New preserve announced

Red-tail Land Conservancy announced Tuesday the establishment of Hidden Canal Nature Preserve, a 50-acre forest in Anderson. Located on the White River across from Mounds State Park, this preserve creates a protected corridor along the river for local and migrating wildlife. It also preserves remnants of a significant historic canal from being disturbed by growing urban surroundings. Now under the ownership of Red-tail Land Conservancy, this valuable habitat and the history of the canal within it is permanently protected from future development.

"With the creation of Hidden Canal Nature Preserve, a very unique piece of Madison County history has been protected for generations, both present and future, to visit and appreciate,” said Madison County historian Steve Jackson.

Hidden Canal Nature Preserve is home to many different types of wildlife like woodpeckers, great blue herons, deer, turkey and river otters. Before the preserve is open to the public, it will undergo an extensive environmental restoration process to remove invasive plant species like bush honeysuckle. Complete restoration of the forest may take several years. Ultimately, Hidden Canal Nature Preserve will be publicly accessible with hiking trails, wildlife observation areas and educational signs.

While this preserve is undergoing restoration, Red-tail welcomes visitors to explore their 10 public nature preserves located throughout east central Indiana.