Monthly Hiking Tours
Organized and led by John Garner, the Putnam Parks & Pathways Education Committee Chair, the Monthly Hiking Tour series takes visitors on an adventure through a number of Putnam County nature preserves, pathways, and unique outdoor attractions. John’s knowledge of nature is a wonderful tool to leverage on these hikes and his experience of being a public educator for decades shines through. Ask questions, take your time and talk to those around you.
The series was created to enjoy the outdoors at a leisurely pace. Free and open to any age or experience, the “hikes” as we call them, are really just a casual walk through the forest. Beginners can keep up with no problems, there is no registration and you are free to turn around and leave at any time. Or, stay a while after the hike and take some photos or speak with one of the other professionals that John recruits to assist with the hikes. Local leaders, DePauw staff and even “Nature Celebrities” like Michael A. Homoya author of multiple books including “Wildflowers of the Midwest” participate as guest leaders.
Often hosted on the second Saturday each month, the series began in January of 2022 and will continue indefinitely. Support for this series is simple. Become a Friend of the Park. By joining Friends of the Park of Putnam County, your membership helps to build the Putnam County Outdoor Recreation Endowment that fuels projects and events such as this. To do so, please click the link below to learn more about Friends.
John has started scheduling free, family-friendly hikes for 2025. You can find the information about those hikes below. Details for additional hikes will be added as they are scheduled. Each starting time is 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise stated.
Led by DNR Staff – This hike is sponsored by the staff at Lieber SRA and Friends of Lieber. Join us at the campground parking lot at 10:00 a.m. for this fun, annual First Day Hike. The length of the hike is approximately 1.5 miles and hiking boots are recommended. Bring binoculars for some great bird viewing (if the birds cooperate!) Other State Parks in the area are also offering a first day hike. A roaring fire, cookies, and hot chocolate await at the Nature Center after the hike.
Meeting at, and focused on, the retired quarry operation we will discuss the history of both the location and the geology of the rocks found there. DePauw University staff will attend to discuss the wildlife and natural elements that flourish within the quarry today.
Putnam Parks & Pathways has acquired tree identification signs to install along the People Pathways in Putnam County. The first phase of installing the signs will take place on the Fillmore Trail. We will drive the posts and attach the signs to the common trees along the trail.
We will hike the new Trout Lilly trail, which should be in full bloom with spring ephemerals.
Hikers can expect to learn how to identify native spring ephemeral wildflowers at Hall Woods and discover the connections between these unique plants and their environment. Ashley Adair will lead the hike. A native of Putnam County, Ashley has dedicated her professional career to working with the Purdue Extension System. She has actively sought opportunities to share the joy of spring ephemeral wildflowers with anyone willing to listen.
Led by Cathy Meyer, a longtime naturalist for Bloomington Parks. We aim to have several hikes in April when spring ephemerals are in bloom. Cathy will share her expertise on spring wildflowers and plants. Fern Cliff was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1980 and parts of it were dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1988 and 1996. From Greencastle: Starting from the southeast corner of the Courthouse Square, head south on Jackson for one block to Walnut Street. Turn west (right) on Walnut (which becomes County Rd. 125 South) and continue for approximately four miles. Then, turn south on County Rd. 500 West (this will later change to 525 West, 550 West, and 600 West) for about three miles until you reach County Rd. 375 South. Turn west (right) to the Fern Cliff entrance, which is about one mile ahead.
Holly is an enthusiastic nature lover who enjoys learning about her environment. Since she was a young child, she has had an interest in wild edibles, which now includes mushrooms. She became interested in mushrooms around 2020, initially learning about those used in cooking, but just as importantly, the ones that can be harmful to people. Mushrooms can be found in all seasons in Indiana, even in winter. In May, we might have varying success in what we find. Hopefully, there will be good rain before the hike. We will explore some of the different types of caps, stems, and pore producers, such as gills and pores, that are used for identification. Mycology is the study of mushrooms, and these fungi play an essential role in breaking down organic matter. Without them, we would be buried under our own debris! Even if we don’t see many mushrooms, it is a beautiful preserve filled with old-growth woods and abundant wildflowers. Depending on rain, it could either be a mushroom hike or a wild edible hike.
The hike will pass through a large grove of trees that were planted over 20 years ago. Plants along the trail will be identified. We will stop at a seasonal pond to view a large pollinator planting. Several additional trails have been added. We will discuss future plans for the trail. Owl Trail (Glenn Flint Lake Woodland) is owned by the Little Walnut Creek Conservancy District. The entrance to the Owl Trail is directly across from 5306 West County Road 375 North.
Members of the Putnam County Bird Club will help lead the hike. We will visit several birdwatching locations. A variety of binoculars will be available for use. The hike will also explore the sunflower plantings, which should be in full bloom. Quail Forever is collaborating with the wildlife staff to add several new pollinator areas.
We will walk Rayfield’s Trail in Big Walnut to observe early fall bird migrations. This little-visited area provides diverse habitats for spotting birds as they head south. Several pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will hike all the way to Big Walnut Creek on a mostly out-and-back trail. The trailhead is located off County Rd 550 E, just north of CR 900N.
Jason Keeney, Cemetery Superintendent, and John Garner will be present to answer questions. We hope to net and tag Monarch Butterflies as part of the Monarch Watch Project. During this walk, seeds will be collected and spread in areas of the field that have fewer flowers. The pollinator habitat on the southwest side of Forest Hill Cemetery is developing after an initial planting in 2018. This project was a collaboration between Quail Forever, the City of Greencastle, and Putnam County Soil and Water. The area offers a quiet, relaxing spot to stroll and enjoy the flowers and the wildlife they attract.
The People Pathways is a 17+-mile urban and rural system of trails in Putnam County, connecting to the National Road Heritage Trail and the United States Bike Route 50. Grab your bike and head to the People Pathways (Vandalia Trail) in Greencastle, Indiana, for a chance to cycle a portion of the trail with an NRCS Natural Resource Specialist! Participants will learn about and identify various conservation practices, as well as observe plant species and wildlife along the trail.
The bike trip will consist of a 2.6-mile ride out from the start and a 2.6-mile return, totaling 5.2 miles. Participants may turn back at any point along the trail if they wish to return sooner or continue on. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. It is appropriate for all ages. Participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend. Attendance is free. To register, email erin.basiger@usda.gov. Erin Basiger is a Natural Resource Specialist for NRCS with over 10 years of experience as a biologist and conservationist.
If you want to join the bird club again for the Nov 1st hike, we plan to take the same trail at Lieber State Park that we’ve been using for a couple of years, which goes straight south of the park out to the “narrows” on Cataract Lake. Look for gulls, waterfowl, loons, sparrows, and late migrants.
We will clean out the bluebird houses and hike. The Nature Trail parking lot is by the railroad tracks after you pass the bowling alley. We will clean out the bluebird houses to get ready for the Eastern Bluebirds to return in spring and then hike the trail. We will put a few bluebird houses up.
In addition to holding the Education Committee Chair position for Putnam Parks & Pathways, John leads a Facebook Group called “Putnam County Families In Nature.” This group is open to anyone and John regularly posts information about upcoming events and fun factoids about nature, please, feel free to join the group!