Habitat Hike for Young Explorers

Become a wilderness explorer at Dutro-Ernst Woods for Nature Play Days! Join Red-tail Land Conservancy on Thursday, June 6 from 10-11am for a kid-friendly guided hike designed to spark curiosity about the natural world around us. Our trail leaders will guide young hikers and families through the prairie and forest, with stops along the way to learn about plants and animals, and the magic that can be found in nature.

Our crew will meet at 10am at the nature play area at the entrance of Dutro-Ernst Woods where young explorers are free jump from rock-to-rock and walk on logs. We will end our hike with play time in the “Stick Village” in the shade of the forest. Your family is welcome to go wild at this nature preserve and stay as long as you’d like!

This event is free and open to all. No registration is necessary, just show up and prepare to have fun. The entire trail is 1-mile, flat gravel with several “turn-around” points. The hike will be approximately 1/4 mile.

Dutro-Ernst Woods does not have restroom or water facilities. Please bring enough water to stay hydrated and be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Nature Play Days is an annual campaign sponsored by the Indiana Children and Nature Network to provide opportunities for outdoor play. From June 1 – 9, you can find Nature Play Days events happening across the state.

PARKING: The parking area at this nature preserve is small. For this event ONLY, parking is allowed on the grass near the entrance. You will see cones and parking signs designating the area.