Ravinia Woods added to Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Ravinia Woods, formerly the IPL lands and the latest Division of Forestry acquisition, opens for public use.
A 1500 acre area of wooded rolling hills and valleys, interspersed with meadow-like fields, small ponds and streams has recently been opened for public use in Morgan County.
Ravinia Woods, a new unit of Yellowwood/Morgan-Monroe State Forest is located just northwest of State Highway 67 less than 30 miles south of Indianapolis and about 4 miles west of Martinsville, IN. The property is accessed by turning north off of Highway 67 onto Duckworth Road and proceeding about one mile. This property, a portion of a larger parcel previously owned by AES/Indianapolis Power and Light, was purchased by the Department of Natural Resources in May, 2004. The purchase was made possible through the use of Crossroad 2000 funds from the Indiana Department of Transportation. The name Ravinia Woods reflects the fact that a portion of the area was originally part of the famous Ravinia Farms, established in the early 20th century. A few pillars and other reminders of Ravinia Farms can still be seen on the property.
Like other state forest properties, the Ravinia Woods Unit will be managed for multiple uses. The area will provide forest-based outdoor recreation, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and timber production. Hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, mushroom hunting and nature study are among the outdoor recreation activities that are permitted on the new unit. Overnight camping, horseback riding, mountain biking and off-road vehicles are not permitted.
Several small parking units have been established along the county roads that dissect the property and several miles of fire lanes provide opportunities for pedestrian access to the property. A welcome/information kiosk with a map and additional property information is also located on the property. Individual maps of the unit and additional information can be secured by contacting the Yellowwood/Morgan-Monroe State Forest offices.
Contact:
Yellowwood/Morgan-Monroe State Forest
(812) 988-7945
