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.

Share the Trails Hikes

Saturday, December 1, 10 am

LAGRANGE COUNTY | Fawn River Nature Preserve
Just west of 10100 E. 800 N, Orland, IN 46776

Share the Trails hikes are non-interpretive walks in ACRES preserves. These casual, easy-going, social outings welcome new folks to the trails and to ACRES. Free to the public, donations encouraged.

First Hikes

Tuesday, January 1
Celebrate the New Year with an exhilarating hike (or two)—and cocoa!

First Hike, Allen County
1 pm | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve, ACRES Office
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

We’ll share the trails and warm-up in the beautiful ACRES office.

First Hike, Steuben County
4 pm | Wing Haven, Studio Cabin
180 W. 400 N, Angola, IN 46703

Let’s hike, then gather ’round the wood-burning stove in Helen Swenson’s former studio cabin.

World Wetlands Day

Saturday, February 2, 10 am
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Part of a community-wide celebration of wetlands with conservation partners Allen County Parks, Fort Wayne Parks, Little River Wetlands Project and Purdue Fort Wayne’s Environmental Resource Center. Presented by Jason Kissel and Share the Trails volunteers.

Bald Eagles and Frozen Waterfalls — Miami and Wabash County Wonders

For a few weeks a year, up to 100 Bald Eagles roost near our preserves in Wabash and Miami counties. Trek these spectacular places, taking in frozen waterfalls and geologic formations, watching eagles hunt the rivers all day and fly in and out to roost. Wander on your own, or join us for these two Miami and Wabash County-themed hikes:

Java Jaunt

Wednesday, February 13, 10 am
MIAMI COUNTY | Seven Pillars Nature Preserve
3555 E. Mississinewa Road, Peru, IN 46970

Followed by “treat yourself” stop for coffee at Modoc’s in Wabash.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to [email protected] to attend.

Bald Eagles and Frozen Waterfalls Brrrisk Hike

This event is full. ACRES is accepting RSVPs for the wait list only.

Saturday, February 16, 2 – 6 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Kokiwanee
5825 E. 50 S, Lagro, IN 46941

Then to Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run, Asherwood and Seven Pillars Nature Preserve

We’ve expanded last year’s most popular Swift Hike! Stop for a restroom break and to warm up with cocoa at Asherwood, then head up the road to spot Bald Eagles and hike. ACRES volunteer Janelle hosts these fast-paced multi-preserve hikes as an introduction to the preserves. This will be a fast, challenging walk; you are welcome to drop to your own pace and leave the caravan as needed.

Are you ready to get moving? Space is limited. RSVP by February 14 to [email protected] or at 260.637.2273.

Preserve Work Days

Saturday, December 1, 9:30 am – noon
ALLEN COUNTY | Founders Forest Expansion
Meet at: Bicentennial Woods, 340 E. Shoaff Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Join land management specialists Matt Dunno and Evan Hill to remove piles of debris—tires, appliances—from a new, closed preserve. Meet at Bicentennial Woods for directions to the closed property.

Saturday, December 8, 8:40 am – 1 pm
MIAMI COUNTY | Walter H. and E. Marie Myers Nature Preserve on Flowers Creek— a closed preserve
2610 East Chili Mill Road, Denver, IN 46926

Will you help remove tires from this beautiful place? The day begins with a full country breakfast at 8:40 am in the 1900s farmhouse, lovingly restored by land donors Dana (Myers) and Duane Davis; the homestead belonged to the Myers family for over a century. RSVP by December 5 to Casey Jones at [email protected] or to the ACRES office at 260.637.2273.

Members-only Tai Chi

Saturday, January 12, 10 am
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Tai Chi instructor Hitomi Griswold will lead you through this gentle, energizing practice in the beautiful setting of the Dustin home. All levels welcome. Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected] or 260-637-2273.

Members-only Book Club Round-robin

Friday, January 18, 6 pm
ALLEN COUNTY | Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

Bring your favorite nature book(s) to share while gathered ’round the fire. We’ll introduce our titles in fast, enticing two-minute snippets. Depending on attendance, you may only have time for one book. What will you share?

Creek Stop—Winter Edition

Saturday, January 26, 2 pm
WABASH COUNTY | Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run
1866 E. Baumbauer Road, Wabash, IN 46992

During the winter months, this active creek reveals a whole new batch of discoveries: 20-foot icicles, frozen waterfalls and fossils. Come see what you’ve been missing! Weather depending, we’ll either be walking through frigid water or on ice—waterproof boots suggested. Regardless, you’ll be cold, wet and captivated. Presented by the Kissel Family.

Members-only “Lay of the Land” Discussion

Saturday, February 23, 2 pm
HUNTINGTON COUNTY | Location TBA, register to be notified

ACRES members, gather with fellow land-lovers to discuss ACRES’ work protecting this area and the ancient bank f the Wabash River. Much new land has been acquired recently and it’s a great time to review the area. Presented by Jason Kissel.

Space is limited. RSVP for location by February 20 to: [email protected] or 260-637-2273

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 Bill Harmsen and 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.

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!