New nature preserve dedicated in Owen County, another expanded in Lake County

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11:05 AM

By Staff report

The Natural Resources Commission recently approved the dedication of Barnebey Woods in Owen County as a nature preserve and an expansion of Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve in Lake County.

“Nature preserves represent Indiana’s most unique and significant natural areas, which is why we’re committed to continuing to work with partners to protect them,” said Governor Mike Braun. “These new and expanded protected natural areas in Owen and Lake counties now have Indiana’s highest level of protection, conserving them for future generations.”

A nature preserve is an area of high natural significance that is representative of what Indiana would have been in the pre-settlement period, and it is given the highest protection possible by state law.

Barnebey Woods Nature Preserve is owned and managed by Sycamore Land Trust, which acquired the property last year with funding from the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust. It features 141.5 acres of mature upland forest with excellent tree species composition. It has moderate slopes with deep drainages interspersed among long ridges. A small bedrock overhang creates a waterfall when it rains and is a habitat for rock dwelling species such as walking fern.

There are currently no trails at Barnebey Woods Nature Preserve, but Sycamore is considering future trail additions as part of its long-term planning for the property. The preserve is not open to the public at this time to protect the sensitive natural area.

The expansion to Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve is known as Sundew Prairie and adds 24.77 acres of wet sand prairie and oak savanna to one of the largest tracts of its type in the state. Many rare species such as Northern bog clubmoss, paper birch, and several sedges can be found on the addition.

The preserve lies within the boundary of Indiana Dunes National Park and is owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Sundew Prairie is not open to the public at this time.