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Places We Protect

Mossy Point

Indiana

Sugar Creek at Mossy Point
Mossy Point Nature Preserve Located in Parke County, Indiana. © Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc.

Mossy Point features high ridges interspersed with sandy ravines and views of Sugar Creek.

Viewing

Overview

Description

Why You Should Visit

Dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 2005, Mossy Point in Parke County is an ecologically-varied landscape characterized by high-and-dry ridges, deep ravines covered by lush canopy and views of beautiful Sugar Creek. Measuring nearly a mile, the extensive Sugar Creek frontage provides excellent habitat along the riparian corridor for edge-sensitive forest interior species as the site is completely wooded with an unbroken forest canopy. By some accounts, this area is the most ecological varied land between the Wabash River and Turkey Run.

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing/has Done

The Nature Conservancy along with a coalition of organizations worked hard to protect the land from 1976 through 2004. Around 2005, The Nature Conservancy acquired additional tracts of land and transferred the land to the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR continues stewardship work that will increase the ecological diversity of the preserve.

Mossy Point is owned and managed by Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. Work is done in partnership with Indiana Heritage Trust, Sycamore Trails Resources Conservation and Development Council, and The Lilly Co. Employee Fund.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Size

191 acres

Explore our work in this region

What to See: Plants and Animals

Completely wooded with an unbroken forest canopy of mixed ravine species, including American beech, white ash, sugar maple, tulip tree, and red oak. Soft maples, black walnut, and green ash can be seen on the floodplain forest. White oak and shagbark hickory on the high and mature stands of eastern hemlock shade unusual plant species like partridgeberry, witch hazel, and ginseng.

Several vulnerable species of breeding birds can be seen at Mossy Point. Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Kentucky Warbler all make their home here. Bald Eagles can be found roosting along the creek while Spotted Sandpipers may be seen tail-bobbing their way down over the flats.

The moderate to rugged terrain and lack of established trails will make for an adventuresome hike, but the sights will make the work all worth it.

For More Information

Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc.