History
In 1972, the City of Elkhart purchased a 160 acre property now known as Boot Lake Nature Preserve (BLNP). This property was originally used as a dumping ground for the sludge produced by the City of Elkhart's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP). The sludge was dumped into lagoons where it accumulated. The area was also illegally used as a dumping ground for neighboring residents.

 

The City conducted an extensive clean-up of the site to remove the sludge. In 1994, the City of Elkhart was chosen to administer an AmeriCorps National Service Program known as Elkhart EnviroCorps. During its first year, EnviroCorps' major objective was the transformation of this environmental liability into an environmental asset. After the removal of more than 70,000 pounds of trash, the development of walking trails, and the construction of a 108 foot plastic lumber boardwalk, EnviroCorps and the City of Elkhart officially opened Boot Lake Nature Preserve on July 3, 1995.

In 2000, the City of Elkhart acquired an additional 66 acres on the north side of the property through funding from the Indiana Heritage Trust Fund . This additional property borders the northwestern edge of Boot Lake and also contains a large forest and savannah areas.

In 2003, Boot Lake Nature Preserve was established as a state dedicated nature preserve, an honor for the site and the City of Elkhart.

Today the preserve consists of 60 acres of native tallgrass prairie, approximately 20 acres of savannah, the City tree nursery, woodlands, and of course, a wetland -- Boot Lake. The Preserve is an exceptional place for students and the public to learn more about our precious environment and its intricate ecosystems. Boot Lake Nature Preserve can accommodate school and community groups and is handicapped accessible. It should be noted that Boot Lake Nature Preserve is not a park, but a nature preserve. However, there is a picnic pavilion that doubles as a place to eat and an outdoor classroom and a composting toilet will be forth-coming.

This environmental triumph serves as an important lesson; it is never too late to correct mistakes. Before it was possible to make BioSoilds reusable, ignorance dictated the development of sludge lagoons. Yet, creativity and environmental awareness has transformed this former sludge farm into an opportunity to educate the public. 

Boot Lake Nature Preserve has approximately 4 milies of trails leading visitors throughout the preserve and the various habitats.  Approximately 2 miles of those trails are ADA accessible.  Click here for a copy of the Trail Map.

 

 

1717 East Lusher Avenue
Elkhart, IN 46516

• Telephone Number: (574) 293-2572

• Fax Number: (574) 293-7658