INPAWS Hike: Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve April 13

Saturday, April 13, 2013       10:00 am-12:30 pm EDT

Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve, Fayette County, Indiana     View full hike report

Leader: Brent Smith, Professor of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond IN.

Trail Conditions:  An easy 2-mile trail on flat to gently rolling topography

What To See:  Shrader-Weaver is quite a spectacular place.  The total acreage is about 100 acres containing an old-growth upland stand, a younger forest and a mature swamp forest.  There are a LOT of big trees in the upland and lowland stands, with one of the largest populations of old-growth black walnuts to be found anywhere.  The spring ephemerals are really spectacular there, and, with a little luck, will be near or at peak bloom at just this time!

Directions:  The forest is located in northwest Fayette County near the village of Bentonville (northwest of Connersville).  From Bentonville, drive 1 mile east on Country Road 700N, then 1.75 miles south on CR450W.  If coming from State Hwy 1– the nearest main highway to the preserve — turn west onto Bentonville Road (well marked turnoff from Hwy 1 is approx.7 miles north of downtown Connersville or 8 miles south of I-70). Travel for about 4.5 miles to CR450W, then 1.75 miles south.  The preserve will be on your right and has a parking lot. 

Questions?  Contact Brent Smith by email (brents@earlham.edu) or phone (765) 983-1457.  No RSVP required.  We will hike rain or shine.