Hemlock Ridge

Overview

Hemlock Ridge Nature Preserve features a dramatic combination of upland forest and deep ravines carved by glaciers. Big Walnut Creek lies some 80 feet below the ridge. Crowning the bluffs are stands of Eastern hemlock, an Ice Age relic conifer surviving in Indiana on just a few bedrock bluffs. Hemlocks can live to be 800 years old and provide excellent habitat for wildlife. This is a species on the watch list in our state.

Oaks, maples, black gum, and other hardwoods turn colorful each fall, contrasting with the lacy evergreen branches. Former cropland on the property is being restored to native forest species, such as Northern red oak, black oak, burr oak, white oak, pawpaw, redbud, and shagbark hickory.

Two sensitive plant species are found here: longstalk sedge (on Indiana’s watch list) and the state-rare Wolf’s bluegrass. A small creek valley flowing into Big Walnut Creek harbors a diverse mix of spring wildflowers, including a pretty stretch of Virginia bluebells.

History of the Property

Hemlock Ridge’s first 39 acres were acquired by Central Indiana Land Trust in 2004 with the help of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, the Indiana Heritage Trust, DNR Division of Nature Preserves, Indianapolis Power and Light, and The Nature Conservancy. We purchased an additional 10 acres at Hemlock Ridge in 2008.