Did you know that 85% of Indiana’s original wetlands have been destroyed? In the last twenty years, scientists have begun to recognize the
many benefits of wetlands. Little River Wetlands Project has risen to the challenge of restoring and preserving wetlands with the help of its
many members and volunteers. LRWP now protects over 1,000 acres of wetlands in the Little River watershed southwest of Fort Wayne.
What is a wetland?
It is land that supports vegetation that will grow only where it is wet at least part of the year. Yes, wetlands are defined by their vegetation!
Typically, areas that are wet much of the year are interspersed with drier areas that are under water only part of the year or not at all.
Special plants, trees, and shrubs that need lots of moisture grow in the wetter parts of wetlands. In upland areas, there will be different
kinds of plants and trees. Read below about how LRWP’s wetlands help wildlife, people, and communities.
How wetlands benefit wildlife:
LRWP’s 25,000 acre project area in the Little River valley supported tens of thousands of birds and other wildlife before it was drained for
agricultural use in the late 1800’s. As the hydrology and habitats of our three wetland preserves have been restored, wildlife has begun
returning in abundance. Over 150 bird species have been seen at Eagle Marsh alone.
Many species of wildlife use more than one habitat during their life cycles. Our restored habitats include wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows,
prairies, and newly planted native trees and shrubs. Eagle Marsh also offers 30 acres of mature forested wetland and Arrowhead Marsh
provides 13 wooded acres where salamanders, owls, and other woodland creatures thrive.
Imperiled wildlife often need larger and wilder areas for their survival than other creatures do. LRWP is proud that 12 bird and two
amphibian species endangered or of special concern in Indiana have been seen at our preserves. About half of all federally endangered
wildlife relies on wetlands for survival.
How wetlands benefit people:
LRWP’s wetland preserves offer numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, birding, and nature photography. Studies have
found that nature experiences enhance people’s physical and emotional health. Children especially benefit from being out in nature.
LRWP’s free nature education programs, serving about 2,500 children and adults annually, help visitors to our preserves learn about
wetland ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there.
Eagle Marsh will have up to ten miles of trails by the end of 2009 and Arrowhead Marsh offers a one and a half mile nature trail through
woods and prairie. The Towpath Trail, a multiuse community trail bordering Eagle Marsh, will soon connect the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway
and the Aboite New Trails networks, as well as providing a trailhead with parking for visitors.
How wetlands benefit communities:
LRWP’s wetlands help prevent flooding as they store up to one and a half million gallons of rainwater and snowmelt per acre (U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service), rather than the water ending up downstream or in residential areas.
Groundwater is cleansed as sediments in it settle and wetland plants filter out harmful materials. When 1% of a watershed is restored to
wetland, nitrate and herbicide runoff can be reduced by up to 50% (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Wetland biomass can slow climate change by sequestering carbon the plants remove from the air and by storing carbon in the soil once the
plants die. LRWP has planted more than 45,000 trees and shrubs at its three preserves to enhance carbon sequestration and meet
wildlife’s habitat needs.
LRWP’s preserves will become a mecca for birders as more and more bird species are seen. Visiting out-of-town birders contribute an
average of $134 per day to the local economy, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The beauty and opportunities for recreation at LRWP’s preserves enhance the image of the Fort Wayne area for visitors and perspective
new residents. Eagle Marsh, Allen County’s largest preserve at 705 acres, is located very near the city’s residential areas and only minutes
from downtown.
And did you know? Healthy wetlands hold mosquito populations in check because birds, frogs, and insects such as dragonflies that live in
these wetlands love to eat mosquitoes and/or their larvae (Indiana Department of Natural Resources).
many benefits of wetlands. Little River Wetlands Project has risen to the challenge of restoring and preserving wetlands with the help of its
many members and volunteers. LRWP now protects over 1,000 acres of wetlands in the Little River watershed southwest of Fort Wayne.
What is a wetland?
It is land that supports vegetation that will grow only where it is wet at least part of the year. Yes, wetlands are defined by their vegetation!
