Dustin Nature Preserve
Natural Areas: Dustin Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#234; 2010]
Cedar Creek. Click to enlarge
This is really a complex of three contiguous preserves that also includes the Johnson and Whitehurst preserves. It boasts a large trail network and serves as the headquarters of ACRES Land Trust. The Dustin Preserve accounts for the great majority of the whole. A large meadow with scattered trees, a large barn, and mowed paths occupies the northeastern area, so bring a hat on sunny days and watch for ticks. I find the wetland areas west of the entrance lane more interesting. Frogs, turtles, and snakes are all present.
Other good areas are toward the southern part of the complex, near the ACRES office. A short spur leads to Lanham’s Promontory, where the land drops sharply away in three directions. Another trail leads down to the banks of Cedar Creek. It’s a rather steep trail but the views of Cedar Creek are worth the effort.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Allen County. From I-69 Exit 312, north 7.8 miles to Chapman Rd, then right 0.6 miles to a parking area on the right.
GPS: N 41 15.044 W 85 07.392
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Bicentennial Woods (1.2)
Vandolah Nature Preserve (2.4)
Covell Nature Preserve (8.6)
Mengerson Nature Preserve (11.9)
McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve (15.1)
Spring Lake Woods and Bog Nature Preserve (15.3)
Lonidaw Nature Preserve (18.4)
Blue Cast Springs (18.5)