Spring

HUNTERTOWN, Ind., May 15, 2019 – This spring, ACRES Land Trust reforested 106 acres of marginal farmland, planting 55,000 native hardwood saplings on three of its regional nature preserves, setting a new pace in the nonprofit’s land management. Since 2016, the nonprofit has reforested 165 acres, planting nearly 100,000 trees on six preserves during a …

In the fall, helicopter sugar maple seeds brush your face as they spiral downward towards leaf-covered ground. “Sticktight” beggars cling to your clothes as you explore an ACRES preserve near you. These seeds are the result of a partnership that has remained intact without a legal contract for millions of years … a partnership between …

Scarlet Tanager photo by Dave Fox The registration deadline is swiftly approaching for ACRES Land Trust’s 2nd Annual Bird Blitz, to be held June 3-9. ACRES Land Trust welcomes backyard bird-watchers and avid birders alike to register by May 18 to participate at acreslandtrust.org/birdblitz. This year, to encourage new birdwatchers, ACRES partnered with regional Audubon …

A stunningly unique habitat of native, endangered species flourishes on ACRES Land Trust’s recent acquisition eight miles southeast of LaGrange. The 102-acre Grass Lake property contains a marl prairie – an unusual mix of acid-hungry plants and basic soil-loving plants growing heartily atop the limestone-rich sand and gravel. Some say the marl is almost 30 …

Bloodroot by Shane Perfect The curtain is going up on the greatest show on earth. Its nature’s display of spring wildflowers. And we have ringside seats, because the most beautiful display of spring wildflowers in the world is found in the American Midwest. Actually the curtain parted over a month ago, but few people recognized …

Greetings, fine-feathered friends, Many thanks to the 76 volunteer bird-counters who put in hard work and had fun identifying birds for the first annual ACRES Bird Blitz! 76 of you went out there to tiptoe through 35 different ACRES properties, binoculars and field guides in hand. Jabin Burnworth, Manchester Junior-Senior High School biology teacher, left, and …

What wildlife returns to spring woodlands and wetlands? by Fred Wooley As days lengthen and air warms, wildlife react to internal clocks triggering seasonal changes in their behavior. Most animals not migrating to warmer climates stay active in our ACRES preserves. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, deer, fox, rabbits, weasels (the list is long!) hole up or hunker down on only brutal …

You’re invited: Gather friends and family: We’re playing in the woods! All Ages Preserve Play Day Sunday, May 7, 1 – 4 pm ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve 1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748 You’re welcome to drop in at anytime. The Play Day is an open house. Play on preserve trails on your own or join some activities: …

Members*, celebrate your results! ACRES’ spring member events are as varied as the habitats we protect together. In support of your shared values and in honor of your commitment to keeping our local wild places wild, you’re invited to participate in unique seasonal outings. Get together with your fellow members, break bread and enjoy the …

While spring has not yet officially sprung, the preserves are already increasingly active. Spring wildflowers are beginning to bloom and wildlife is returning. As hikers do the same, they’re capturing images and video of the hullabaloo. Enjoy these sights and sounds of early March from ACRES preserves across our region. This slideshow requires JavaScript.   …