Typically, areas that are wet much of the year are interspersed with drier areas that are under water only part of the year or not at all.
Special plants, trees, and shrubs that need lots of moisture grow in the wetter parts of wetlands. In upland areas, there will be different
kinds of plants and trees. Read below about how LRWP’s wetlands help wildlife, people, and communities.
How wetlands benefit wildlife:
LRWP’s 25,000 acre project area in the Little River valley supported tens of thousands of birds and other wildlife before it was drained for
agricultural use in the late 1800’s. As the hydrology and habitats of our three wetland preserves have been restored, wildlife has begun
returning in abundance. Over 150 bird species have been seen at Eagle Marsh alone.
Many species of wildlife use more than one habitat during their life cycles. Our restored habitats include wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows,
prairies, and newly planted native trees and shrubs. Eagle Marsh also offers 30 acres of mature forested wetland and Arrowhead Marsh
provides 13 wooded acres where salamanders, owls, and other woodland creatures thrive.
Imperiled wildlife often need larger and wilder areas for their survival than other creatures do. LRWP is proud that 12 bird and two
amphibian species endangered or of special concern in Indiana have been seen at our preserves. About half of all federally endangered
wildlife relies on wetlands for survival.
How wetlands benefit people:
LRWP’s wetland preserves offer numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, birding, and nature photography. Studies have
found that nature experiences enhance people’s physical and emotional health. Children especially benefit from being out in nature.
LRWP’s free nature education programs, serving about 2,500 children and adults annually, help visitors to our preserves learn about
wetland ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there.
Eagle Marsh will have up to ten miles of trails by the end of 2009 and Arrowhead Marsh offers a one and a half mile nature trail through
woods and prairie. The Towpath Trail, a multiuse community trail bordering Eagle Marsh, will soon connect the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway
and the Aboite New Trails networks, as well as providing a trailhead with parking for visitors.
How wetlands benefit communities:
LRWP’s wetlands help prevent flooding as they store up to one and a half million gallons of rainwater and snowmelt per acre (U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service), rather than the water ending up downstream or in residential areas.
Groundwater is cleansed as sediments in it settle and wetland plants filter out harmful materials. When 1% of a watershed is restored to
wetland, nitrate and herbicide runoff can be reduced by up to 50% (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
Wetland biomass can slow climate change by sequestering carbon the plants remove from the air and by storing carbon in the soil once the
plants die. LRWP has planted more than 45,000 trees and shrubs at its three preserves to enhance carbon sequestration and meet
wildlife’s habitat needs.
LRWP’s preserves will become a mecca for birders as more and more bird species are seen. Visiting out-of-town birders contribute an
average of $134 per day to the local economy, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
The beauty and opportunities for recreation at LRWP’s preserves enhance the image of the Fort Wayne area for visitors and perspective
new residents. Eagle Marsh, Allen County’s largest preserve at 705 acres, is located very near the city’s residential areas and only minutes
from downtown.
And did you know? Healthy wetlands hold mosquito populations in check because birds, frogs, and insects such as dragonflies that live in
these wetlands love to eat mosquitoes and/or their larvae (Indiana Department of Natural Resources).
Habitats and Wildlife at LRWP’s Preserves
LRWP’s preserves feature four main habitats: Wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows, forests, and prairies. Many wildlife species that are
endangered or of special concern in Indiana need one or more of our wetland habitats to survive. Here is an overview of our habitats and
some of the creatures that depend on them. Your contribution to LRWP helps ensure that their vital needs are met.
What Do You Know about Wet/Marshy Habitats and the Species that Live There?
Eagle Marsh has about 154 acres of wet/marshy habitats including ponds and other areas that are wet more than half the year. (To see
where they are, view map on the Eagle Marsh page). Arrowhead Marsh has 16 acres for a total of 170 acres at both preserves. These
aren't the only areas that are wet at LRWP’s preserves, but they’re the wettest the longest! Read more about our wetlands’ other habitats,
including sedge meadows that are wet less than half the year below. Many wildlife species that are endangered, threatened, or of special
concern in Indiana need one or more of our wetland habitats to survive.
