The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing/has Done

Through constructive partnering, the Conservancy and DNP have produced effective management and reforestation efforts in Big Walnut Preserve. Over the past three years, the effort to preserve several thousand contiguous acres of protected interior forests has been applied by planting thousands of tree seedlings in old fields and pastures. Both the Conservancy and DNP staff, along with scores of volunteers, have planted more than 125,000 red oak, shellbark hickory, and black walnut seedlings throughout 180 acres of Big Walnut Preserve. Also, recent land acquisitions have helped to protect local plants, animals, and natural communities, which in return help to maintain the water quality of Big Walnut Creek.

With DNP managing most of the southern portion and the Conservancy working primarily in the north, both organizations have proved that they can successfully collaborate their efforts to manage the site and maximize the integrity of the entire preserve.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants and Animals

With beautiful, virgin, glacial-relic stands of eastern hemlock and Canada yew flourishing on cool, north facing slopes, it’s no surprise that this area was designated as a national natural landmark in 1968. Exceptionally large trees, including the largest known hemlock trees in Indiana, are scattered across the preserve along with one of the few remaining stands of a beech, sugar maple, tulip, poplar climax forest growing in west central Indiana.

Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers including spring beauties, anemones, Virginia bluebells and large-flowered trilliums, and the emergence of Cerulean/Worm-eating/Hooded Warblers and Great Blue Herons. The rare-plant seekers won't be disappointed at Big Walnut either; eastern hemlock, Canada hew, Clinton's woodfern, Goldie's fern and bristly sarsaparilla among other uncommon plants can be found this amazing preserve.

Plan Your Visit

A one-mile loop trail through a portion of the northern part of Big Walnut was completed in the summer of 2002. It is a moderate hike on the Tall Timbers Trail, but be careful as it is often wet. Parking is available at the trailhead. For more information please consult the Conservancy’s Preserves Visitation Guidelines.

For More Information

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Nature Preserves

Directions

Take U.S. 36 two miles west of Groveland to County Rd. 500E. Turn right (north) and continue for one mile to County Rd. 800N. Turn right (east), then take the first left, and continue for one mile until you reach the "T" intersection (County Rd. 900N). Turn left (west), go approximately 0.8 miles (you will pass Coffman Cemetery) until you see the small parking area on your left.

Discussion

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Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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