Marott Woods Nature Preserve
By Chuck Anderson
Marott Woods Nature Preserve (MWNP) is a hidden gem on Indianapolis’ north side. It consists of 99 acres of mostly second-growth woods, with Williams Creek, a tributary of the White River, running through the middle of the property. It is owned and managed by Indy Parks, with assistance from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
In 1945, businessman George Marott donated 87 acres of land in memory of his wife, Ella. In 1987, MWNP became an Indiana State Dedicated Nature Preserve. The Blickman family donated several remaining acres of the preserve to the city in 2005.
The preserve has a shelter and well established, unpaved trails on both sides of the creek. Because the preserve is unspoiled and natural, it is a mecca for both native flora and fauna. However, in years past, this green space has experienced heavy usage, which can create an increasingly negative impact. As a result, the Friends of the MWNP was created in 2021 to work collaboratively with volunteers, City staff, and visitors to protect it for future generations. Their mission is to encourage respect for the woods while also promoting active community appreciation of this precious resource.
Birding can be exceptional in the preserve, especially during spring and fall migration. 147 species have been documented in the preserve, including 33 warbler species highlighted by Cerulean Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Ovenbird. Other seasonal visitors seen have been Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, Vireos, Orioles and Tanagers. Year-round residents include Great Horned and Barred Owls and several woodpecker species.
Those seeking flora will not be disappointed either. Spring wildflowers include rue anemone, wild ginger, bloodroot, mayapple, Solomon’s seal, wood poppy, trilliums, and many others. Marott Woods Nature Preserve is truly “a place to observe and preserve.”
Learn more here:
https://www.friendsofmarottwoods.org/ and follow @friendsofmarottwoods on Instagram.
Parking Lot Address: 7347 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46240
Photos courtesy of author Chuck Anderson
