Clegg Memorial Garden
Clegg Garden resides on the hillside overlooking state scenic waterway Wildcat Creek. The slopes feature a rare gravel hill prairie ecosystem. From creekside to hilltop elevation changes 100 feet, making for excellent hiking opportunities along the mile plus of trail. The looping trails meander through oak woodland, gravel hill prairie, riparian corridor, and savanna.
Different seasons afford varying highlights. Spring woodland blooms dapple the understory, summer prairie and savanna wildflowers show off vibrant colors, fall leaf change presents a panoply of color in the forest canopy. Year-round visitors see the striking landscape views from the many overlooks.
Trails
People have been hiking the trails at Clegg Garden for more than 50 years. They all get much exercise on the hilly terrain with many stairs. Many also have questions about the natural environment of the area through which they are walking. During a walk of a few miles, they n go through four of the major ecosystems of the world. The two documents below are available for hikers to find their way around and to explain what they see.
Trail Map This map is posted on posts along the trails, but you might wish to print a copy to carry with you or access the map on your smartphone. It shows the locations four ecosystems of the area. The map is a temporary version because new trails are under construction. It will be revised when work is completed.
Clegg Ecosystems and Trails This text document describes the four ecosystems and their relation to the geology and soils of the area. It also tells how the map was made using geographic information systems and the kind of map projection on which the map is based.
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Journaling Station
- Trails
- Wildflowers
- Junior Ranger Activities
History of Acquisition and Property
Harold and Ruth Clegg purchased what would become Clegg Memorial Garden in the late 1930s as a country retreat. For decades the family spent time with friends and relatives enjoying the beautiful vistas and serene environment of what was then the country.
After the death of their only son, Jerry, the Cleggs decided with the suggestion by Mary Fouse Peyton, a close family friend, to convert the private garden into a Memorial Garden in honor of their son. On April 18, 1965, the Clegg family opened the property to the public under the auspices of the Clegg Foundation. Installed trails enabled the public to explore the hills and access the Wildcat Creek.
Jim Peterson served as property steward of Clegg Memorial Garden beginning in 1966. Later he stepped into the role of Treasurer for the Clegg Memorial Garden Board of Directors. Jim remained with Clegg Memorial Garden, living on-site and tending the property, until the management transferred from Clegg Memorial Garden to NICHES Land Trust in 2014, nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the Clegg Memorial Garden.
The Clegg cottage, once country retreat then private home for the property manager, now houses NICHES Land Trust administrative offices. NICHES modernized the building and continued the transition that Jim started in the 1990s from a garden to a native landscape.
How to Get There
Clegg Memorial Garden is at 1782 N 400 E, Lafayette, IN 47905. Public parking on the east side of the road.
Seasonal Features
Fantastic displays of spring wildflowers and views of fall colors over the Wildcat Creek valley
Noteworthy Information
Natural play area for kids and young and heart to play and explore
Parking
Gravel lot across the road from property
Number of Acres
16.5
PDF Map
Trail Description
Fun, well maintained trails
