Little River Wetlands Project Adds Acreage

(Photo courtesy: Visit Fort Wayne)

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A wetland restoration project in Fort Wayne has is growing by 35 acres, bringing Eagle Marsh to 791 acres. Little River Wetlands Project, a nonprofit land trust, co-owns the marsh and purchased the mostly-undeveloped property.

“We’ve had our eyes on this piece of land for some time,” said Amy Silva, LRWP executive director. “It consists primarily of wooded wetlands, which are critical to protect, and large areas of the property have remained forested since the first aerial photograph of it in 1938.”

Silva says the property will not be open immediately to the public, but LRWP hopes to establish trails and infrastructure that will allow access in a few years. Right now, the group is focused on managing invasive species. “Then we’ll determine where trails could be routed and consider whether the potential for boardwalks,” said Silva.

A donation by a local couple helped make the purchase possible. Silva says grants from The Nature Conservancy, the Ropchan Foundation and the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation also helped cover the cost.