Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ACRES Land Trust is working to acquire its first preserve in Kosciusko County.
The organization has signed an option with Bob and Alice Frantz to protect the woods, wetlands and farmland they have named "Wildwood."
"We want to see that this is preserved beyond us," said Bob. "We're not going to be here forever."
He said the property has been in their family for 53 years. They built their home there in 1973. "We've lived here, we developed the trails," said Bob.
Wildwood is 236 acres and consists of wetlands, an 85-acre woods with beech and oak trees, short grass prairies, a pond and farmland.
"Beautiful wild flowers are out now," said Alice, along with lots of wildlife.
The Wildwood property is the largest parcel ACRES has ever tried to acquire at one time. An open house to visit the property will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Music, food and guided hikes will be available. At 10:30 a.m., Bob Frantz will present a slide program.
Bob has given the slide presentation many times, said Alice. The slide show consists of pictures taken of the property throughout the year and shows "why we live here," said Alice.
To get to Wildwood, take Ind. 14 three miles east of Silver Lake. A sign on the south side of Ind. 14 will point the way.
"One of the ACRES members bought small trees to give out Saturday," said Bob.
The couple have opened their property for decades to school groups for environmental education programs and to the public for hiking.
Bob said for a number of years, fourth-grade students from Eisenhower Elementary School have spent time on the property for environmental education. Some of the students don't always get out to visit such environments, he said.
Founded in 1960, ACRES is one of the oldest land trusts in the country and is dedicated to preserving natural areas in northeast Indiana. ACRES manages 43 nature preserves in 12 counties and offers hikes, canoe trips, concerts and special events throughout the year for more than 950 members and the public. ACRES protects approximately 3,000 acres and actively works on land acquisition projects.
