HEARTWOOD is a regional network that protects forests and supports
community activism in the eastern United States through education, advocacy,
and citizen empowerment.
HEARTWOOD was founded in 1991, when concerned citizens from several
midwestern states met and agreed to work together to protect the heartland
hardwood forest.
This region was once blanketed with a majestic hardwood forest containing
more than 70 species of hardwood trees. Unfortunately, much of this forest has
been cleared and what remains is mostly isolated fragments of public land that
nonetheless play a critical role in providing habitat for wildlife, purifying
the air and water, moderating global climate change, and offering places of
beauty and enjoyment. .
Today, our efforts remain rooted in the heart of the central hardwood
region, with an emphasis on our “core states” of Indiana, Ohio,
Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. Over time, Heartwood has branched out to
serve areas of need throughout an 18-state region, giving special attention to
the “at risk” national forests in Michigan, Mississippi,
Pennsylvania, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Paoli is 50 miles south of Bloomington on Highway 37 and 50 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky, on US Highway 150.
From Paoli: Go 2.5 miles south on Highway 37. At the first crossroads (watch for a brown and white sign that says: Hoosier National Forest Youngs Creek Horse Trail), turn right on CR 250 S.
After you turn on C.R. 250 S: Go west 1 mile. Watch for another horse trail sign. Turn left (south) on County Road 50 W; go past the horse camp (one and a half miles). Go straight through the open gate to the Lazy Black Bear.
From I-64: Take Highway 37 North exit to English. Go 13 miles past English. Watch for a brown and white sign that says: Hoosier National Forest Youngs Creek Horse Trail. Turn left on CR 250 S (look for blue & white mile-marker 52) then follow directions above.
The map above shows the location of this year's Reunion. You can
scroll around by clicking and dragging in the map. You can zoom in or out
using the the [+] and [-] near the upper left of the map.