Special plants thrive in wet/marshy areas. In Indiana, we have lost many of our native rushes, grasses and sedges. We have seeded Eagle
Marsh with species such as Frank’s sedge, soft rush, and wool grass. We have also planted beautiful flowering plants such as swamp
milkweed, New England aster, Joe Pye weed, monkey flower, and obedient plant. Click here for a list of many of the native plant species at
Eagle Marsh.
Wet/marshy habitats are home to a great number of reptiles, amphibians, and birds as well as mammals such as beavers, otters, and
muskrats. Listed below are some of the imperiled Indiana wildlife species likely to make a home at our preserves. Let us know if you see
one!
• Black-crowned Night Herons, stocky black, white and grey birds that hunt fish and small crustaceans primarily at night, have already been
seen at Eagle Marsh. Indiana endangered, these herons will stir the water with their beaks to try to attract prey. When they catch
something, they can turn it around to swallow head-first and they do just fine digesting bones. The herons nest in colonies of up to a dozen
nests that consist of a platform of sticks placed in trees or cattails. Their presence is considered an indicator of ecosystem health, and we
hope a colony decides to nest at Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh soon.
Learn more at www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron_dtl.html
• Sandhill Cranes, grey with a red spot on their heads, are at nearly 5 feet tall one of America’s two largest birds, the other being the highly
endangered Whooping Cranes that sometimes migrate with them. Sandhill Cranes have visited Eagle Marsh in migration. According to
expert Mark Weldon, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Animal Curator, a pair could well nest and hundreds might someday “stage” for weeks at a
time at Eagle Marsh. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and need sedge meadows, uplands, and wet/marshy areas to breed and feed. Mated
pairs engage in unison calling and in dancing, which includes various behaviors such as bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, as
well as wing flapping. Wouldn’t it be great to see all this at Eagle Marsh?
Learn more at www.savingcranes.org/species/sandhill.cfm
• Indiana endangered Blanding’s Turtles, with their unmistakable yellow throats, may find Eagle Marsh a perfect set of habitats. They require
clean, shallow water with dense vegetation for much of their life cycle, but may travel more than one-half mile over land to nest. In winter
they hibernate in shallow water buried partly under soft organic substrates. The turtles can live up to 75 years, but they require large
protected wetlands such as Eagle Marsh to survive. If none return to Eagle Marsh on their own, LRWP may seek to arrange with
appropriate officials for reintroduction of this species since our habitats will be ideal for them.
To learn more, visit the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management at IPFW at http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?
What Are Sedges?
They’re plants that grow in wetland communities covered by shallow water less than half the year. And, “sedges have edges.” While the
stems of grasses are round, sedge stems usually have three sides with a sharp demarcation between them—hence, “edges.” There are
hundreds of sedge species native to Indiana. The photo at left is a hop sedge, one of many kinds we’ve planted in the 50-acre sedge
meadow growing at Eagle Marsh.
More than sedges thrive in sedge meadows. Bulrushes and cattails are common. There are native cattails and invasive ones—fortunately,
our experts know the difference and will try to keep the bad kind under control. Beautiful flowering plants, such as spotted Joe Pye weed
and marsh marigold, also grow there.
Tussocks are found in some sedge meadows. According to the newsletter of the Michigan Nature Association, these small hills of plant
matter are built by the tussock sedge Carex stricta as it accumulates soil, litter, roots and live shoots over time. While tussocks aren’t fun to
walk through, they encourage biodiversity because the tops, sides, and bases differ in environmental conditions. In one study, each area of
Carex stricta tussocks formed a microhabitat such that one tussock could support up to 16 additional plant species, including asters,
goldenrod and moss. So get out your magnifying glass and watch our tussocks grow!
Many kinds of imperiled Indiana wildlife visit sedge meadows to find food or nest. But for Northern Leopard Frogs, Bitterns, and Short-eared
Owls, these often soggy areas are vital. All three species not only flourish in sedge meadow habitats such as the one at Eagle Marsh. They
also hide there, happiest if you don’t choose to walk too near.
