Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow

Overview

The Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow offers a quiet refuge for humans and wildlife. Blossom Hollow is part of a large unbroken hardwood forest block, habitat that is key for migratory birds and forest interior nesting birds. On its ridges, mature white and red oaks cling to slopes covered with ferns and wildflowers. In the creek valley below, the bedrock is dotted with granite chunks—evidence of the glaciers that once covered these hills.

When walking the trail at Blossom Hollow, listen for the fluting of the wood thrush. You might also hear the voices of two birds considered rare in Indiana: worm-eating and hooded warblers. These migratory birds breed in the protected habitat of the forest interior.

Eastern box turtle, a species that struggles in many parts of the state, also has enough territory to thrive in this state-dedicated nature preserve.

History of the Property

This preserve was made possible by a $200,000 gift from the Dr. Laura Hare Charitable Trust in 2012, as well as funding from the Indiana Heritage Trust. We expanded it in 2016 to incorporate 40 acres to the south, protecting the forested watershed of the streams flowing through the preserve. The 149-acre property is part of the Hills of Gold conservation area, along with Betley Woods at Glacier’s End.

Planning your Visit

Parking is available in a small gravel lot off Hougham Road. From Trafalgar in southern Johnson County, take S 300 W and turn right onto Roberts Road. Travel approximately one mile and the road becomes Hougham Road. The preserve is located on your left just before the mailbox at 3637 Hougham Road. The trail begins just behind the gate in the parking lot.