Smith Cemetery
Nature Preserve

State Designated Nature Preserve [#162; 1997]


Large tombstone rising above prairie wildflowers

Smith Cemetery. Click to enlarge

This tallgrass prairie remnant is one of the most remarkable acres in Indiana. Burials began in the early years of European settlement, as far back as the 1820s, and the ground never felt the bite of a plow. Native prairie plants hung on in this tiny refuge, popping up among tombstones and along fence lines. As part of an agreement with the township, mowing stopped in the early 1980s and DNR began managing the cemetery as a prairie. Native vegetation has since sprung back in full force, often obscuring the remaining headstones. Culver’s root, wild quinine, leadplant, coneflower, and both little and big bluestem grasses are among the species found here. Walking gingerly through this preserve is like stepping back in time, to an era when these plants ruled many millions of Midwestern acres.


Directions


Vermillion County. On the west side of IN 63, about 1.9 miles south of the Perrysville exit.

GPS: N 40 01.575 W 87 27.052


Facilities


None


Finder Sketch


Click to enlarge


Nearby Natural Areas (miles)


Portland Arch Nature Preserve (18.4)
Rock Creek Nature Preserve (18.4)
Shawnee Bottoms (19.4)


Thank you for visiting ecoindiana.net. I hope you found it useful.
Mike Habeck