American Bitterns and Least Bitterns, both state-endangered, migrate north to live in sedge meadows during spring and summer. Slender
brown birds with lighter and darker vertical stripes, they hide by raising their beaks straight up to look like the tall vegetation around them.
American Bitterns are about two feet high while the still rarer Least Bitterns, at 11-14 inches, are the smallest herons in North America.
Heard more than seen, bitterns have a booming call that sounds like a congested pump. They eat amphibians, fish, insects and reptiles and
build solitary nests among the cattails or bulrushes. Will you be the first to see a bittern at Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh?
Learn more at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/end-thrtened/ambittern.pdf
Northern Leopard Frogs are numerous in only a few areas of Indiana. Luckily for us, LRWP’s preserves are full of this lovable species of
special concern! Adult frogs, three to five inches long, are spotted black on green and lighter green, with white bellies. They eat mostly
insects, worms, and small snakes. In spring and summer, males make a short snore-like call from the water. Females lay up to 6,500 eggs
in wet areas, preferably where there are no fish. The tadpoles metamorphose into small adults after several months in water. Listen for
these frogs when you visit Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh, or look closely and you may spot them trying to hide in wet areas or
near the edge of ponds. Learn more at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/anglerboater/1999/jf99/leofrogg.htm
Short-eared Owls are the only owl species in this part of the country that nests on the ground—often in sedge meadows where, like the
Bittern and Northern Leopard Frog, they can easily hide. They’re not really short-eared but have shorter tufts of feathers, resembling ears,
on their heads than most other “eared” owls. About one foot in length, the Short-eared Owl has plumage mottled tawny to brown, a barred
tail and wings and a streaked upper breast. While the Short-eared Owl pictured here is sitting in a tree, they use such perches mainly to rest
before flying out low over marshes, sedge meadows, and prairies to find food. Also unusual for owls, they start hunting at dusk and
continue all night and through the dawn. However, their meals are typically owl-like, consisting mostly of rodents such as mice and voles.
Avid birders have seen the Short-eared Owl, an Indiana endangered species, at Eagle Marsh. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to
spot one also at one of our night hikes or early one morning! Learn more at http://www.owlpages.com/owls.phpus=Asio&species=flammeus
Forested Wetlands—Home for Eagles, Salamanders, and Bats!
With the almost 30-acre Eagle Marsh Woods on the south border of Eagle Marsh and the 13-acre mature woods at Arrowhead Preserve,
LRWP has a lot to offer wild creatures that depend on forests for food, breeding sites, or winter homes. We’ve also planted well over 200
acres of new trees and shrubs at Eagle Marsh and our Arrowhead preserves, ensuring more such habitat in the years to come. Most of the
older trees and shrubs and all the new ones are native to this part of Indiana. Native Indiana wildlife, especially imperiled wildlife, depend on
such native woodlands to survive.
State endangered American Bald Eagles, which already hunt at Eagle Marsh, may soon choose to nest in its new mature woods of red and
silver maple, green ash, American elm, box elder, and other native trees. Bald Eagles, the most regal of American birds as well as our
national symbol, eat mainly fish but also small animals, disabled waterfowl and carrion. They build large nests of sticks that can grow to
weigh more than a ton when “remodeled” by interweaving more and more sticks on top of old ones over a period of years. Eagles mate for
life and only one pair would be likely to nest at Eagle Marsh as eagles, like most birds, are territorial.
Learn more at http://www.eagles.org/moreabout.html
Blue-spotted Salamanders, an Indiana species of special concern, have been seen at Eagle Marsh where the topography of the Eagle
Marsh Woods includes small sandy ridges interspersed with wetter areas—ideal salamander habitat! These shy creatures spend most of
their time in burrows in the ground or hiding under fallen logs or leaves, but in spring they rush for water to breed and lay many, many eggs.
The baby salamanders later hatch and spend a month or so in the water, looking very much like tadpoles. Eventually they metamorphose
into small adults and return to their regular home, the woods. Blue-spotted salamanders eat spiders, centipedes, slugs and earthworms
among other creepy, crawly creatures. When attacked by a predator, their tails can detach and grow back again later.
