Nature Preserves
(MCC Owned Land)
Open to the public? YES! Open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.
SRNP was our first owned property and will be our first public nature preserve. 1.5 miles of improved gravel and natural surface natural trails meander through 26 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows. You'll also find beautiful design and interpretive signage featuring local artists and artisans throughout. Foot traffic only. Dogs by permit only. Open dawn to dusk. Click the link for complete rules and regulations and other information about this site. Learn more here.
Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Open to the public? Not yet...but it will be one day with your help.
Blue Heron Nature Preserve was purchased in January 2024 thanks to a grant award from the IN DNR's Next Level Conservation Trust and the hard work of our community that supported the purchase of Sargent Road Nature Park (which was used as match for this grant). First steps for this property will include some intensive restoration of an invasive species infested young forest which makes up ~6 acres of the 12 acre site. The remaining 6 acres includes relatively high-quality and old growth bottomland forest, backing up to Mud Creek. Eventually, a small parking area and nature trails will welcome users to enjoy this nature preserve.
Sargent Barn Nature Preserve
MCC’s second owned and managed nature preserve. While there are no plans for this preserve to be open to the public in the near future (due to several factors), we are grateful and excited to become good stewards of this habitat and historic structure. Our plan for this property include enhancing the 2.5 acres of high-quality riparian forest through invasive species removal, completing a native meadow restoration of the nearly 5 acre fallow field and working with interested community members to preserve the structural integrity and cultural heritage of the 110 year old Sargent Barn (built in 1913 by the Sargent family). The 7.2 acre parcel sits just south of 86th Street on Sargent Rd. The barn will become more visible from the road as we work to eradicate invasive species such as bush honeysuckle from the preserve.
This property has been protected by MCC via conservation easement since 1996 and was donated outright in April 2023. We are excited to lead the restoration of this land to allow it to reach its greatest ecological potential.
86th Street nature Preserve
MCC’s third owned and managed nature preserve. While there are no plans for this preserve to be open to the public in the near future (due to several factors, primarily lack of access), we are grateful and excited to become good stewards of this habitat. Our plan for this property include enhancing the 2.7 acres of high-quality upland forest and 2 acres of mature bottomland forest through invasive species removal and surveillance. The nearly 3 acres of young floodplain forest and wetland habitat that make up the remainder of the parcel is in need of invasive removal and provides an opportunity for wetland restoration. With nearly 1,400 ft of Mud Creek frontage and 5 acres of floodplain, ensuring these forests are at their best will provide watershed-wide benefits and amazing wildlife habitat.
This property has been protected by MCC via conservation easement since 2007 and was donated outright in August 2023. We are excited to foster the restoration and protection of this land to allow it to reach its greatest ecological potential.