Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve

This 48-acre upland habitat, located in the middle of Monroe Lake, adds to the largest contiguous forest block in Indiana, connecting to the beloved Brown County Hills Forest. The peninsula provides an important habitat for raptors and other birds; Monroe Lake itself is designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society.

Thanks to the generosity of the Weingartner and Branigin families, this nature preserve was named in memory of Amy Weingartner Branigin. Amy was a lover of nature, especially bats. She explored caves as a kid while her father, Larry Weingartner, conducted his research on cave fauna. When Amy passed away in 2012 of a brain tumor, her family sought a way to memorialize her in nature. This is a fitting tribute to the life of a wonderful person.

Owned by Sycamore Land Trust, the Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula must be protected and restored for biodiversity, clean water, and environmental education. 

Features: 1.7 miles of lake frontage on Lake Monroe, the largest inland lake in the state; habitat for red-shouldered hawks, broad-winged hawks, and eastern box turtles; thick upland hardwood forest.

Trail: 2.2 miles total (1.1 each way) built by the Hoosier Hikers Council and utilizing an old road. Moderately rugged and rocky.

Do not park on the road; parking is only available in the parking lot.