Saturday, April 25 2009 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. - Eastern Daylight Time
Allee Memorial Woods, Annapolis, Parke County, Indiana
Leader: Amanda Ingram, Wabash College Biology Department

Trail Conditions: Level (but likely to be muddy in places), approx. 1 mile long; forays into steep gorges possible. Ticks are likely; prickly plants possible.

What To See: Allee Memorial Woods is a 180-acre tract of land along Sugar Creek. The woods were donated to Wabash College by the family of the eminent ecologist W.C. Allee and represent a portion of Indiana's now scarce virgin forest. In addition to stands of original hardwood forest, Allee Woods plays host to gorges with striking rock outcrops, hemlock groves, and an old field undergoing secondary succession. Late April is an ideal time to visit, as spring ephemerals should be in full bloom.

Directions: Because of limited parking at the preserve, we will meet at Turkey Run State Park on IN S.R. 47 in the overflow parking lot at 1:00 PM and then carpool to Allee Woods, which is about 5 miles away. The overflow parking lot is at the campground entrance (on north side of S.R. 47, approx. 1/2 mile west of the main park entrance); if a gate attendant is present; mention that you are part of the INPAWS hike. See www.turkeyrunstatepark.com or a state highway map for directions. Questions? Contact Amanda Ingram by email (ingrama@wabash.edu) or phone (765) 361-6389 by 24 April 2009. No RSVP required. We will hike rain or shine.