ACRES Hikes & Events

In addition to providing more than 70 miles of trails open dawn to dusk, ACRES offers a variety of hikes & events throughout our region, all year long.

ACRES events are held rain or shine, sleet or snow. We love sharing the natural world with you in all seasons.

Members-only Asherwood Maple Syrup Making and Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, March 16, 9 am – noon
WABASH COUNTY | Asherwood Environmental Center
7496 W SR 124, Wabash, IN 46992

Can you smell the warm pancakes and fresh-made syrup? Feel the cool, crisp air of the winter woods on your cheek? It’s sugar bush season! You’re invited to breakfast and a guided tour of ACRES’ maple sugaring operation. Presented by Jason Kissel.

No reservations required. $5/person, children under 5 free. Come early or stay late and explore this incredible place that your membership helps protect.

Members-only visit to Peace Farm

Friday, March 29, 1 – 3 pm
WELLS COUNTY | Peace Farm (closed preserve; RSVP for address)

Here’s your chance to visit a closed preserve! We’ll stroll through prairie and beautiful open woods, and visit with the donor of Peace Farm, Jann Prince. Our pal Betsy from Little River Wetlands Project will be on hand to help us keep an eye out for salamanders.

Space is limited. RSVP for location to [email protected] or 260-637-2273.

Share the Trails Hike

Saturday, April 6, 10 am
STEUBEN COUNTY | Robb Hidden Canyon
425 Lane 201, Ball Lake, Hamilton, IN 46742

Beautiful in all seasons, this preserve’s spectacular hidden canyon offers a changing wildflower display. What will be blooming in early April?

Space is limited. RSVP by April 3 to: [email protected] or 260-637-2273.

Share the Trails Hikes are free to the public, donations encouraged. These
casual, non-interpretive, volunteer-led hikes are easy-going social walks, welcoming new folks to the trails and to ACRES.

Watershed Presentation & Hike

Co-hosted by Ecosystems Connections Institute and Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District

Saturday, April 13, 10 am – noon
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY | Wildwood
409 E SR 14, Silver Lake, IN 46982

Enjoy a brief slideshow on watersheds, then explore the watershed boundary line between Nelson and Swank creeks. We hope it will be raining! Cookout afterwards.
Presented by Casey Jones.

Listening Session | ACRES 2020

Thursday, April 18, 5:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, Indiana 46748

Bring your ideas, concerns, questions, suggestions and direction to help inform ACRES’ next strategic plan, launching in 2020. Hosted by Jason Kissel and Steve Hammer, board chair.

To see clearly, we need to hear from you:
“Have you ever considered…?”
“I wish ACRES would do more…”
“I have an idea…”
“Is it possible you could do more of…if you did…?”
“What if…?”

ACRES wants to hear from you about what potential you see in our work. It’s difficult for us to view our work with fresh eyes. Our current strategic plan challenges us to question everything. Your feedback and questions help us see our work anew and generate opportunities and solutions.

You can submit questions in advance or participate solely by email:
[email protected].

Wing Haven Adopt-a-Tree Spring Festival

Saturday, April 20, 1 – 4 pm
STEUBEN COUNTY | Wing Haven
180 W 400 N, Angola, IN 46703

Celebrate the wonders of Wing Haven! Explore the preserve, visit the former studio of land donor and working artist Helen Swenson and view our newest 200 Year Ecological Reflections art by Hannah Burnworth.

Members-only Wildflower Hike

Bring a friend!

Saturday, April 27, 10 am
NOBLE COUNTY | Edna W. Spurgeon Woodland Reserve
9478 N 600 W, Ligonier, IN 46767

Explore 65 acres of state-dedicated nature preserve to learn about a variety of spring wildflowers. This is a great way to introduce others to ACRES, so don’t forget to bring a friend!

Hosted by Tony Fleming and John J. Smith.

RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273.