By Shawndra Miller / Communications manager, Central Indiana Land Trust
Eager for the colors and sounds of spring after a long winter? Consider exploring Burnett Woods Nature Preserve, where wildflowers blanket the forest floor in April and May, and birdsong can be heard from the treetops.
Last year, our publicly accessible nature preserves saw record levels of visitation – and that is a trend we hope continues, whether in guided hikes or independently. At Burnett Woods, you can take an easy walk through mature woodlands and find wildflowers like wild geranium, woodland phlox and trillium. Under the tall trees – oaks, beeches, hickories, tulip poplars and many others – look for native understory shrubs such as pawpaw and spicebush.
With two marked loop trails over level ground, this state-dedicated nature preserve offers a great outing for families with young children.
Preserve parking is at Light and Life Methodist Church, which abuts the property. Park behind the church and walk southeast across the grass toward the road. The trailhead is near the road. Note: Because of the parking situation, we request no visitation on Sunday mornings.
If you prefer a guided nature walk, go to conservingindiana.org/events to sign up for our Saturday, April 24, morning tour of this lovely woodland.
Burnett Woods was the first public nature preserve in Hendricks County. It is one of five places featured in our Trek Our Trails Challenge, which encourages nature-lovers to explore our most popular nature preserves between now and Black Friday.
To enter, simply take a photo of yourself and companions at the preserve trailhead or sign, then post to social media with hashtags #cilti #trekourtrails2021 (or send it to smiller@conservingindiana.org). Find details on the participating preserves at our website. Trek all five to receive a gift and be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Headquartered on the Old Northside, the Central Indiana Land Trust stewards nature preserves throughout the central third of the state. We strive to make our preserves welcoming to all. More: conservingindiana.org.
PHOTO ABOVE: There is no shortage of spring colors to be found in Burnett Woods.
