Fund Est. 2000
Friends of the Limberlost Fund was established in 2000 to help support the mission of preserving the former home of the infamous Gene Stratton-Porter and now the restored wetlands in Geneva, IN which includes the Limberlost Wetland Preserve and Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve.
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 restored the land and much of the wildlife which Gene Stratton-Porter lovingly wrote about.
The Friends of the Limberlost is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization, that works closely with Limberlost State Historic Site and the Indiana Division of Nature Preserve to preserve and promote the legacy of Gene Stratton-Porter, who lived in Geneva, Indiana, from 1888 to 1913.
Gene Stratton-Porter's 14-room Queen Anne style log cabin home, completed in 1895, and known as the Limberlost Cabin, is one of only 12 historic sites operated by the Indiana State Museum. Today, the Indiana Division of Nature Preserves and manages 1500 acres of the original Limberlost Swamp, which Mrs. Porter popularized in her novels and nature study books. From the Limberlost cabin, 750 acres of natural wetlands are located within five to ten miles.
The Friends of the Limberlost volunteers are the real heroes who keep the cabin and wetlands in top notch shape. They also lead fundraising projects at the State Historic Site, volunteer at events, apply for grants, provide historical research, and explore and suggest projects and new programming ideas. Volunteers also improve 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. These wonderful volunteers promote the Limberlost wetlands any way they can.
Information about Limberlost Cabin tours, wetland tours, special events, and wetland restoration projects can be obtained by visiting the historic site, located on US 27 in Geneva, or by calling 260-368-7428, or visit the websites: www.genestrattonporter.net or www.indianamuseum.org and click on the historic sites tab. The ACCF Board of Directors tip our hat to these wonderful volunteers that keep the Gene Stratton-Porter home and legacy alive.