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Center for Earth and Environmental
Science
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SCOTT STARLING NATURE SANCTUARY WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT
Useful Links: Audubon Society - Birding in Eagle Creek Park By: James Cole |
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Center for
Earth and Environmental Science |
The
Center for Earth and Environmental Science is restoring a mosaic of
relatively rare and biologically diverse groundwater-fed wetland
systems in the Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary portion of Eagle
Creek Park. The restoration is occurring in areas that were
historically fen and sedge meadow. CEES has established a broad
coalition of stakeholders that include professional staff at the
City of Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, university
faculty and staff, wetland restoration professionals from Spence
Restoration Nursery, JF New and Associates, university students,
corporate and community volunteers, and citizen groups representing
the Starling Nature Sanctuary as well as the area watershed task
force. Site geophysical surveys and manual probing are being used to
locate the old agricultural tile drainage network which was
installed by earlier settlers to drain the wetlands at the site. The
tiles are then being removed in several. As the hydrology is
restored, site preparation will continue with the removal of exotic
species and existing turf grass. Ten groundwater monitoring wells
have been installed to monitor the level of the groundwater and
track its chemical characteristics. As the hydrology is recovering,
wetland plants are being returned to the site. All native plants
re-introduced are of local genetic make up. We anticipate that
60-70% of the eleven acre site will be returned to wetlands and
associated habitats. The remaining area will be allowed to establish
its own ecological setting based on ground wetness, elevation, and
relationship to surrounding vegetation communities. As the site
proceeds, CEES is partnering with Indy Parks and Recreation to
install educational signage with an associated trail and boardwalk
system. Educational programming modules based on the research and
restoration of the site are being incorporated into the Indy Parks
and Recreation naturalist program and CEES outreach. CEES is
additionally creating and serving a project web site with site
information, research data and teacher curriculum resources.
Restoring this rare and biologically diverse wetland type will
increase biodiversity, provide a rich location for environmental
education and awareness, and create an important area for nature
appreciation by the citizens of Indiana.