In 1909, William Watson Woollen donated the
family’s 44-acre estate on the south banks of Fall Creek to the City of
Indianapolis with the condition that the area be maintained in its primitive
state as a wildlife and bird sanctuary. In 1987, Woollen’s Gardens park
was officially declared a nature preserve by the State of Indiana ensuring that
the land would be protected from future development. The site is owned by
the City of Indianapolis and ecologically managed by DPW Indy Land Stewardship.
The site has very large Red oaks and Beech and Maple trees. Join us
for this unique experience as one of Indy Land Stewardship’s ecologists leads
us on a hike through the preserve. The hike will begin at the designated
trailhead on the Fall Creek Greenway. Currently, the property can
only be accessed by walking over and under bridges since there is no designated
public entrance. Please note that this hike will be rugged and the preserve portion of the walk will not be on
designated trails. The walk is scheduled for approximately 2 hours and
cover about 2 miles. Proper hiking footwear is suggested. The hike is free, but
registration is required.
Additional Information: https://www.class900indy.com/post/william-watson-woollen-and-his-garden-early-conservation-in-indianapolis