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.
(Formerly called Wayne Township Property)
Thursday, September 12, 9 – 11 am
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY | Eastlake
3010 Frontage Rd, Warsaw, IN 46580
Join ACRES Land Management Director Casey Jones for a casual one-hour hike through the wetlands and remnant prairie of Eastlake, a property closed to the public.
This incredible place features several acres of what may be the easternmost expanse of original Midwest prairie grassland. For years, area botanists and prairie conservationists have collected the seeds of the native tall prairie dock, goldenrod and bush clover on the property. Visitors will explore this place following a few years of restoration work.
Visitors will be hiking off trail. Dress for wetland conditions and getting into dense plant life in spots.
Afterwards, tag along on a “treat yourself” stop at Light Rail Cafe. Hike will begin at Hansen Skating Center where parking is available.
Sunday, September 29, 2 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Mary Thornton Nature Preserve
1541 E. 300 N., Wabash, IN 46992
Hanging on a tree since spring, each leaf has faced countless attacks from weather, insects, disease and animals We’ll wander the beautiful oak-hickory woods of Mary Thornton Preserve, focusing on leaf damage, guessing the culprit, and searching for the elusive undamaged leaf.
Presented by the Kissel family.
Saturday, October 5, 10 am
ALLEN COUNTY | Blue Cast Springs
21412 Bluecast Road, Woodburn, IN 46797
Join ACRES volunteers on a causal hike on relatively flat terrain, with views of the bluffs and ravines of Blue Cast Springs on the Maumee River.
This preserve tells local history, too. Blue Cast Springs was once the site of a flowing mineral spring. In the early 1900’s, this water was bottled and sold by Blue Cast Company up until the 1950’s, proclaiming health benefits. Following success of the mineral water, a sanitarium was built here – you can see the building’s foundation today.
Participants will also be able to follow up on ACRES’ Bicentennial Tree Planting. In 2016, volunteers helped plant 200 native hardwood trees and ACRES hired a contractor to reforest 36 acres of cropland with 20,000 more. Come see for yourself how this reforestation is faring.
Free to the public, donations encouraged.
Thursday, October 10, 6 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | ACRES Office at Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
ACRES Governance Committee Chair, David Van Gilder, and Jason Kissel will explain proposed governance changes, listen to feedback, and answer questions. Proposed governance changes can be reviewed at acreslandtrust.org/governance.
Saturday, October 19, 10 am – noon
ALLEN COUNTY | ACRES Office at Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
Come discover the Cedar Creek Corridor for yourself!
At 10 am, gather in the ACRES Office to learn more about our work protecting the Corridor with a presentation by board member and volunteer David Van Guilder. Afterwards, enjoy hiking and exploring the corridor and creek on site and at nearby preserves.
Learn more about this place: cedarcreek.acreslandtrust.org
Free and open to the public. Light snacks provided.
Sunday, October 20, 1 – 4 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve, Dustin Barn and ACRES Office
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
Parking and activities at the Dustin Barn, located east of the main drive
Read more about the event: acreslandtrust.org/annualpicnic
Fun for all ages! ACRES members, celebrate the land you love and help protect! Members gather once a year for a state-of-the-organization update and to celebrate protecting local land. Picnic meal is optional, food by Feders Meats and beer by Upland Brewing.
Meal and meeting at 1 pm, activities to follow. Picnic, $10*/person, children 10 and under free. Register here to attend. Or, call the ACRES office at (260) 637-2273 or stop by at 1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748 by Wednesday, October 9. Tickets for picnic meal only. All members welcome to member meeting at no charge.
Friday Evening, October 25 – Sunday Morning, October 27
WABASH COUNTY | Asherwood
7496 W. SR 124, Wabash, IN 4699
Enjoy this rare opportunity to tent camp in an ACRES preserve!
Registration required and a $20 fee per campsite (up to two tents and six people). Registration will close after 10 campsites have been reserved. Reservation and more information available at acreslandtrust.org/camp.
Grassy campsites, water, and shared fire are available. Unlimited hot dogs and buns, and pancake & sausage breakfasts both days are provided. Restrooms and electricity are available in the Asherwood Environmental Center. No showers.
Saturday, October 26, 1 – 4 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Emanuel M. Popp Nature Preserve
12129 Tonkel Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
This old-growth forest is only open once a year! Enjoy campfire hot dogs, refreshments, cabin tours and hiking through the woods of Popp Nature Preserve.
Presented by Larry Biggerstaff, Popp caretaker.
Saturday, November 2, 10:30 am – 12 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
Invest some sweat equity on the land you love: help fight autumn olive! Tools and gloves will be available, but feel free to bring your own. Bathrooms and refreshments available at the ACRES office located on the preserve.
Sunday, November 17, 1 – 4 pm
STEUBEN COUNTY | Wing Haven
180 W. 400 N, Angola, IN 46703
Calling kids of all ages! Working with local artist Jerrod Tobias, make a nature-themed creation; assemble a make-your-own trail mix, and explore this beautiful preserve on a guided hike at 3 pm. Enclosed outhouse-style restroom available.
Sunday, November 17, 12 – 5 pm
HUNTINGTON & WABASH COUNTIES — RSVP for starting location
ACRES volunteers Janelle and Larry will keep the hiking pace swift! Fuel up your vehicle and join in this fast-walking six-mile grand tour with built-in breaks as you are caravaning from preserve to preserve. Restrooms available at Asherwood.
Concludes with sunset views of the Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa Landmark. Other preserve visits: Kokiwanee, Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run, Asherwood and Pehkokia Woods.
Space is limited. For starting location and other information, RSVP to [email protected] or (260)-637-2273 by November 13.
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!
Featured Preserve
Blue Cast Springs
By the Numbers
50+
trail systems, open dawn to dusk
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Heather DeLorenzo
