R. Kermit Flesher Memorial State Nature Preserve

R. Kermit Flesher Memorial State Nature Preserve is a unique flood plain forest located in the bottom land of Prairie Creek Township, just west of the little town of Hutton and not far from the Wabash River. The 36 acre parcel is rectangular in shape and surrounded by agricultural land.

 

The land was deeded to the park department in 1972 by relatives of Richard Kermit Flesher. In 1984, the park department dedicated Flesher Woods to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The park department serves as its administrator to manage and protect it.

 

Having been left in its natural state, silver maple, green ash, swamp white oak, shagbark and shellbark hickory, and other flood plain species dominate the woods. In addition, an impressive number of pecan trees and other trees primarily restricted to southwest Indiana, such as the overcup oak, are located in the woods.

 

The area has no trails or other visitor facilities. Access is allowed only by permission of the Vigo County Park and Recreation Department. Flood waters and mosquitoes are problematic.