What is Limberlost? It’s an area around Geneva, IN.
Two prominent features of the Limberlost are Limberlost State Historic Site (former home of famous Indiana author Gene Stratton-Porter) and the restored wetlands (including Limberlost Wetland Preserve and Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve).
Gene’s home (also known as “the Cabin”) is a registered historic site managed/operated by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS). Guided tours are available. Throughout the year, the site also hosts many programs and events related to nature and history, for individuals as well as groups (including homeschool and public school groups). Programs also take place at the different nature preserves.
The Limberlost wetlands were the setting and inspiration for the novels and nature studies Gene Stratton-Porter wrote and published when she lived here (1888-1913).
At that time, the extensive wetlands were already being drained for logging, farming, and oil exploration. Gene kept advocating for the preservation of the wetlands, to little avail. Although the soil is rich, flooding keeps plaguing the farmers to this day.
Today, almost 1800 acres of wetlands have been restored and many miles of trails (some handicap accessible) are open to the public between dawn and dusk, free of charge. Trail maps are available online and printouts are available at the State Historic Site, free of charge.
Who was Gene Stratton-Porter?
Famous naturalist and author Gene Stratton-Porter cherished the flora and fauna of Limberlost Swamp, and she understood the importance of this type of habitat. Sadly not everyone was as well-informed, and the swamp was eventually drained in an attempt to farm the land. The Friends of the Limberlost, through a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, have recently restored the land, and much of the wildlife about which Gene Stratton-Porter lovingly wrote has returned. To fully appreciate the history and importance of Limberlost and Gene Stratton-Porter, be certain to take a tour of this historically significant site to accompany any program you attend. The depth of understanding such a tour provides will leave you with a sense of wonder and awe!
Who Are Friends of the Limberlost (FOL)?
A 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization, incorporated in 1993, dedicated to preserving and promoting Gene Stratton-Porter’s legacy as a writer and conservationist through our support for the State Historic Site and the wetlands. Donations to FOL can be tax-exempt.
Historic Site Support: We do fundraising projects at the State Historic Site and volunteer at events, apply for grants, provide historical research, explore and suggest projects and programming ideas and contacts. Among recent Historic Site projects are the kitchen restoration and the visitor center.
Wetland Support: Limberlost Swamp Remembered (LSR) is a standing committee of the Friends of the Limberlost dedicated to the restoration of Limberlost wetlands. LSR supports the wetland restoration directly through land acquisition and restoration of Limberlost wetlands. Also, support is given to the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves, which manages the Limberlost wetland preserves. We do fundraising for land acquisition, apply for grants, and volunteer.
We also support improving the visitor experience by paying for native plantings, designing and purchasing interpretive signs, and repairing and maintaining trailheads, kiosks, and parking lots at some of the preserves. We also promote Limberlost wetlands any way we can.
Friends of the Limberlost 