Beanblossom Bottoms

Why You Should Visit
This unique hardwood wetland is home to at least fifteen different endangered or threatened plant and animal species. Bird watching is also a popular activity at the Bottoms.

Location
Monroe County

Ecoregion
Interior Low Plateau

Size
515 Acres

Owned & Managed By
Sycamore Land Trust and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Partners 
Indiana Heritage Trust 

How to Prepare for Your Visit
The trail is moderate to rugged with spring rains or wet periods limiting access to the hardwood forest. Floods in the area will make the preserve inaccessible. 

Directions
From the north side of Bloomington, take Kisner Pike north (turns into Bottom Road after crossing S.R. 37). After Bottom Road separates from C.R. 100 W, go roughly 0.7 mile to the first parking lot (on the left). You will pass Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge - Restle Unit. To access the second parking lot, continue driving on Bottom Road and turn left on Woodall Road. Go 1.3 miles to the parking on (on the left).

What to See: Plants and Animals
Keep on eye out for unusal and rare species like the endangered Kirtland's Snake and Northern Crawfish frog.  Numerous bird species such as the Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Barn Owl or Henslow's Sparrow also can be observed at the preserve.

Conservation Efforts that have been Done
The Sycamore Land Trust has made efforts in building a two-mile interpretive trail and boardwalk for visitors to explore the wetland more easily, especially when rains can make the preserves inaccessible during wet seasons.

For More Information
The Sycamore Land Trust