Before his death in 2010, Fishers resident Van Eller donated 40 acres of his family farm at the southeast corner of Eller Road and 116th Street so the Land Trust could protect it for future generations. For the first time, the public is invited to check out the property—one of the Central Indiana Land Trust’s newest properties—Saturday, September 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as part of Fishers’ free Family Fun Day.
Though the Eller Farm is located near commercial businesses, residential developments and Riverside Intermediate and Riverside Junior High schools, the property has remained virtually untouched since it was last farmed in the 1990s. It includes varied topography, including some small bluffs, as well as thousands of pine and oak trees and a patch of bald cypress. A creek runs through the property as well.
Family Fun Day visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and blanket. Published author Kevin McKelvey, an English professor at the University of Indianapolis, will share his nature poetry and then guide participants in making a family field guide, which he says can include drawings, poetry, journaling, outdoor observations, and other ways to enjoy family outings through art and writing.
For more information, visit http://conservingindiana.org/.