Allen County, IN
For decades, ACRES Land Trust has supported willing landowners in protecting the Cedar Creek Corridor, a twenty-mile stretch of the creek from Auburn, Indiana, to its terminus into the St. Joseph River near Leo-Cedarville, Indiana.
Our office, housed in the former home of founders Tom and Jane Dustin, overlooks the creek from an 80-foot ravine in northern Allen County. This unique natural feature represents one of only three rivers designated in Indiana's Natural, Scenic and Recreational River System under the 1973 Act.
"We only defend what we love, and we only love what we know. Learning to know a place, whether a backyard or a watershed . . . is an endless challenge, therefore an endless source of delight."
— Scott Russell Sanders, Wild & Scenic Indiana
Allen County's largest remaining forested corridor provides critical habitat for rare species including yellow lady's slipper orchids, bobcats, river otters, and a great blue heron rookery with 75+ active nests.
Cedar Creek occupies a tunnel valley—a deep, gorge-like canyon carved by glacial meltwater flowing under pressure beneath ancient ice sheets. This dramatic 80-foot-deep valley creates stunning vistas and unique microclimates.
Ten miles of hiking trails connect residents to nature through eight accessible preserves. Future trail connectivity will create a unique backcountry hiking experience linking to downtown Fort Wayne via the Pufferbelly Trail.
Four decades of community-driven land protection
ACRES helped Cedar Creek earn designation under Indiana's Natural, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act, protecting 13.7 miles of the creek's floodway.
ACRES protected the first 11 acres within the corridor, beginning a multi-decade effort to preserve this critical natural area.
Member support enabled ACRES to acquire 503 additional acres worth over $4.5 million, dramatically expanding protected land in the corridor.
ACRES planted nearly 100,000 native hardwood trees across 165 acres, restoring former farmland to forest habitat within the corridor.
Over 1,500 acres permanently protected by ACRES, with an additional 500+ acres protected by partners. The vision continues to grow.
Eight preserves with trails open to the public from dawn to dusk, every day
Home to ACRES headquarters, this 80-acre preserve features dramatic ravine overlooks and the iconic Lanham's Promontory.
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Diverse habitats including forest, wetland, and remnant prairie along the creek corridor.
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A peaceful loop trail through mature forest, perfect for a quick nature escape.
Visit Page →The Cedar Creek Corridor supports exceptional biological diversity
Cypripedium parviflorum
Rare native orchid blooming in small clumps throughout the corridor in spring.
Penstemon canescens
Beautiful tubular flowers attracting native pollinators in early summer.
Zizia aurea
Important host plant for black swallowtail butterflies.
Ardea herodias
Active rookery with 75+ nests, protected on ACRES land.
Lontra canadensis
Returned to Cedar Creek after decades of absence, a sign of improving water quality.
Lynx rufus
Elusive predator requiring large, connected forest habitat.
Dense forest along the creek banks providing wildlife corridors and water quality protection.
Mature oak-hickory forests on the ravine slopes and uplands.
Seasonal and permanent wetlands supporting amphibians, waterfowl, and unique plant communities.
Rare remnant prairie habitats on south-facing slopes.
Their persistence and determination saved natural places in Indiana and across the nation.
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Geologist Tony Fleming explains the dramatic landscape carved by glacial meltwater.
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ACRES reforested 106 acres in the corridor, restoring former farmland to forest.
Read Story →Explore 10 miles of trails across 8 preserves, from easy strolls to challenging ravine hikes.
Find TrailsCanoe or kayak through the scenic corridor. Multiple access points available.
Learn MoreGuided hikes, volunteer days, and educational programs throughout the year.
See EventsHelp care for Cedar Creek through trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and more.
Get InvolvedProtecting Cedar Creek requires collaboration across organizations
Your support makes permanent protection possible. Every acre protected contributes to a healthier, more resilient natural corridor for wildlife and our community.