Laura Hare Charitable Trust Grants

Laura Hare Charitable Trust Grants is sponsored by Laura Hare Charitable Trust. Dedicated to enhancing Indiana's natural environment through the preservation of ecologically significant lands and promoting environmental education. Grants are available for land acquisition, environmental restoration, education, and stewardship.

Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Back Creek : Sycamore Land Trust Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Back Creek Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Back Creek A rare stand of eastern hemlock trees ( Tsuga candanensis ) extends along the steep bluff over Back Creek at this important nature preserve. The native hemlock stand is one of only a few dozen in Indiana, and had long been a target for preservation.

In addition to the hemlocks, other rare plants found at the preserve include the state-threatened purple flowering raspberry ( Rubus odoratus ) and goatsbeard ( Aruncus dioicus ). Back Creek, a significant perennial stream, flows along the property’s west boundary. The property was secured by a conservation buyer when it suddenly came up for auction.

Sycamore then repurchased it at cost in 2010 with funding from the Laura Hare Charitable Trust and the Indiana Heritage Trust through the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Nature Preserves. In recognition of the property’s statewide significance, it has been dedicated as an Indiana State Nature Preserve by the DNR.

The preserve is named in honor of the late Dr. Laura Hare, whose foundation contributed a majority of the purchase price of the land. There is no trail or parking at the preserve, due to limited sight lines along the road frontage. Acquired with gifts from: Laura Hare Charitable Trust, Indiana Heritage Trust, Anonymous