The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Why You Should Visit 

Shrader-Weaver Woods offers a number of sites to see: old-growth forest, floodplain, successional forest, a seep spring, an 1830's-era homestead, and one of the best wildflower displays in Indiana. Though the incredible mix of wildflowers brings quite a draw, many believe that winter is the best time to visit. No matter what time of year, Shrader-Weaver Woods is certain to please.

Location

Fayette County

Ecoregion

North Central Tillplain

Size

108 Acres

Dedicated

State Nature Preserve, 1974

Designated

National Natural Landmark, 1974

Owned & Managed By

Division of Nature Preserves

Things To Do

What to See: Plants and Animals

Spring wildflowers include Dutchman's breeches, red trillium, nodding trillium, spring beauty, blue phlox, Solomon's seal violets, doll's eyes, Mayapples, geraniums, waterleaf and many, many more...too many to count! Of course there are other plants to admire what at the preserve. Queen of the prairie is the most striking of flowers and restoration has brought back the Michigan lily, swamp goldenrod, cup plant and several species of sedge. Skunk cabbage, golden ragwort, marsh marigold, jewelweed and blue-eyed Mary cover the forest floor. Above, the canopy is created by beech, maple, tulip, black cherry, black walnut, red elm, bur oak on twenty-eight acres of old-growth forest.

Flying across the sky or nesting in a standing dead tree could be a number of different species of birds. Barred Owls, Great Crested Flycatchers and migrant species like Cerulean Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ovenbirds, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrush and Acadian Flycatchers.

Plan Your Visit

Easy to moderate terrain, two looped trails through the preserve and the beauty of nature will make for a great day of hiking. Watch out for stinging nettle, the most prominent plant in the woods during the summer months.

For More Information

Division of Nature Preserves

Directions

From Bentonville, travel east on C.R. 700 N for one mile and turn right (south) on C.R. 450 W. Travel 1.75 miles to a marked parking lot on the right hand side. 

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

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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