The Uplands Network of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter partnered with Queer Indiana on a glorious, sunny hike at Green's Bluff.
Green’s Bluff is a picturesque nature preserve located in Owen County, comprising two separate properties, each with its own loop trail. Green's Bluff features an upland forest, rocky bluffs, and a lush floodplain forest along Raccoon Creek.
The steep bluffs are home to a grove of eastern hemlock trees, a species that is only found in Indiana on steep, north-facing slopes that provide a shady, cool environment. The preserve also features a great blue heron rookery, as well as cave entrances and remnants of an old grist mill. This preserve was established in 1985, and as of 2021, the preserve is 1,134 acres.
The trail followed an upland forest ridge before descending into the creek valley with the beautiful views of the bluffs and native hemlock stands. During the hike, the group observed many spring wildflowers in bloom including Prairie Trillium (pictured), Yellow Trout Lilly, Cutleaf Toothwort, Bellwort, Spring Beauty, and Virginia Bluebell.
We have many hikes and outings planned this spring and summer. Join us on the trail!
Mary Reardon and David Wildemann, Outings Leaders.