Red-tail Nature Preserve

Made up of forest, tallgrass prairie, and wetlands, Red-tail Nature Preserve is an enchanting example of diverse connected habitats. The publicly accessible section of Red-tail Nature Preserve is a wide loop trail that circles the Edgar H. and Lois C. Seward Memorial Prairie. Late summer is an excellent time to visit the native grasses and wildflowers in full bloom. The nearby reservoir is a vital stopping place for migratory waterfowl and home for hawks, osprey, and eagles. It is an excellent birding hot spot. 

Located between Prairie Creek Reservoir and the Cardinal Greenway, this preserve connects  two significant wildlife habitats and recreation areas. One part of the loop trail is a short paved path designed for bikes to easily ride between those two bike-friendly trail systems. Because it is a wildlife sanctuary, bikes are not allowed in any other part of Red-tail Nature Preserve.

*NOTICE* Red-tail Nature Preserve will be closed from April 5 to April 12, 2024.

Edgar H. and Lois C. Seward Memorial Prairie 

Edgar and Lois Seward were active members of the Muncie-Delaware community for over 50 years. Edgar was the former head of the Muncie Chamber of Commerce followed by over 30 years at American National Bank as president and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1992. Lois was a founding member of the Minnetrista Cultural Center, a member of the Ball Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and past President of the Isanogel Center as well as several other organizations.

Edgar H. and Lois C. Seward Memorial Prairie

Edgar and Lois Seward were active members of the Muncie-Delaware community for over 50 years. Edgar was the former head of the Muncie Chamber of Commerce followed by over 30 years at American National Bank as president and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1992. Lois was a founding member of the Minnetrista Cultural Center, a member of the Ball Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and past President of the Isanogel Center as well as several other organizations.

At the center of their lives was a love of family and nature. They were both avid birders and fishermen. Edgar was an original member of the Red-tail and involved in the formation of the Prairie Creek Reservoir. They loved and regularly walked the Cardinal Greenway.

In 2014, their four children donated a gift to the Red-tail Land Conservancy in their parents memory for the maintenance and enhancement of a parcel of land that connects their parents’ two loves – the Cardinal Greenway and the Prairie Creek Reservoir.

That parcel was memorialized as the Edgar H. and Lois C. Seward Memorial Prairie. It is a vibrant tallgrass prairie featuring Big BlueStem grass and colorful wildflowers like compass plant, beebalm, and purple coneflowers.

Seward Memorial Prairie is within Red-tail Nature Preserve, a sanctuary that also includes oak forests and a rare wetland. This preserve acts as a corridor for both wildlife and people.

Thousands of migratory birds fly over east central Indiana each year and use Prairie Creek Reservoir as a resting place. The diverse habitats within Red-tail Nature Preserve provide critical food, water, shelter, and places to raise young.

The Cardinal Greenway and Prairie Creek each have miles of trails. Alongside the Seward Memorial Prairie is a connector trail for outdoor enthusiasts to seamlessly transition from one recreation area to the other.

Thanks to the family of Edgar and Lois Seward for providing the memories to write this biography.

Details:

Acres: 105

Accessibility: Open to the Public

Features: Parking lot, paved and gravel trail (approx. 0.5 mile and flat), observation plaza, osprey nest platform

Driving Directions: » Click Here