Screenshot 2025-08-04 at 11.25.50 AM

Stoler Creek Forest

Hardinsburg, Indiana –

Stoler Creek

Restoring Native Hardwood Forests & Wildlife Habitat

Spanning nearly 788 acres, Stoler Creek features rolling hills, karst drainages, creeks, and mature woodlands. This property was acquired to restore native hardwood forests and create high-quality wildlife habitat. Former open fields have been planted with diverse hardwood species, and natural oak regeneration is already strengthening habitat for birds, mammals, and pollinators.

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Why is it

Important?

Healthy forests support wildlife, protect ecosystems, and build long-term environmental resilience.

Stewardship

Highlights

  • Ongoing assessment and follow-up forest treatments
  • Targeted control of invasive vines threatening native trees
  • Maintenance of nearly 25 miles of woodland roadways for access, monitoring, and wildfire response
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Buck Creek Forest

Elizabeth, Indiana –

Buck Creek Forest

Restoring Prairie & Supporting Natural Woodland Growth

This 230-acre conservation area restores native trees on former agricultural land while enhancing existing hardwood stands. Little Indian Creek runs through the property, featuring waterfalls, rock bluffs, creekside habitat, and wooded corridors.

Why is it

Important?

Restored forests improve water quality, stabilize creekbanks, protect soil, and support diverse wildlife.

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Stewardship

Highlights

  • Control of invasive ailanthus and princess trees
  • Roadway maintenance to support access and drainage
  • Monitoring beaver activity to balance ecosystem health
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Uplands and Grasslands Forests

Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Uplands and
Grasslands Forests

Restoring Prairie & Woodland Ecosystems

This 200-acre property is being restored from former agricultural use into native grasslands and expanding hardwood forests. It also serves as a living research site supporting studies in wildlife tracking, soil recovery, aquatic systems, and biodiversity.

Why is it

Important?

Healthy prairies and forests improve watershed function, support wildlife, and strengthen ecosystem resilience - benefits that extend beyond this single landscape.

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Stewardship

Highlights

  • Increasing biodiversity in native grasslands
  • Promoting natural woodland succession
  • Reducing invasive species in restored fields
Pink flowering clusters with yellow-and-black swallowtail butterflies perched on the blooms in a sunny garden backdrop.

Little Indian Creek Forest

Floyds Knobs, Indiana –

Little Indian Creek Headwaters Forest

Restoring Native Hardwood Forests & Wildlife Habitat

This 250-acre conservation area focuses on reestablishing native prairie and supporting natural hardwood regeneration. The property also functions as an informal research site, offering insight into habitat recovery and ecosystem health.

Why is it

Important?

Native prairies and regenerating forests protect watersheds, stabilize soils, and provide essential wildlife habitat.

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Stewardship

Highlights

  • Wildlife census and monitoring
  • Research on surface water and aquatic systems
  • Habitat restoration for declining species
  • Soil health assessment and restoration