I like to visit parks and preserves all over the state. It doesn’t matter to me how big or small they are. I visit them for what they have to offer.
Southeastway Park is on the southeast side of Indianapolis. It was opened back in the 1970s and consists of 188 acres. It’s part of Indy Parks and Recreation.
One of the things that drew me to this place to begin with was the land itself. The flood plains, successional fields, prairie and wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of birds including warblers, belted kingfishers, eastern towhees, eastern bluebirds, swallows, tanagers, wrens, blue herons, orioles and thrushes.
There’s a small wildlife pond where Canada geese can be found nesting every year.
And there are an abundance of squirrels, turtles and frogs that can be seen throughout the different seasons of the year.
A hiking and biking trail was asphalted there in 2010 and altogether the loops that comprise this trail are 3 1/2 miles long. There also are woodland trails — these are the ones I enjoy hiking the most.
The Creekside Trail, 1 1/2 mile in length, takes you down a wooded path and to the creek banks of Buck Creek. In the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along this trail and throughout the park. I hiked this section the day I was there — a warm September day.
After parking my car, I stepped onto the trail that led me into the forest, with many species of trees. I passed by some young pawpaw trees on both sides of the woods. Pawpaw trees are native to Indiana and bear fruit this time of year.
These trees did not have fruit. Young trees usually don’t but too much shade in the area could have been a factor.
Pawpaw trees, are called Hoosier banana trees by some, others call them America’s forgotten fruit. The fruit tastes like a combination of bananas, mangos and pineapples. They have the texture of custard on the inside. There were no papaws to be found on this day.
I soon came to the banks of Buck Creek. I was pleasantly surprised to see a great blue heron standing on the opposite side of the creek. I was thrilled to get a photo of the bird. Blue herons are a large, slate-gray colored, wading bird with a long neck, long legs and a dagger-like beak. They often are found in shallow water. They usually stand on one leg and eat fish, crayfish, and frogs, among other things.
It was quiet and I was hidden with a good vantage point when I was observing the heron. What a great moment.
I finally moved from my spot, as did the heron, and continued on my trek through the woods. It was quiet under the canopy of the late, summer trees.
In the distance I heard the jungle-like call of a pileated woodpecker. I never tire of that sound but it does startle me at times. It was a beautiful day in the forest.
I had peaceful day in the quiet forest.
This park includes playgrounds, picnic areas, shelter houses and an activity center.
Indy Parks offers programs throughout the year, including a bug festival in August, maple syrup demonstrations in late February through March and hayrides in the fall.
It’s worth the visit even thought it takes just a little over an hour to drive there. It’s located 10 minutes from Interstate 465 off of Instate 74 East at 5624 S. Carroll Road. It’s open daily from dawn to dusk; there is no entry fee.
Here is a quote for your week:“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” John Burroughs, American naturalist, nature essayist. (1837-1921)
Until the next trail, Susan.
This article originally appeared on Evening World: Hike along trails at Southeastway Park on Indy’s south side offers wildlife, birds, events
Reporting by Susan Anderson / Evening World
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