Learn more about these wonderful creatures at http://www.chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/spring2000/salamander.html
The Eastern Pipistrelle bat, one of the smallest American bats, is another imperiled Indiana species that needs forests. Weighing less than
1/3 of an ounce and barely reaching 3 ½ inches in length, they can be mistaken for large moths. While they hibernate in winter in mines or
caves, in summer they must find tree cavities or nest boxes such as the ones at Eagle Marsh to raise their young. These small reddish
brown mammals hunt in or near their forest homes, near streams or over open water, making both Eagle Marsh and Arrowhead Marsh good
places to call home. Eastern Pipistrelles fly in a floppy “butterfly” pattern and when hunting, can catch one insect every two seconds.
Learn more about these diminutive bats at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Pipistrellus_subflavus.html
LRWP Prairies
About 300 acres at Eagle Marsh, Arrowhead Marsh, and Arrowhead Prairie are planted in prairie grasses and forbs (wildflowers). Some of
these grasslands are wetter, some dryer. Both wet and dry prairie habitats are a vital part of the fully functioning ecosystems our restored
wetlands will soon become. They complement our preserves’ wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows, and wetter and dryer woods for wildlife
dependent on grasslands for all or part of their life cycle.
While 85% of Indiana’s original wetlands have been destroyed, more than 99% of its native tallgrass prairies are gone. The statistics are not
much better in other areas of the country. To try to restore this important habitat, we have planted a variety of native grasses at our three
preserves, including big and little bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass. We’ve also planted wonderful wildflowers already growing in
many areas. Watch for five different kinds of asters, four different sunflowers, common and swamp milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and the lovely
wild bergamot (monarda) among others. The prairie grasses and wildflowers are not only beautiful. They also provide food and cover for all
sorts of birds, small mammals, and insects such as butterflies.
Grassland birds all over America have declined precipitously due to reduced foraging and nesting sites. Their nests are especially
vulnerable in farm fields that will be mowed and even in prairies that are small or have insufficient cover. At least four grassland birds that
are endangered in Indiana have visited LRWP’s preserves: the Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Loggerhead
Shrike. All of these hunt over prairies for their prey of small mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds.
Northern Harriers also nest on the ground. They are slender, long-winged raptors almost two feet in length, with the female larger. While
hunting, they fly low with wings held up in a slight "V” and are easily recognized by their white rump. Harriers, like owls, use sounds to help
find their prey. We have seen Northern Harriers hunting at both Eagle Marsh and Arrowhead Prairie and hope they are nesting there as well.
Learn more at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Harrier.html
Another Indiana endangered ground nester is the Upland Sandpiper, a secretive bird about one foot tall, with a long neck and long yellow
legs. The only sandpipers not closely associated with water, they hunt and nest in grasslands, preferring areas of at least 40 acres. Their
call is a series of descending whistles. Wouldn’t it be great to host a colony of these wonderful birds at Eagle Marsh soon?
Learn more at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Upland_Sandpiper_dtl.html
Imperiled butterflies also depend heavily on prairie habitats. Flowers in most backyard gardens are exotics from which butterflies may sip
nectar, but the leaves of which their caterpillars cannot eat. Even with the recent trend toward native gardens, the need for caterpillar host
plants is great. Many varieties of butterflies are in decline worldwide due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other hazards. Among these,
monarchs are probably the most recognized. Many are found at LRWP preserves visiting our numerous wildflowers including milkweed
plants, where adult monarchs lay their eggs. At Eagle Marsh we have seen up to eleven monarch caterpillars on one milkweed.
Learn more at http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/
Can you help LRWP enhance our habitats for imperiled wildlife, carry out our wetland restoration and conservation efforts, and continue our
free nature education programs? The birds, frogs, turtles, salamanders, and other wild creatures are depending on you!
LRWP’s preserves feature four main habitats: Wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows, forests, and prairies. Many wildlife species that are
endangered or of special concern in Indiana need one or more of our wetland habitats to survive. Here is an overview of our habitats and
some of the creatures that depend on them. Your contribution to LRWP helps ensure that their vital needs are met.
