What is a Nature Preserve?

A nature preserve is an area that is protected because the flora, fauna, or geological features are deemed of value within a larger ecological context. It is an area reserved and managed for the primary purpose of conservation and can provide opportunities for study or research.

Indiana’s system of nature preserves is permanently protected under the 1967 Nature Preserves Act. According to the Indiana DNR, an area that has “Retained or re-established its natural character, Has unusual flora or fauna, Or has biotic, geological, scenic or paleontological features of scientific or educational value” can be set aside and dedicated as nature preserves. Additionally, nature preserves can be viewed as living museums containing natural resources that contain a record of Indiana’s natural history.

May 25, 1956: Visitors look up at a large sycamore known as the “Winnie the Pooh Tree” because of its hollowed-out trunk. Unfortunately, this iconic tree developed a vertical crack and had to be cut down.

A nature preserve is not the same thing as a park, though we sometimes fall into a pattern of using the terms interchangeably. Although it was known as a park for a while (and is, unfortunately, still listed as a park on various maps), Marott Woods is, unequivocally, a preserve.

A simplified way of understanding parks vs preserves could be that parks are for people, while preserves serve nature. Parks exist first and foremost for the people who visit them, enjoy them, and learn from them. They add features to a natural space like playground equipment, shelters and picnic tables, sports facilities, and pools. Parks are community centers that can be shaped to fit the needs of those who utilize them. Preserves can also teach and delight, but their priority is to protect the flora and fauna within. They are not shaped by the desires of visitors. Legally, a preserve only allows visitors to experience the natural landscape as it is.

Spring 1997: Students from the Center for Earth and Environmental Sciences at IUPUI work to blanket a hill with jute mat and bush honeysuckle to stabilize the eroding hillslope.

Marott Woods’ nature preserve status emphasizes and protects the value of nature for its own sake, and this has been true since its creation. In 1945, Indianapolis businessman George Marott donated the land in memory of his beloved wife, Ella. They both revered the land for its rare and natural beauty and wished it to be preserved in perpetuity for the benefit of wildlife. Marott Woods, like other nature preserves in Indiana, is protected by law against human interference.

Next time you visit Marott Woods, think about its designation as a nature preserve and how that shapes your experience of the land. Remember to stick to existing trails, obey signage, keep dogs on leashes, and respect areas that have been fenced off for rehabilitation. The health of the preserve depends on visitors like you being respectful. Thank you.