ACRES Hikes & Events

ACRES offers a variety of events throughout our region, all year long. Events are held rain or shine, sleet or snow. We love sharing the natural world with you in all seasons. To check the status of an event please call 260-637-2273 or email [email protected]

Please stay home if you feel ill or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

Spring Cleaning

SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2 – 4 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Multiple PreservesJoin a cleaning caravan from Hanging Rock Natural National Landmark to Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run, ending at Kokiwanee. Gloves, bags, visibility vests and snacks provided.

Conservation Ethic Discussion for ACRES Members

Of Bombs and Butterflies
Image credits: Atieh Sohrabi

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2 – 3:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | ACRES Office
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

This spring, listen to the podcast episode “Of Bombs and Butterflies” by Radiolab and read provided materials then gather with other members to share your thoughts and explore the ethics of conservation. Full list of discussion materials. 

Presented by volunteers Natasha Manor and Bridgett Hernandez. Space is limited. Contact [email protected] or 260-637-2273 for a list of discussion material, or to RSVP by March 23.

Salamander Hike for ACRES Members

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 10 – 11:30 am
WELLS COUNTY | Peace Farm, address available with RSVP

We’ll stroll through prairie and beautiful open woods, and visit with the donor of Peace Farm, Jann Prince. ACRES Stewardship Assistant Gavin King will be on hand to help us keep an eye out for salamanders.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by March 30.

Greenhurst Commons Opening Celebration

Photo by Jarrid Spicer

SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 10 – 11:30 am
DEKALB COUNTY | Greenhurst Commons
1740 North Main Street, Auburn, IN 46706

Celebrate the protection of this urban preserve in Auburn, Indiana! Land donors and members of our board and staff will briefly address guests at 10:15 am. Afterwards, take a stroll on the accessible trails.

Tai Chi & Qigong for ACRES Members

SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom & Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1992 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Follow Board Certified Tai Chi Instructor Alan Clayton through Tai Chi and Qigong practices. Learn basic exercises and postures, inviting renewal and restoration of mind and body.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by April 27.

Wildflower Hikes for ACRES Members

Hike with local wildflower enthusiasts and learn about the unique blooms that decorate our forest floor.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
NOBLE COUNTY | Edna W. Spurgeon Woodland Reserve
9478 North 600 West, Ligonier, IN 46767

Presented by volunteer Tony Fleming and ACRES Stewardship Assistant Jenna Bair. Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by May 1.

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2 – 4 pm
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY | Bock Nature Preserve, address available with RSVP

Presented by volunteer Dave Hicks and ACRES Executive Director Jason Kissel. Bock Nature Preserve is closed to the public. Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] acreslandtrust.org or 260-637-2273 by May 4.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by April 27.

Garlic Mustard Workdays

This is a great time of year to remove the easy-to-pull invasive garlic mustard weeds. Gloves, bags and light snacks provided. RSVP appreciated.

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 1 – 2:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Spring Lake Woods and Bog
12905 Lake Everett Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46818


WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 10 – 11:30 am
ALLEN COUNTY | Bicentennial Woods
340 E. Shoaff Road, Huntertown, IN 46748


WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 4 – 5:30 PM
ALLEN COUNTY | McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve
16138 Davis Road, Spencerville, IN 46788.

Tree Planting Trek

SATURDAY, May 13, 10 am – noon
WELLS COUNTY | Acres Along the Wabash
182 S.E. State Road 116, Bluffton, IN 46714

Trek through a tree planting with ACRES Project Manager Ben Taylor. Learn about ACRES reforestation efforts and how tree plantings are managed.

Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by May 11.

Kids Scavenger Hunt Hike

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 5 – 6 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve
16138 Davis Road, Spencerville, IN 46788

Explore the trails with fellow families and join a springtime scavenger hunt. All ages welcome, but plan to walk one mile. Presented by ACRES Office Manager Jenna Biggins.

Space is limited. Registration is required for all attendees: children, parents and caregivers. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by May 16

National Trails Day

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 10 am
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY | Wildwood
409 East State Road 14, Silver Lake, IN 46982

Join us on a hike through the forest, wetlands and prairie of Wildwood to celebrate National Trails Day!

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!