Foellinger Foundation founder, Helene Foellinger, and her entire family were passionate about animals and nature. Much of their leisure time revolved around it, and many family vacations involved traveling to national parks and participating in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Incorporated on March 2, 1960, ACRES Land Trust is Indiana’s oldest and largest local land trust. The nonprofit organization protects more than 7,200 acres of land in northeast Indiana and portions of southern Michigan and northwest Ohio.

As part of its 2020–2024 strategic plan, ACRES is committed to increasing its overall capacity so it can acquire more land, and expand the care of its existing land.

2023 is slated to be ACRES’ biggest year of land acquisition. Normally, the organization secures 200–300 acres of land each year. In 2023, they will acquire at least 750 acres of land over six projects—nearly meeting its 2020–2024 strategic goal of acquiring 1,000 acres of land in just this one year.

“ACRES’ contribution to our community is unique,” said Jason Kissel, Executive Director. “Through our efforts, we offer nature for free, close to home. Our natural areas are crucial to our communities’ identities, and we’re proud to service them responsibly and with integrity.”

Allen County ACRES Nature Preserves

Bicentennial Woods
340 E. Shoaff Road
Huntertown, IN 46748
79.8 acres

Blue Cast Springs
21412 Bluecast Road
Woodburn, IN 46797
88 acres

Fogwell Forest
9630 Whippoorwill Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46809
60 acres

McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve
16138 Davis Road
Spencerville, IN 46788
195 acres

Mengerson Nature Reserve
5895 Stellhorn Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
47.1 acres

Spring Lake Woods and Bog
12905 Lake Everett Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
106.7 acres

Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve
1802 Chapman Road
Huntertown, IN 46748
88.7 acres

Vandolah Nature Preserve
16151 Tother Road
Leo, IN 46765
47 acres

“Our success is possible thanks to our partners,” said Jason. “They provide land and help us make connections so we can steward our communities’ natural resources for generations to come.”

Thank you, ACRES, for ensuring Allen County residents have access to these experiences!