ACRES’ Wabash winter fun

Frozen waterfalls, more than 60 Bald Eagles and a short “sugar bush” season make ACRES Land Trust’s Wabash County nature preserves a northeast Indiana outdoor destination right now.

“Believe it or not, it’s a great time to visit a nearby preserve or venture into a new one,” said Jason Kissel, executive director and caretaker of the Mary Thornton Nature Preserve in Wabash County.

“The frozen waterfalls, iced-over lakes, creeks and rivers, 30-foot icicles at Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run, the Bald Eagle sightings throughout the Wabash County properties with more than 60 bald eagles bedding down in the immediate vicinity, and all the other winter wonders won’t be available much longer,” Kissel said.

Both Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run and Kokiwanee Nature Preserve feature frozen waterfalls and are popular destinations for bald eagle enthusiasts. With member support, ACRES Land Trust offers 10 miles of trails in Wabash County for birding, photography, hiking and exploration from dawn to dusk.

Membership-based since 1960, ACRES Land Trust is dedicated to preserving significant natural areas in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. ACRES protects more than 5700 acres on 94 properties and offers more than 70 miles of trail.