In addition to providing more than 50 trail systems 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.

UPDATE:

The health and safety of our ACRES family is paramount, as is the public health of our communities.

Social distancing (keeping at least 6-feet of distance between individuals at all times) will be implemented at all events. PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL ILL or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19

Please check this page or contact the ACRES office to check the status of an event:
260-637-2273
[email protected]

The ACRES office will be open in a limited capacity. Staff will be on hand to assist you from 9 am to 4 pm. Please wear a mask to enter the office. We have some available for use if you need one.

Maps and water will be left outside the door. If you’re stopping by to make a donation or purchase merchandise, please ring the doorbell and someone will come out to help you.

  • PLEASE STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL ILL or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • Practice social distancing, keeping at least 6-feet of distance between individuals at all times
  • Please wear a mask while inside the office

Thanks to member support, our trail systems remain open 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk, at no charge. It’s no secret that spending time in nature benefits us both physically and emotionally. Feeling cooped up and stressed out? Find fresh air, peace and renewal at an ACRES preserve near you. 

New Member Open House

Saturday, January 16, 1 – 2:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Are you new to ACRES? Welcome! Meet other new members and longtime volunteers while learning how your membership protects land. Hear ACRES history, updates on new projects, and get answers to your questions: How do we acquire new land? How will we protect it forever?

Refreshments and light snacks provided.

FULL: (RSVP) Art Workshop for ACRES Members

Sunday, January 24, 2 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Asherwood
7496 W. SR 124, Wabash, IN 46992

Get creative with local artist Julie Wall, owner of The Hedge art studio in Fort Wayne. Learn to bookbind your own nature notebook using the Japanese stab binding method. Each participant can create two hand-bound books using different patterns and colors.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by January 22.

FULL: (RSVP) Snow Moon Shadow Hike

Saturday, January 30, 6:30 pm
STEUBEN COUNTY | Wing Haven
180 W 400 N, Angola, IN 46703

Take to the trails under a Full Snow Moon and enjoy shadow play across hilly topography. If it’s cloudy, bring a flashlight to make your own shadows. Meet in the studio for hot cider and cocoa before we venture out.

Presented by Shane Perfect, Wing Haven Caretaker.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by January 28.

(RSVP) World Wetlands Day Hike

Tuesday, February 2, 9 – 10 am 
ALLEN COUNTY |  Mengerson Nature Reserve
5895 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Celebrate World Wetlands Day on the trails! Join us on a casual hike to learn about how this urban preserve absorbs stormwater runoff and provides a sanctuary for plants and animals. The trails at this forested wetland are often muddy, please dress appropriately.  

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by February 1. 

Find more World Wetland Day activities

Creek Stomp: Winter Edition

Saturday, February 6, 1 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run
1866 E. Baumbauer Road, Wabash, IN 46992

Ross Run in winter is spectacular! 20’ icicles, frozen waterfalls, and fossils. Come see what you’ve been missing! Depending on weather, we’ll be walking either through frigid water or on ice. Choose your footwear carefully and consider bringing dry shoes and socks for after.

Presented by the Kissel Family.

(RSVP) Swift Hike & Bald Eagle Watch

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2 pm
WABASH & MIAMI COUNTY
Addresses available with RSVP

Caravan along with us to three southern ACRES preserves. Take a quick hike at each preserve to watch for Bald Eagles soaring along the ravines and waterways.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call
260-637-2273 by February 19.

(RSVP) Asherwood Maple Syrup & Pancake Breakfast for Members

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 9 am – noon
WABASH COUNTY | Asherwood Environmental Center
7496 W SR 124, Wabash, IN 46992

It’s sugar bush season! You’re invited to breakfast and a guided tour of ACRES maple sugaring operation. Come early or stay late to explore the trails.
$5/person, children under 5 free.

Presented by Grady Stout, Asherwood caretaker; Jason Kissel, executive director; and ACRES volunteers.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by March 11.

In addition to our public hikes & events, we also offer guided hikes and presentations to private groups. From youth groups, to senior clubs, we’d love to share the trails and our story with you and your group!