Community Action Brings a Rare Wetland Back to Life

Imagine a vibrant tapestry woven by nature: emerald marshes swaying gently in the breeze, a symphony of bird calls filling the air. Beneath the water’s surface, a hidden world teems with life. This was once the reality for a quarter of Indiana’s landscape – wetlands, vital for the health of our ecosystems.

Sadly, over 85% of Indiana’s wetlands have vanished since the 1800s. These precious ecosystems provide invaluable services: flood control, water filtration, and vital habitats for countless species. Protecting the remaining wetlands is crucial for biodiversity, clean water, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

For nearly two decades, Red-Tail Land Conservancy hoped to acquire a rare wetland north of Summit Lake in Henry County. In 2023, that hope became a reality.

To secure the funding needed to purchase the land at an auction, Red-Tail turned to the community for support, including generous Henry County Community Foundation donors. With a grant cycle in 2024, a Choose Henry Flex Fund grant played a pivotal role, providing crucial momentum for Red-Tail.

“Receiving this grant was truly thrilling,” shared Julie Borgmann, Director of Red-Tail. “It lent significant credibility to our project, encouraging the involvement of other individuals and organizations.”

The impact of this wetland restoration extends far beyond its boundaries. Recent surveys have revealed the presence of rare plant species previously unknown in the region, highlighting the ecological significance of this precious habitat.

And this is just the beginning. Plans are underway to restore adjacent farmland into a vibrant sedge prairie, teeming with wildflowers, grasses, and a chorus of birds and butterflies. This transformation will create a thriving, interconnected landscape for generations to come.

“This wasn’t just about buying land,” explained Julie. “It was about creating a lasting legacy. This land is so important to migrating wildlife. It can create a contiguous thread of protected land for wildlife in our area.”

Grateful for all the funding received, Julie appreciated seeing the amazing collaboration with the community coming together to help Red-Tail realize its dreams of restoring this land.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the generosity of Foundation donors,” said Borgman. “The support wasn’t just financial; it was a statement that our community values its natural heritage.”

This project is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when local donors and organizations work together. Through the Choose Henry Flex Fund, donors like you make it possible to protect, restore, and sustain the natural beauty of Henry County.