OWEN COUNTY — The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has officially designated Barnebey Woods as the state’s newest nature preserve, granting the 141.5-acre site the highest level of legal protection under state law.
Owned and managed by the Sycamore Land Trust, the upland forest was purchased through a “bargain sale” from landowners Karl Barnebey and Laura Fredendall, who sold the property at half its appraised value. The acquisition was made possible with matching funds from the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, an account supported by sales of the blue Environmental license plate.
Ecologists consider Barnebey Woods a “lynchpin” in local conservation. The property connects directly to a large tract of the Owen-Putnam State Forest, helping form a continuous 7.5-mile north-south corridor of protected land. These corridors are essential for species migration and long-term movement as habitats shift.
The preserve is representative of Indiana’s pre-settlement landscape, featuring a mature mixed-mesic upland forest. Key features of the site include:
- Old-Growth Potential: The woods contain high-quality timber, including large-diameter beech trees approaching old-growth size.
- Unique Geology: The terrain is defined by moderate slopes and deep drainages. A small bedrock overhang on the property creates a picturesque intermittent waterfall during rainfall.
- Sensitive Habitat: The rocky outcrops and ravines provide a home for rock-dwelling species, such as the walking fern, and offer clean drainage into the East Fork of Fish Creek.
To protect the sensitive habitats and rare plant life during this transition, Barnebey Woods is currently closed to the public. There are no established trails or parking facilities at this time.
“Nature preserves represent Indiana’s most unique and significant natural areas,” stated Governor Mike Braun in a release following the NRC approval. While the area remains a sanctuary for wildlife for now, Sycamore Land Trust has indicated that trail development may be considered in the future as part of their long-term management plan.
The dedication of Barnebey Woods serves as a reminder of the impact of the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust. Residents can support similar projects by purchasing the blue Environmental Plate during their next vehicle registration.
