A state nature preserve located on the southwest side of Griffith is growing larger.
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission unanimously agreed Tuesday to add the 24.77-acre Sundew Prairie parcel to the Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve.
The addition is a large open area located immediately behind three residential cul-de-sacs on the west side of Cline Avenue, roughly between Avenue D on the north and Manchester Court on the south.
The parcel, comprised of wet sand prairie and oak savanna, is notable for its rare flora, including northern bog clubmoss, paper birch and several sedges, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve most commonly is viewed by motorists traveling Main Street between Griffith and Highland. But it also includes a large area south of the railroad tracks that will grow with the new addition.
The 1,500-acre prairie was designated a national natural landmark in 1978. The land is part of Indiana Dunes National Park but continues to be owned by the Indiana DNR.
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