Dygert Nature Preserve
Natural Areas: Dygert Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#227; 2009]
Woods in Early Spring. Click to enlarge
The parking area for Dygert Nature Preserve is unattractive, even by parking lot standards, and the relatively long path one must traverse to reach the main part of the preserve is not much more appealing. But once you reach the first trail junction, marked by a large rock, things will begin to get much more interesting. The highly complex trail network consists of seven or eight attached loops that provide access to a generous portion of the preserve’s 135+ acres.
Blue-eyed Mary. Click to enlarge
The terrain is gently rolling with numerous wet areas. A steep-sided channel passes through the southwest portion of the preserve and makes access to the other side a challenge, except at one point where an old lane crosses over. These woods are rich with spring wildflowers; I’ve seen more than two dozen species at a time, including bellwort, long-spurred violet, and thousands upon thousands of blue-eyed Mary.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Whitley County. From the intersection of US 30 and IN 109, go north 3.7 miles on IN 109 to 400 North, then west 0.5 miles to 50 West, then north 0.2 miles and left onto a gravel drive that ends in a parking area.
GPS: N 41 13.504 W 85 30.088
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Crooked Lake Nature Preserve (5.3)
Merry Lea (7.7)
Chain O'Lakes State Park (11.9)
Bender Nature Preserve (13)
Spring Lake Woods and Bog Nature Preserve (16.3)
Greider's Woods (16.5)