Big Walnut Nature Preserve
Description
The Big Walnut Preserve's 2,400 acres contain many separate land parcels with disparate identities and ownerships. The Nature Conservancy manages most of the northern half of the preserve, and IDNR manages most of the southern half.
Historically an oak-hickory forest, after many generations of human fire suppression Big Walnut Preserve has moved towards a maple-beech identity. The ongoing spread of Beech bark disease further compromises this identity. The Nature Conservancy has stated that, as part of the restoration of this National Natural Landmark, they and IDNR have planted more than 125,000 seedlings of red oak, shellbark hickory, and black walnut throughout the complex.
A 1.9-mile trail and parking lot serve a 245-acre unit of the Big Walnut complex.
References
- ^ "Places We Protect: Big Walnut, Indiana". Nature Conservancy. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
- ^ "Big Walnut Nature Preserve" (PDF). www.in.gov. Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
high quality forests with towering hardwoods