Whistler Woods
Situated along the Deer Creek, Whistler Woods offers majestic views. Looking from atop the slate hillside down into the Deer Creek valley affords views of the meandering creek and forested creek valley. The trail leads down to the valley and up to the edge of the creek. Across the creek, a slate wall with water dripping from seeps gives a zen garden like feel to the property.
Evidence of wildlife activity is frequently found, from beaver chews to tracks in the soft soil at waters edge.
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Wildflowers
History of Acquisition and Property
In honor of his mother, Mary I. Gerard, Charles Gerard donated 6 acres of quality bottomland woods in 2008.
Charles Gerard, a noted local historian, avidly supported local organizations dedicated to historical preservation and natural area conservation. Mr. Gerard authored numerous publications of local interest including, “Mystique of Deer Creek” that weaves local history with the poetry of James Whitcomb Riley, Hoosier poet who spent summers in the Deer Creek area. Gerard co-authored the Carroll County Sesquicentennial publication, “A Pictoral History of Carroll County” and contributed photographs to “Faces Behind the Facade.”
In 2017, NICHES added 5 acres south of the former railroad bed and north of the Gerard donation.
In 2018, NICHES accepted the donation of 89 acres of land from the City of Delphi. The stewardship endowment for the land was supported in full by the Roy Whistler Foundation, an organization that has helped NICHES grow many times over the years. NICHES chose to rename the preserve Whistler Woods in honor of the Roy Whistler Foundation and name the trail on the land as the Gerard Trail.