loving creatures and plants. Surrounded by an Interstate highway, railroad tracks, and the Little Calumet River, the preserve has been protected from development and invasive species. The park features upland forest, steep ravines, and a half-mile frontage along the river. The floodplain forest includes oxbows from the river's original course, and in spring, the slopes of the ravines are covered in woodland wildflowers. Visitors can access the preserve via a parking lot off Taylor St., which leads to a launch site for paddlers and a loop trail along the river's edge. The Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve is a hidden gem on the north side of Chesterton, offering a tranquil escape into nature.

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 Hilltop Farm Nature Preserve, a serene 119-acre park nestled at 28796-28976 Stout Road, West Harrison, Indiana. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this enchanting preserve invites visitors to explore its natural beauty along two distinct trails. The Upper Loop meanders through a picturesque woodland, showcasing native trees like spicebush, shagbark hickory, white oak, and black walnut. This 1.3-mile round trip offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Meanwhile, the Lower Loop encircles a vibrant meadow, where summer wildflowers provide nourishment and shelter for songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This trail offers a slightly longer adventure, with a 1.6-mile round trip.

The Healthy Rivers Initiative: Sugar Creek Conservation Area is a beautiful park and zoo located at 830 Bloomingdale Road in Montezuma, Indiana, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Sugar Creek and its surrounding environment. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, flowing rivers, and diverse wildlife that call this conservation area home. With educational programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibits, this institution is a great destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come experience the beauty and serenity of the Healthy Rivers Initiative: Sugar Creek Conservation Area today!

Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 8825 River Road in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. As part of the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI), this preserve is dedicated to protecting the natural areas of Central Indiana, ensuring that plants and animals can thrive for generations to come. Founded by Ellen Jacquart in 1990, CILTI has been a pioneer in land conservation efforts in the region. Visitors to Oliver's Woods can experience the wonder of the state's natural heritage through various activities such as preserve cleanups and garlic mustard pulls. Join the White River Steward and White River Docents for a cleanup event on April 10th, or participate in garlic mustard pulls at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County on April 11th and Betley Woods at Glacier's End on April 16th.

Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve - Old 45 Trailhead is a part of Sycamore Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting land, restoring habitat, and connecting people to nature in southern Indiana. Located at Old State Road 45 in Nashville, Indiana, this park offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. At the preserve, visitors can hike through the 11,418 acres of protected land, discover new habitats, and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. With over 30 miles of trails on 13 preserves for free public use, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the region.

The Wabash River Conservation Area is a beautiful park and zoo located at 7450 Indiana 163 in Rosedale, Indiana, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the Wabash River region. Visitors can explore the lush forests, scenic trails, and diverse habitats while observing a variety of animals in their natural environment. The Wabash River Conservation Area is a perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking to enjoy a day of outdoor adventure and education.

The Round Lake Wetland Conservation Area & Nature Preserve is a serene and beautiful park located in Knox, Indiana, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving the natural wetland habitats and wildlife that call this area home. Visitors can explore the lush trails, observe a variety of bird species, and learn about the importance of wetland conservation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an educational experience, the Round Lake Wetland Conservation Area & Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

The Center Lake Wetland Conservation Area is a beautiful park located in Warsaw, Indiana, United States. This conservation area is dedicated to preserving and protecting the wetland ecosystem surrounding Center Lake. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, bird watching, and peaceful views of the natural surroundings. The park is a great place to learn about wetland conservation and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems. Come explore the Center Lake Wetland Conservation Area and experience the beauty of nature in the heart of Indiana.

Morgan Bluff Wildlife Management Area, located in Lyons, Indiana, United States, is a park and zoo that offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities on its 9,098 acres of prairie and marsh habitat. The property is always open, but some activities may have specific open times, especially if there is a draw, so visitors are advised to call the property for any questions. The Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area within the institution sees about 12,000 wildlife watchers and 3,500 hunting efforts annually. The area features a new office and Visitor’s Center with a panoramic observation deck, interpretive displays, and staff. The building, opened in 2016, is sustainable and energy-efficient, with a geothermal system for heating and cooling.

Welcome to the Galena Wetland Conservation Area, a serene and picturesque park nestled in the heart of La Porte, Indiana. Located at La Porte, Indiana 46350, this beautiful conservation area offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of wetland ecosystems. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Galena Wetland Conservation Area provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our park is dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity and delicate balance of wetland habitats. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along well-maintained trails, where they can observe a variety of native plants and wildlife, including numerous bird species that call the wetlands home. The area is also an ideal spot for photography, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Green's Bluff Trail Head is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at County Road 75 East in Spencer, Indiana, United States. The institution has undergone great improvements, with new trails and interpretive signage added to enhance visitor enjoyment. Thanks to a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, a second trail and ten acres of pollinator habitat have been created at the preserve. Visitors can explore the North Loop Trail, a 1.2-mile moderate loop trail through the northern section of Green’s Bluff, or the Raccoon Woods Trail, a 1.4-mile moderate loop trail through the newer southern section. Both trails offer opportunities to spot migrating birds, admire colorful leaves, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.