ACRES offers a variety of hikes and 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.
Sign up for ACRES monthly e-newsletter to learn about upcoming events.
FRIDAY, MAY 28, 7 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve, Dustin Barn
1958 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
ACRES volunteer Theresa Ransbottom will lead a chat about Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. We’ll explore excerpts from the book and discuss our own thoughts about land. Come early and hike before we settle in. Space is limited.
RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by May 26.
Author Robin Wall Kimmerer’s visit June 16-17 has been postponed. ACRES looks forward to hosting the author in 2022.
SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 3 – 4:30 pm
WELLS COUNTY | Acres Along the Wabash
182 S.E. SR 116, Bluffton, IN 46714
Join us on a hike along the ravines and bluffs of the Wabash River to celebrate Trails Day!
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by June 3.
SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2 pm
NOBLE COUNTY | Edna W. Spurgeon Woodland Reserve
9478 N. 600 W, Ligonier, IN 46767
Explore the forested ravines of Spurgeon, then join us afterwards for a “treat yourself” stop at Harry Stuff Brewing Company.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by June 11.
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 9 am
WHITLEY COUNTY | Dygert Nature Preserve
4245 N. 50 W, Columbia City, IN 46725
Get your blood pumping with a morning hike and cup of coffee! This casual hike through protected forest will be followed by a “treat yourself” stop for coffee at Brew’ha coffeehouse in Columbia City.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by June 23.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 6 pm
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY | Wildwood
409 E. SR 14, Silver Lake, IN 46982
Enjoy the final blooms of the season along trails at Wildwood. Learn how these native flowers and grasses thrive in the sun and provide a unique habitat.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by July 5.
SATURDAY, JULY 17, 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 and 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.
SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2 – 4 pm
NOBLE COUNTY | Art Hammer Wetlands
Launch address provided with RSVP
Grab a paddle and join fellow members as we explore Art Hammer Wetlands from the water. During this casual float, learn about the protected wetlands and Art Hammer’s legacy.
Limited kayak rentals available for $30 per person. Payment must be made in order to secure your spot. Cash, credit and checks accepted (pay in-person at the ACRES office or call 260-637-2273). Please send checks to PO Box 665, Huntertown, IN 46748 with “member float” on the memo line. Or feel free to bring your own canoe/kayak (just be sure to RSVP)!
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or call 260-637-2273 by July 9.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 1 – 3 pm
HILLSDALE COUNTY | Kauffman Nature Sanctuary
13127 Beecher Rd, Hudson, MI 49247
Join us in celebrating ACRES first Michigan property, Kauffman Nature Sanctuary. Acquired in winter 2019, this 78 acre preserve features wetlands, grasslands, forests and a headwater stream. Come anytime between 1 and 3 pm to chat with staff and explore a new trail system!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run
1866 E. Baumbauer Road, Wabash, IN 46992
This spectacular creek is off limits the rest of the year, so here’s your chance! Get up close and personal with minnows, pinching crayfish and fossils as you make your way through the cliffs and waterfalls of the Ross Run gorge. You’ll get wet, dirty—and inspired. Water shoes are recommended.
Presented by the Kissel family.
SUNDAY, August 15, 2 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Asherwood
7496 W. SR 124, Wabash, IN 46992
Get creative with local artist Julie Wall, owner of The HEDGE art and custom print shop. 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 August 13.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 6 – 7:30 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748
Take time this summer to read “The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative” by Florence Williams. We will gather on the deck (weather permitting) to discuss nature’s restorative benefits and share our takeaways from the book.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273 by August 25.