Federal Wetlands Reserve and Indiana Classified Forest

16 of Amish Acres 80 acres have been set aside for a Federal Wetlands Reserve and Indiana Classified Forest. The reserve, half woods and half low land featuring two ponds, is available for trail hiking and bird watching. A nature trail through the woods is surrounded by hard and soft maple, sycamore, second-growth poplar, oak and native shrubbery. Wild turkeys have already taken up residence in the newly formed conservation area and migratory birds will soon find the specially designed ponds in the area.

The area became available for restoration as eighty year old aerial photographs proved the land had been tilled at one time. “The Wetland Reserve is central to Amish Acres mission of preservation and education. We can learn much from the conservation and reverence for the land that is central to Amish society,” said Richard Pletcher, CEO and founder of the historic farm and heritage resort. “Putting this land into a conservation easement in perpetuity, further underscores Amish Acres commitment of its mission to many future generations,” added Pletcher.

More than 11,000 of America’s private landowners have voluntarily enrolled over 2.6 million acres into the federal Wetlands Reserve Program. Amish Acres reserve also qualifies it as an Indiana nature preserve. Over 60,000 acres on more than 650 easements are presently being protected by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Access and guide maps will be available to all visitors to Amish Acres historic area. 

The area becomes complementary to Amish Acres preserved features that include the restored root cellar, lye kiln, rain barrels, food drying house, blacksmith scrap pile, kitchen garden, ice house, mint still and maple sugar camp that all harbor stories of being in harmony with nature.

The area is open during Amish Acres regular hours and accessible through the guided tour of the historic farm. Visit AmishAcres.com for more information.