ACRES Land Trust

08/26/2026

We’re so thankful for the generous support of Robert Dietrick Company, Inc. through its RDC Cares Fund, whose sponsorship helped make our 2026 Intern Program a success!

This summer, four college students spent time in the field alongside our stewardship team, restoring habitat, controlling invasive species, and caring for the natural lands that make our region so special. RDC's investment helps ensure that the next generation of conservation professionals gets the hands-on experience they need to build lasting careers protecting places like these.

Thank you, RDC, for your commitment to the land and to the future of conservation in northern Indiana!

08/17/2026

New Sticker Available Now!

Our wetlands are some of the rarest habitats in the region, and now you can carry a piece of them with you.

The new Wetland Plants sticker features pitcher plants, flowers, and a small butterfly, all drawn from a 1968 ACRES Quarterly illustration and given new life in watercolor. It's a small reminder of the wetland communities ACRES works to protect every day.

Grab your sticker (and maybe a hat or shirt) today: https://acreslandtrust.shop/

08/11/2026

Did you know that each season we host a variety of events to connect you with nature and other nature enthusiasts? A few events have filled up, so don't wait too long to grab your spot.

At the end of this month is our Year of Water Weekend, where you can spend a weekend with fellow water-lovers at Asherwood. There will be hikes, field excursions, hands-on workshops and good company.

To see the full lineup and details for all events:
https://acreslandtrust.org/participate/events/

08/06/2026

💪Teamwork in action!

Recently, George, preserve steward at Evelyn and Wendell Dygert Nature Preserve - ACRES Land Trust, spent time showing our crew how to build a boardwalk that will last. He even bought all the supplies himself and had everything pre-cut and ready to go before everyone arrived.

This is the kind of stewardship we strive for at ACRES. Staff, interns, and volunteers learning side by side, passing skills down the line. Thank you, George, for the time, the materials, and the patience.

08/05/2026

ACRES Land Trust protects the natural areas across northeast Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio: the wetlands, woods, and prairies that make this region home.

None of it happens by accident. It happens because people choose to act. Members. Volunteers. People who gave their land rather than sell it.

You can be part of that story. A gift today helps protect the next acre.

Donate Today: https://acreslandtrust.donorsupport.co/page/DonateNow

07/29/2026

We're excited to spend some time with conservation partners at Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy and their Knee-High Naturalists program this Friday!

Meet us at the Clear Lake Lutheran Church Pavilion this Friday for our final Knee-High Naturalists program of 2026! 🐸

ACRES Land Trust will join us as we enjoy a scavenger hunt and guided hike at Waterfield Preserve. Discover the plants and wildlife that call this preserve home while working together to complete the challenge. 🔍🌱

07/29/2026

What a night for moth night!

Thank you to everyone who came out with us to spot nocturnal moths along the trails. A huge thank you also goes to moth expert Jim Bess, who joined our team to help identify the incredible variety of flying visitors that showed up. Your knowledge made the evening even better, Jim!

If you missed it (or can't get enough), you're in luck. We're hosting a Pop-Up Moth Night this Friday, July 31, from 9:30 to 11:00 pm at the ACRES Land Trust Office (1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown).

ACRES staff will be on hand to help identify whatever flies in. There will also be coloring pages and a small craft for families.

This is an open house-style event, so stop in for as long as you're able. Bring a flashlight, insect ID books, or a magnifying glass if you have them. Restrooms are available on site.

Are you curious enough to see what flies in after dark? Join us on Friday!

07/22/2026

Recently, we gathered on site with tribal members of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana, members of our board and staff, and the design team from Flat Land Resources to begin dreaming about the future of Seven Pillars, meeting on Miami land across the river, with an inspiring view of the pillars themselves.

Chief Brian Buchanan opened with a blessing, and from there, we spent the afternoon sharing challenges, hopes, and the personal impact the pillars have had on everyone who gathered. The conversation was thoughtful and moving, and a meaningful step toward the long-term improvements we've been promising.

Seven Pillars is sacred to the Miami people and is geologically unique in our region. Together with MNI, we want to shape a future for this site that lets visitors experience its beauty and honors its deep cultural and geological importance.

This is just the start of a long process. We'll continue to share updates as plans take shape.

To learn more and follow our progress, visit: https://f.mtr.cool/bjsumsfdnh

07/20/2026

An update on Seven Pillars.

Recently, a portion of the formation gave way, and there's now debris at the base. Seven Pillars was shaped by erosion, and erosion continues to shape it today. That's part of what makes this place remarkable, and part of why it deserves care.

The best way to help this place is to give it space. Foot traffic and climbing around an unstable area do more harm than the erosion itself. Climbing on the pillars is not permitted.

A few practical updates: We worked with the Miami County Highway Department to put up temporary barriers at the pull-offs along S Frances Slocum Trail Road, above the pillars. A permanent solution is underway. Parking is no longer available off S Frances Slocum Trail Road. Please use the Mississinewa Road parking lot instead.

You may also remember the cable and the purple paint (marking "no trespassing"). That barrier is still in place, and we're asking everyone to stay behind it as we work toward a meaningful way for folks to experience the pillars while honoring their cultural and geological significance.

Seven Pillars has stood for generations. Together, let’s make sure it stands for many more. Thank you for helping us protect it.

To stay up to date on the latest news regarding the Seven Pillars site enhancements, visit: https://f.mtr.cool/qrpvqlycha

07/17/2026

Recently, we joined ACRES members Eric and Patrick as they spent the morning testing rivers across LaGrange County with the SWCD Water Quality Monitoring Program.

This is a part of what caring for local waterways looks like up close.

Thanks to Eric, Patrick, and everyone who shows up to do this kind of quiet work.

In August, you’ll also learn about how Eric cares for Fawn River Nature Preserve and even have the opportunity to learn from both Eric and Pat with an upcoming water monitoring demo event! Details coming in the fall Quarterly arriving next month!