By Shawndra Miller, Communications director, Central Indiana Land Trust
A natural process of change is coming to the Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve – with a boost from the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc.
This spring, Land Trust planted approximately 16,000 trees in the northern part of the preserve that area residents prize for its mix of woodland and prairie. Tree species included swamp white, bur, chinkapin, white, and red oak, as well as black cherry and shagbark hickory.
While this change could seem dramatic, it aligns with the ongoing evolution of natural spaces. Ultimately, the tree-planting will return the property to the way it was before being cleared for farming decades ago.
Located along the White River at the southwest corner of Eller Road and 116th Street in Fishers, the preserve includes two miles of paths with views of glorious summer wildflowers in season, and a mix of prairie plants and oak savanna. Access will not be affected by these changes.
After purchasing the property in 2006, the land trust planted trees along the river to recreate the bottomland forest that was originally there for thousands of years. Now that forest is growing and home to a variety of bird species, including willow flycatchers, which the Audubon Society lists as declining.
The organization is continuing this reforestation process with the latest plantings. It will take time to see any change because of the slow growth of the trees. But within the next five to 10 years, a floodplain forest will replace the prairie plants, providing habitat for a range of native flora and fauna and helping to mitigate downstream flooding. Ironically, the tree planting was delayed by recent floods.
The preserve is open to the public. Parking is available in the parking lot located behind Riverside Middle School (10910 Eller Road) after 4 p.m. on weekdays and anytime during weekends. Park by the tennis courts and walk north to find a grassy lane into the preserve.
Headquartered in the Old Northside, Central Indiana Land Trust partners with conservation organizations statewide to preserve the best of Indiana’s natural areas, protecting plants and animals, so Hoosiers can experience the wonder of the state’s natural heritage. Find hiking destinations at conservingindiana.org.
