Join the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves for a free guided hike at Moraine Nature Preserve.

•  Partner: Indiana Native Plant Society
•  Registration is required. Capacity: 20

Note: Location is in Central Time Zone.

Directions: Meet at the Moraine Storage Building (285 East 650 North, Valparaiso, IN 46383). From Valparaiso, travel north on S.R. 49 until the U.S. 6 exit for Westville. Take the exit and turn right, heading east on U.S. 6. Turn right, at the first stoplight, onto North Calumet Avenue. Once on North Calumet Avenue, travel south until the first left turn. Turn left, traveling east on 750 North (aka Meska Road). Continue east on 750 North. The entrance to Moraine Nature Preserve is straight ahead on the gravel road at the blind curve. The road at Moraine is a single lane. Parking is at the end of the road.

Moraine Nature Preserve is a 465-acre natural area located east of S.R. 49 and south of S.R. 6 in Porter County. The property occurs within the Valparaiso Moraine section of the Northwestern Morainal natural region of Indiana. Moraine Nature Preserve contains a combination of rolling ridges, steep hills, pothole wetlands, and a shallow pond. The property protects a mosaic of natural communities including pond, shrub swamp, mesic upland forest, and dry-mesic upland forest. The site was first dedicated in 1971 as a State of Indiana nature preserve. There have been four separate additions since the original dedication.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Bring binoculars and a hand lens if you have them.

No restroom facilities.