Westchester MigratoryBird Sanctuary
Donation protected
The PorterCo Conservation Trust, Inc. , (PCT)is a not-for-profit organization recently formed by the Porter County Parks Foundation, Inc., [PCT, a 501(c)(3), NFP] to restore and preserve a much abused wetland within the flight path of migratory waterfowl at the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan. The project was envisioned in 2001 with the purchase of 19 acres of sensitive wetland that had been abused by household waste dumping for a number of years. Efforts had been made by developers to drain it for subdividing and residential use, but were unsuccessful and abandoned the property. PCT hoped to restore the wetlands and reforest parts of it for passive recreation purposes as a county park. However, there was no ambition shown from the county and the project lay dormant until 2013
In that year, a PCT director took on the job as project manager, organized a team of volunteers, and was able to add nearly 23 more acres of wetland and some higher ground. The project took off with much public support in the form of volunteer help and some donations. In the three years since, a few acres of high ground have been cleared of exotic trees and bushes, a parking area constructed, two trails begun, and a 20'x30' shelter built.
At this moment of growth, our parent organization (PCT) has allowed us to separate for a more focused
direction and to acquire more lands for similar uses. We have organized within the state of Indiana and have applied for our IRS NFP designation as a 501(c)(3), which should be approved shortly.
Our project mission is to restore the wetland, reverse the drainage, remove the phragmites, canary grass, and other exotics and provide ponding for migrating shorebirds and permanent species. A small ring of woods and higher ground borders the wetland. Our plan is to first build a trail ending in an overlook/observation deck similar to the posted picture above. This picture is an actual image of the site with a rendering of the deck.
This and a small parking area are in the first phase of several for the development. Birding is a popular activity in this area since we are directly in the path of many migrating species. On the southern edge of Lake Michigan, Chesterton, Indiana,
has been designated a Bird Town and a Tree Town, USA. Full development and restoration of this area will greatly improve a significant eyesore and also improve land values. The educational value cannot be overlooked as the property borders an intermediate school and is within one mile of an elementary, middle, and high school. Purdue University is already using the property for course work in habitat restoration.
In that year, a PCT director took on the job as project manager, organized a team of volunteers, and was able to add nearly 23 more acres of wetland and some higher ground. The project took off with much public support in the form of volunteer help and some donations. In the three years since, a few acres of high ground have been cleared of exotic trees and bushes, a parking area constructed, two trails begun, and a 20'x30' shelter built.
At this moment of growth, our parent organization (PCT) has allowed us to separate for a more focused
direction and to acquire more lands for similar uses. We have organized within the state of Indiana and have applied for our IRS NFP designation as a 501(c)(3), which should be approved shortly.
Our project mission is to restore the wetland, reverse the drainage, remove the phragmites, canary grass, and other exotics and provide ponding for migrating shorebirds and permanent species. A small ring of woods and higher ground borders the wetland. Our plan is to first build a trail ending in an overlook/observation deck similar to the posted picture above. This picture is an actual image of the site with a rendering of the deck.
This and a small parking area are in the first phase of several for the development. Birding is a popular activity in this area since we are directly in the path of many migrating species. On the southern edge of Lake Michigan, Chesterton, Indiana,
has been designated a Bird Town and a Tree Town, USA. Full development and restoration of this area will greatly improve a significant eyesore and also improve land values. The educational value cannot be overlooked as the property borders an intermediate school and is within one mile of an elementary, middle, and high school. Purdue University is already using the property for course work in habitat restoration.
Organizer
Tim Cole
Organizer
Chesterton, IN
