About Watson Road Bird Preserve
At just four acres, the Watson Road Bird Preserve is one of Indy Parks’ smallest sites, but it provides an important oasis for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife just blocks from the Indiana State Fairgrounds. First established in 1925, the preserve is a destination for Indy Birding and easily accessed by the Fall Creek Greenway Trail. The natural area of Watson Road Bird Preserve is managed by the DPW Land Stewardship Team, who oversee 1600 acres of natural habitat throughout the Indy Parks system.
Did You Know
- The neighborhood developer, Watson Hesselman, designed the Watson-McCord neighborhood to have these two greenspaces, Watson Road Bird Preserve and McCord Park, to provide attractive plots for passive recreation and natural habitat for plants and animals.
Top Things to Do at Watson Road Bird Preserve
- Birdwatch for the many woodpecker species that are found in the stand of mature trees.
- Study butterflies that visit the native prairie plantings in the summer.
- Ride your bike from the Fall Creek Greenway Trail.
- Stroll around the Watson-McCord neighborhood that was designated a National Historic District in 2012.
- Admire the many species of oak trees that live on the uniquely rolling terrain.
