Habitat Restoration at Cedar Swamp Wetland Conservation Area
We recently contributed $59,000 to support an upland and wetland habitat restoration project at Cedar Swamp Wetland Conservation Area (WCA), thanks to our partnership with generous donors in northeast Indiana. Overall, 179 acres of habitat will be renovated through the multi-year, multi-partner effort, and the project has the scope to make an impact on up to 400 acres. With a 3:1 match of our gift, the total commitment to the project reaches $236,000, and we anticipate that additional partners will increase the committed amount.
Jody Kress (INRF), Dale Budzon (NE Indiana Committee), Savanna Vaughn (Pigeon River FWA/Cedar Swamp WCA), Robert Seilheimer (INRF), Jay Jorgensen (NE Indiana Committee)
The project will begin with a 53-acre native prairie restoration in the first year. The prairie will consist of either tall-stature grasses (big bluestem, Indiangrass, switchgrass) or medium-stature grasses (little bluestem, sideoats grama) and will be established in place of former agricultural fields.
“With this donation, we will be able to start the initial processes involved in renovating and re-establishing native prairie habitat in the upland fields at Cedar Swamp WCA, with the end result being high-quality habitat and stronger populations of game and non-game species,” said Savanna Vaughn, property manager of Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA). “We will be able to provide more opportunities for hunters and people who enjoy viewing wildlife and nature.”
One species that will benefit from the project is the ring-necked pheasant. This upland bird thrives in native grass fields. Although the pheasant was introduced to Indiana dating back to the 1800s, the ground-dwelling bird became a popular species to hunt in the area. Due to declining habitat, the pheasant has been slowly disappearing from the region. By converting agricultural land into native prairie, pheasants and other species will be provided with more variegated cover for nesting and brood rearing.
“The recent donation of $59,000 toward the prairie habitat project at Cedar Swamp WCA highlights our now 10-year commitment to permanently protect natural areas across northeast Indiana through land acquisition and habitat improvements,” said Tom Kelley, Northeast Indiana Committee co-chair. “We are excited to continue this important work of conserving land for current and future generations right here in northeast Indiana.”
Cedar Swamp WCA boasts numerous quality outdoor recreation opportunities. The 1,100-acre property offers hunting and trapping experiences as well as countless opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can often see wildlife including deer, waterfowl, turkey, rabbits, and pheasants. As the project progresses, the additional habitat will provide an increase in outdoor recreation possibilities.
Funding important conservation projects such as this is made possible by generous donors like you. In order to continue preserving Indiana’s natural legacy, we need your support. Donate today to begin your legacy.