City of Elkhart, Indiana

Restoration & Natural Resource Projects

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Nature Preserves - Members have developed and restored a 225-acre preserve through general maintenance, trail development and maintenance, bird and butterfly garden development, non-native species control; controlled burns; and kiosk development. Activities also include recruiting volunteers to maintain gardens, monitor bluebird boxes, and 'adopt' trails. In addition, EnviroCorps partners with The Nature Conservancy to restore and improve preserves across Indiana. A team of EnviroCorps members travels to the preserves to eradicate non-native species, conduct controlled burns and plant native vegetation along with area preserve managers.

Envirocorps photo

Brownfield Redevelopment - Members are responsible for restoring sites previously used for industrial and/or commercial activity. Recently, a large cattail marsh wetland is was excavated and cleared to make way for native planting, trials and an observation deck.

River Monitoring - Chemically, physically, and biologically test rivers once every other month and submit data to the City and Hoosier Riverwatch.

Stream Bank Restoration - Using soil erosion control fabrics and native plant species, a section of riverbank is secured to prevent continued erosion.

Wetland Plantings - EnviroCorps Members have worked along with the City of Elkhart to design and plant a constructed wetlands.

News & Notices

Boot Lake Nature Preserve Trail Map
Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Print out your own copy of the Boot Lake Trail map to enjoy a day outside hiking at Boot Lake Nature Preserve.
2009 Fall & Winter Green Gazette
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
Fall 2009 Environmental Division Volunteer Brochure
Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Are you looking for an opporunity to help the environment? If so please check out the Environmental Division's Fall Volunteer brochure to discover ways you can help your community and environment.
2009 Summer Green Gazette
Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.