By Kendalynn Ross—
NEW CASTLE, IN— Red-tail Land Conservancy has announced the inclusion of Stout Memorial Woodland into the Old-Growth Forest Network. Following an application submitted in January of 2025, Stout has been officially recognized as a Network Forest, a distinction recognized with a special dedication hike on April 25th.
This esteemed designation reflects Stout Memorial Woodland’s status as an old growth forest, recognized as one of the oldest known forests in Henry County. Furthermore, it is a forest preserve with public access and formal protections in place to prevent logging. This recognition adds to Stout’s existing designation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a Dedicated State Nature Preserve and as a Classified Forest, further highlighting its exceptional rare quality and ecological value.
“Only a fraction of Indiana’s original forests, one-half percent on average, remain standing. Those were protected by our great grandparents, like Sam and Stella Stout. It is our turn to do what we can for those who will come after us to bring awareness and protect the remnant old-growth and future old-growth forests” stated Leona Addie from the Old-Growth Forest Network.
Currently, there are only five other forests in Indiana that have received recognition from the Old-Growth Forest Network, with Stout the first to be recognized in Henry County. Other Indiana old growth forests recognized by the Network include Moraine Nature Preserve in Porter County, Portland Arch Nature Preserve in Fountain County, and Shrader-Weaver Woods Nature Preserve in Fayette County.
Visitors to Stout Memorial Woodland are captivated by its towering oaks, vibrant displays of spring ephemeral wildflowers, and vernal pools. These are just some of the remarkable features that stand out when exploring the forest. Standing dead trees, fallen nursery logs, and buttress roots are also elements which illustrate Stout’s long natural history and the varying ages of plant life present within its borders. Just over 35 forested acres, Stout provides crucial habitat for wildlife, including salamanders, barred owls, and southern flying squirrels.
A cherished homestead passed down through three generations, Stout Memorial Woodland was donated to Purdue University as a research field station in 1964 and then acquired by Red-tail Land Conservancy ensuring its permanent protection and care in 2013.
The Stout family’s enduring commitment to maintaining the pristine condition of the woods prevented logging and grazing throughout their stewardship. Their children and grandchildren remained vigilant after gifting it to Purdue University to ensure its protection. The preservation of this rare old growth hardwood forest is a testament to the Stout family’s vision, community spirit, and perseverance.
To delve deeper into the rich history of Stout Memorial Woodland please visit our website. Click here to learn more about the Old-Growth Forest Network’s efforts across the nation as well as other dedicated sites in Indiana.
RED-TAIL LAND CONSERVANCY is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that protects and restores land and habitats in East Central Indiana while engaging our community with nature and conservation. By strategically preserving and restoring critical forests, prairies, wetlands, and waterways, Red-tail Land Conservancy plans for a future where the natural beauty and healthy habitats of east central Indiana will exist for generations to come. They have 20 protected nature preserves across East Central Indiana, 10 are open for public exploration dawn to dusk. www.ForTheLand.org
Kendalynn Ross is Outreach Coordinator for the Red-Tail Land Conservancy.