Imagine
walking through Indiana 100 years ago. Instead of cornfields and
forested hillsides of young trees, there were 19,000,000 acres of old
growth forests. Walnut trees 40 inches in diameter and 130 feet tall
were common. Ancient oaks which had stood since before Columbus
discovered America were abundant.
You don't have to just imagine, you can visit Pioneer Mothers Memorial
Forest and step back into the past. This 88 acre area is located just
south of Paoli, Indiana. Formerly known as Cox Woods, the tract is the
last old growth forest of its size known in Indiana. The site has been
left virtually undisturbed since before it was purchased by Joseph Cox
in 1816.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest offers a 0.8 mile hiking trail through
88 acres of old growth forest. The trail is a short and easy hike, but
it is well worth the trip. The trees are enormous and beautiful.
Note: Since this area is a Research Natural Area no hunting, camping,
target shooting, or plant collecting is allowed. Horses and bikes are
also prohibited in this area.
For More Information Contact:
National Forest Office
811 Constitution Ave
Bedford, IN 47421-9599
(812) 275-5987
Annual precipitation (type,
seasonal distribution) : Average annual precipitation is about 45
inches (114.3 cm). Average annual snowfall is 17 inches (43.18 cm).
Maximum and minimum temperatures :
Average summer temperature is 73F, average daily maximum is 86F, and
highest temperature on record is 107F. Average winter temperature is
32F, average daily minimum is 21F, and the lowest temperature on record
is -27F.
Elevation: Elevation ranges from
650 to 830 feet (212.5 to 271.4 m).
Geology and Soils: The topography
in the RNA is hilly and rugged, due in part to the presence of several
sinkholes. The RNA is in the heart of the southern Indiana karst
topography. The soil is a residual, unglaciated loam and silt loam
derived from the weathering of a sandstone stratum overlying limestone.
In the lower parts of the RNA, the soil is derived from weathered
limestone with accumulations of eroded overlying sandstone colluvium.
Aquatic Features: Lick Creek, an
intermittent creek, forms the northern boundary of this RNA.
Copyrighted names are used in an editorial
manner only,
and to the benefit of their owners, with no
intention of infringement of their Trademark and/or Copyright.
