Putnam Parks & Pathways hosts a Monthly Hiking Tour Series that will highlight a variety of local trails, nature preserves, and parks. Guided by a professional in their field, each hike will consist of learning about some type of wildlife, native plant, or other nature-oriented discussions.

The next hike of the 2023 season will be led by Holly Cook and hosted at Big Walnut Nature Preserve, located in the northeast part of Putnam County. Holly is an enthusiastic nature lover and enjoys learning everything about her environment.  She has had an interest in wild edibles since she was young and recently began studying edible mushrooms. First learning about the ones used in cooking, but just as important, the ones that can do a person harm.  Mushrooms can be found in all seasons in Indiana, even in the winter.  In June, it will be hit or miss on what we find.  Hopefully, there will be a good rain before the hike. We will explore some of the different types of caps, stems, and types of pore producers such as the gills and pores that are used in identification. Mushrooms play an essential role in breaking down organic matter, without them we would be buried in our own debris! Even if we don’t see many mushrooms, it is a beautiful preserve of old-growth woods and abundant wildflowers. For the more adventurous joiners, plan to bring water shoes in addition to what you usually use for walking/hiking.

The group will meet at the parking lot for the Tall Timbers Trail, the address is: 9498 N Co Rd 425 E, Bainbridge, IN 46105 – Click here to see the Google Map view.