Partnerships

The Delaware County SWCD:
Water Quality and Natural Resources in Delaware County
    
The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was featured as a 2010 Indiana District Showcase Award winner for their efforts to improve water quality and conserve the natural resources in East Central Indiana.

The spotlight was on several conservation practices implemented through the SWCD, particularly the John M. Craddock Wetland Nature Preserve. Right: photo is courtesy of the Delaware County SWCD.

Located in the defunct industrial area of Muncie along the Cardinal Greenway and the White River, and adjacent to a large urban area, the 27-acre Craddock Wetland is accessible to the general public. It features wetlands, mesic prairie areas and upland woods – all easily observed from the wooden boardwalks that wind through the Preserve. This reclaimed land along the White River corridor is fast becoming a way station for migratory birds and a haven for other wildlife. The SWCD and their partners in this project:

• Ball Brothers Foundation,
• Red Tail Conservancy,
• Ball State University,
• the Muncie Sanitary District,
• Cardinal Greenway,
• Pheasants Forever, and
• FlatLand Resources LLC,.

share the vision that this is only the beginning of an effort to reclaim the abandoned industrial land in this area and return it to a state that benefits both wildlife and the Muncie community. Right: graphic courtesy of the Delaware County SWCD.

The Delaware County SWCD manages grant funding from the Ball Brothers Foundation for the project, and with Flatland Resources, directs and manages construction of the wetland, boardwalks, signage and fencing, as well as all of the plantings and weed/invasive plant control. Ball State University landscape architecture students work as Earth Team volunteers to design and complete the building of the boardwalks and structures to enhance the public access to the Nature Preserve.

Students have volunteered over 3,400 hours to date to the project and are not yet finished. The assistance students have given has added a great deal of value to the Wetland Nature Reserve and the community that utilizes the area along the Cardinal Greenway for research, recreation, education and nature viewing.

Other projects that were highlighted on the District Showcase tour included a green roof installation, a bank restoration at Prairie Creek Reservoir, and the Bonham Wetland. Funding for many of these projects comes from the District's third U.S. EPA 319 Watershed grant which allows the District to implement conservation practices that address water quality issues.

Left: Volunteers prepare to plant seedlings at the Bonham Wetland in Delaware County. Photo courtesy of the Delaware County SWCD.

The Delaware County SWCD is currently partnering with the Randolph County SWCD to apply for a joint 319 grant to extend the reach of its conservation efforts. The District also actively pursues opportunities for conservation in many other areas such as energy efficiency, conservation farming practices, and urban gardening.

The Delaware County SWCD was excited to share some of the ways that they and their partners are changing the landscape and improving the quality of life in their county.

Congratulations to the Delaware County SWCD, a 2010 District Showcase Award winner!

>> Click here to find out more about Indiana's SWCDs