Indiana couple turns $5.5M closed golf course into county's largest preserve

Wolf Run Golf Club, once a popular golf course in Zionsville, Indiana, has transformed into the county's largest nature preserve. The property, which was purchased by Jim and Nancy Carpenter for $5.5 million in 2021, was closed in 2017 after nearly three decades of operation. The 215-acre preserve, now known as Carpenter Nature Preserve, has quickly become a haven for various wildlife species, including birds, deer, foxes, turtles, and bats.

The transformation began after the Carpenters recognized the potential for conservation and purchased the land in order to prevent it from being developed for housing and commercial purposes. Over six years, much of the landscape has begun returning to nature as the fairways allow to return to woodland, while other parts of the property are being rehabilitated to remove invasive species.

The preserve is being developed in multiple phases, with the first phase focusing on basic infrastructure such as trails, parking, and restrooms. Future plans include a nature center, outdoor classroom, wetlands, woodlands, prairies, boardwalks, and overlooks. The preserve is expected to become the largest nature preserve in Boone County, creating habitats for a wide range of wildlife.