New Trails at Kankakee Sands

The Nature Conservancy has been restoring its Kankakee Sands property for well over a decade, and thanks to three trails through the property, the public can view progress and enjoy the sights and sounds of the prairie.

The three new trails were revealed to the public at a Trail Opening Ceremony that took place on September 27. Staff and volunteers were on hand to give guided tours and discuss the changes that land has gone through over the years. For those that missed the event - don't worry - the trails are opened to the public year-round.  From farmland to restored prairie, it certainly is a sight to see.

Kankakee Sands Project Director Chip O'Leary addressing the crowd at the opening . 

“At Kankakee Sands, we are working hard to provide numerous plant and animal species the habitat they need in order to survive,” said Chip O’Leary, Project Director. “We encourage residents of Newton County, and all of Indiana, to visit the new trails and see how well these species are responding to our restoration work.

Trailhead Location:

The trailhead for the Unit K Trail can be found at the Kankakee Sands Project Office at 3294 N U.S. 41 in Morocco, Indiana.

Unit K Trailhead festively decorated for the opening.

The Unit B Trail is a mile east of CR 200 W on CR 600 N.

The Conrad Station Trail begins at  the parking area on CR 725 N (at the bend of the road almost .05 miles east of U.S. 41).

Memorial Rock found on the Unit K Trail.