Hancock County is home to the Sugar Creek Watershed and home to a great selection of wildlife.
The U.S. Geological Survey has identified 31 species of fish in Sugar Creek.
Fish is the basic diet of American Bald Eagles living in this watershed.
I have also seen river otter, crane, owls, Pileated Woodpeckers and a variety of hawks.
It will be important to protect our Sugar Creek Watershed so wildlife have a safe, stable habitat in which to live, eat, drink and raise their young.
In 2008, the Sugar Creek Watershed management team identified several factors placing the watershed at risk.
Use of pesticides, feces from livestock and increased growth of homes and businesses have been shown to reduce water quality in the watershed.
Sugar Creek Watershed covers about one half of Hancock County and includes all the land and water draining into the creek.
Pennsy Trails in Hancock County will travel through the middle of this watershed. We have an opportunity to protect this valuable resource.
Sugar Creek Watershed at Pennsy Trails 400 West Trail Head Project will highlight the importance and management of this watershed.
The goal of this project is to provide education to all age groups and provide a variety of activities at this site.
It will be a great place for adults, families, school groups and scout troops to learn about this watershed.
Another goal will be to control invasive honeysuckle and other nonnative plants that crowd out native Indiana plants, trees and wildflowers.
At this time, honeysuckle has taken over. Its removal will be staged over the next three years with the help of several groups interested in environmental sustainability.
We will add native trees, scrubs and wildflowers.
This will provide volunteer and leadership opportunities for students, scout troops, churches, business and work groups.
This project is being supported by Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Soil and Water District, Indiana Native Plant and Wildlflower Society (INPAWS), Master Gardener and Master Naturalist groups.
The vision is to provide a natural play area and education for children and adults.
Businesses can support this effort by sponsoring this project.
Sponsors will fund trail sections for the educational material, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, trail signs and educational displays. Contact us at [email protected].
