What Should You See at Taltree?

As nature is always changing, Taltree is evolving, too. The arboretum's current features include:

Woodlands

The woodlands adjacent to the Heron Pond are representative of a contemporary mid-western Oak-Hickory woodlands. Along with many species of oak and hickory, hawthorn, black cherry, viburnum and hazlenut are among the other woody plant species growing here. The forest canopy is closed and fallen trees cover its floor, providing habitat for a diverse variety of plants and animals while understory trees and shrubs create a sense of closeness and variety. Another feature of this area is the Buttonbush Swamp. Fringed by willows, this wet opening in the forest is a unique ecosystem home to many wetland species. The Heron Pond Woodlands receives its name from the Green Herons that can be seen feeding along the shoreline.

Wetlands

Taltree used aerial photographs from 1938 to help identify an area that was previously a wetland and had been drained for agriculture. This area has been restored and is now the Savanna Wetland. Herbaceous plants and a wide range of grasses native to the area have been reintroduced. The wetland provides habitat for a multitude of animals including birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and insects. The Savanna Wetland encompasses approximately seven acres and features an intimate seating area overlooking the water, under the spreading arms of a large Bur Oak.

Prairies

Using a combination of controlled burning along with other methods for the eradication of non-native plants and specific planting techniques, Taltree is working to create an example of the prairie found here when Indiana first became a state. In addition to a multitude of grasses and wildflowers, these prairies are home to colonial nesters: birds that travel and nest in colonies. Of particular interest are Taltree's Bobolinks who require the 40-60 acre spread of prairie found here.

Birds

More than 50 species of birds have been identified on the Taltree property. Trails at the arboretum direct visitors along the perimeter of the prairie in an effort to reduce disturbance to prairie wildlife and restore habitat to natural nesting conditions. As a result, grassland-nesting birds that need a large area of undisturbed habitat for survival have abundantly returned to the prairies. Birds of particular interest are Bobolinks, Eastern Bluebirds, Dickcissels, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Savanna and Grasshopper Sparrows, along with many species of migrating Warblers.

Plants

From the woodlands through the prairies to the wetlands, Taltree is home to plant communities representing Indiana's past and present. Woody and herbaceous plants featured in collections, designed gardens and integrated into native ecosystems offer a different breath taking view of nature's finest colors throughout the year.

The Joseph E. Meyer Memorial Pavilion

Nestled in the woods on the shore of the Heron Pond, the Joseph E. Meyer Memorial Pavilion is a staging point for tours, seminars, and retreats and is available for special functions. Activities hosted at the Pavilion can include weddings, meetings, classes and other community gatherings. The area around the Pavilion is artistically landscaped, inspired by native species and further complemented by paths and benches.

Heron Pond

This three-acre pond and the surrounding area is home to a large collection of mostly native herbaceous and woody wetland plants. The Joseph E. Meyer Pavilion enables visitors to experience the water and the life it sustains with all of their senses while viewing the Heron Pond Island and one of the arboretum's woodland areas beyond.