Hiker's Path: Summertime at Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area
Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area came to be in 2010 with the acquisition of 1,962 acres by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife.
After 2010 several more parcels were added to Deer Creek, bringing the current total to 2,175 acres. The property is comprised of rolling fields and mature oak-hickory woods. A four-acre pond on the north portion offers fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish.
Deer Creek winds through the south portion of the property, with an iron bridge and a concrete, creek crossing. A smaller, unnamed creek crosses the north portion of the property.
It’s a great place to view wildlife as I found out when I traveled there last weekend.
Located in Putnam County, just off of U.S. 40, it was an easy drive up State Road 231 north to get there. Another place in my “hike closer to home” columns. I am still writing about places to the North.
I picked one of the hottest days of this year to explore this place. Temperatures were in the nineties but I went early to avoid the heat of the day. I brought plenty of water and snacks, dressed in loose-fitting, lightly colored clothes, and brought my sun hat. I also brought some insect spray just in case. I was looking forward to a great day in the country. I found the place easily enough. I arrived at the entrance and followed a small road to a parking area. There I found an information booth and a sign-in sheet.
All visitors are required to fill out a permit at the self-service booth and keep it with them during their visit. Upon leaving, it’s to be put back in a drop box located at the booth. After I filled out my permit, I took off to explore one of the footpaths.
The scenery surrounding me was bursting with color. The forest foliage and the tree leaves overhead created a canopy of different shades of green. The many wildflowers, Crimson Clover, Yellow Yarrow, purple Clover, White daisies and others, topped off with the blue sky, fashioned a beautiful array of color around me. The Crimson clover is very pretty. Native to European countries, it’s also called Italian Clover. This place is a great place to see summer wildflowers.
As I walked, I heard the sound of many birds as they chattered amongst the nearby trees and bushes and witnessed many butterflies fluttering and bees buzzing, all in search of food. It was encouraging to see that nature was alive and well and going about its everyday life.
There was a hawk flying overhead, probably seeking out its lunch. It did not seem to mind my presence and continued flying in circles above me, dipping down a bit now and then.
I believed it to be a Red-tailed Hawk. It was hard to tell with the bright sunlight shining in my eyes.
One great thing about this place is that visitors are allowed to forage (to wander in search of food) for nuts, mushrooms, berries, and other wild foods. I saw some wild berries ( edible ones) growing nearby and some Oak and Walnut trees heavily loaded with acorns and walnuts. I would imagine there were many edible plants as well.
Always make sure that what you are collecting is edible. None were ready to harvest on this day, but still, it was good to see nature busy at work. The day was an education for me as always.
I eventually made it back to my car and drove down to the large pond and picnic area.
The pond was beautiful with the sunlight reflecting off the surface of the water. Sparkling diamonds of light dancing in the ripples, made by a soft warm breeze. How pleasant it all was.
It was here I got to see some Canadian geese and some Wood ducks. I had chosen the right spot for my day’s adventure. Peaceful and serene. A quiet observation of nature to nurture the soul.
It was a good day.
The hour grew late and it was time for me to leave. I took just a small piece of Deer Creek with me in the form of the memory of a day well spent. This place is just 26 miles from Spencer and 48 miles from Indianapolis. It’s a nice place to visit nature and have a picnic.
To get to this place: Take Highway 231 North past Cloverdale to Highway 40. Turn West on 40 and drive approximately 3-4 miles. Turn right on S County Road 200 W. Travel 0.3 miles to arrive at the office. Make a right on the gravel road and you will see the information booth and where the wildlife area begins.
A quote for your week: “A weed is no more than a flower in disguise”. - James Russell Lowell - American Poet, Critic, Editor, and Diplomat. 1819-1891
Until the next trail,
Susan
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Hiker's Path: Summertime at Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area
