Hildebrand Lake

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This 49-acre property is located in New Durham Township, northeast of Westville.  It includes the western half of Lake Hildebrand (the eastern portion is unprotected and in private hands), marshy wetlands, and adjacent swamp.  The mesic forest that surrounds the swamp and the sheltered slopes descending toward the lake feature a spectacular display of spring wildflowers.  Waterfowl and wading birds are frequent visitors.  The property lies on the Valparaiso Moraine. 

Acquisition Partners: 

The Nature Conservancy, private donors (Lerner Family).

Restoration Partners:

Barker Endowment Fund.

The woods at Hildebrand Lake explode with a remarkable display of ephemeral wildflowers in the spring.  Trilliums by the hundreds blanket the forest floor.  Toothworts in equally large numbers line the hiking trail.  Buttercups, trout lilies, spring beauties, violets offer pockets of yellow and pink and blue.  Rue anemone, Jack-in-the-pulpit, squirrel corn, and many more beauties are there as well. 

The varied wetland habitats at Hildebrand Lake – marsh, swamp, open water – harbor a diversity of faunal species.  The lake hosts a variety of turtles and fish.  Frogs call in the spring; salamanders seek out hidden places in the wet woods.  Beavers make occasional appearances.  Migrating waterfowl pass through.  Herons and other wading birds fish in the shallows.

Directions:

Hildebrand Lake is not easily accessed without intruding on neighboring private properties, and street parking is difficult.  Call for advice before visiting.
Photos by Ron Trigg

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