You’ll miss it if you don’t slow down. Burnett Woods Nature Preserve is a dedicated nature preserve located in Hendricks County.
“Really high quality in a really urban area” is how Phillip Weldy describes the woodland retreat. Weldy is a Stewardship Specialist with the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI).
“Soak in the layers. Appreciate the trees.” Weldy begins a visit with, “Let’s see where it takes us,” leading hikers onto one of the two trails.
Rich Woodlands
Trilliums and spicebush are nestled under a diverse canopy of, among others, tulip poplar, beech, oak and sugar maple trees. Long-term stewardship includes plantings of oak and hickory trees to compliment what’s already in the woods.
“You can find a lot of beauty in the small stuff,” Weldy says. In spring, wildflowers carpet the forest floor. The trails meander through level ground, crossing several small streams. The high-quality canopy provides cool shade on hot summer days. No matter the season, these woods are a calm respite in the nearby urban setting.
Burnett Woods Nature Preserve was the first public nature preserve in Hendricks County. Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. was able to acquire the 80-acre parcel in 1998.
Parking is available next to the preserve at Light and Life Church, 8253 E. County Road 100 South. Park near the road and walk on the sidewalk to the trailhead, which is behind the preserve sign. Because of the parking situation, CILTI requests no visitation on Sunday mornings.