What Do You Know about Wet/Marshy Habitats and the Species that Live There?
Eagle Marsh has about 154 acres of wet/marshy habitats including ponds and other areas that are wet more than half the year. (To see
where they are, view map on the Eagle Marsh page). Arrowhead Marsh has 16 acres for a total of 170 acres at both preserves. These
aren't the only areas that are wet at LRWP’s preserves, but they’re the wettest the longest! Read more about our wetlands’ other habitats,
including sedge meadows that are wet less than half the year below. Many wildlife species that are endangered, threatened, or of special
concern in Indiana need one or more of our wetland habitats to survive.
Special plants thrive in wet/marshy areas. In Indiana, we have lost many of our native rushes, grasses and sedges. We have seeded Eagle
Marsh with species such as Frank’s sedge, soft rush, and wool grass. We have also planted beautiful flowering plants such as swamp
milkweed, New England aster, Joe Pye weed, monkey flower, and obedient plant. Click here for a list of many of the native plant species at
Eagle Marsh.
Wet/marshy habitats are home to a great number of reptiles, amphibians, and birds as well as mammals such as beavers, otters, and
muskrats. Listed below are some of the imperiled Indiana wildlife species likely to make a home at our preserves. Let us know if you see
one!
• Black-crowned Night Herons, stocky black, white and grey birds that hunt fish and small crustaceans primarily at night, have already been
seen at Eagle Marsh. Indiana endangered, these herons will stir the water with their beaks to try to attract prey. When they catch
something, they can turn it around to swallow head-first and they do just fine digesting bones. The herons nest in colonies of up to a dozen
nests that consist of a platform of sticks placed in trees or cattails. Their presence is considered an indicator of ecosystem health, and we
hope a colony decides to nest at Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh soon.
Learn more at www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron_dtl.html
• Sandhill Cranes, grey with a red spot on their heads, are at nearly 5 feet tall one of America’s two largest birds, the other being the highly
endangered Whooping Cranes that sometimes migrate with them. Sandhill Cranes have visited Eagle Marsh in migration. According to
expert Mark Weldon, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Animal Curator, a pair could well nest and hundreds might someday “stage” for weeks at a
time at Eagle Marsh. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and need sedge meadows, uplands, and wet/marshy areas to breed and feed. Mated
pairs engage in unison calling and in dancing, which includes various behaviors such as bowing, jumping, running, stick or grass tossing, as
well as wing flapping. Wouldn’t it be great to see all this at Eagle Marsh?
Learn more at www.savingcranes.org/species/sandhill.cfm
• Indiana endangered Blanding’s Turtles, with their unmistakable yellow throats, may find Eagle Marsh a perfect set of habitats. They require
clean, shallow water with dense vegetation for much of their life cycle, but may travel more than one-half mile over land to nest. In winter
they hibernate in shallow water buried partly under soft organic substrates. The turtles can live up to 75 years, but they require large
protected wetlands such as Eagle Marsh to survive. If none return to Eagle Marsh on their own, LRWP may seek to arrange with
appropriate officials for reintroduction of this species since our habitats will be ideal for them.
To learn more, visit the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management at IPFW at http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?
What Are Sedges?
They’re plants that grow in wetland communities covered by shallow water less than half the year. And, “sedges have edges.” While the
stems of grasses are round, sedge stems usually have three sides with a sharp demarcation between them—hence, “edges.” There are
hundreds of sedge species native to Indiana. The photo at left is a hop sedge, one of many kinds we’ve planted in the 50-acre sedge
meadow growing at Eagle Marsh.
More than sedges thrive in sedge meadows. Bulrushes and cattails are common. There are native cattails and invasive ones—fortunately,
our experts know the difference and will try to keep the bad kind under control. Beautiful flowering plants, such as spotted Joe Pye weed
and marsh marigold, also grow there.
Tussocks are found in some sedge meadows. According to the newsletter of the Michigan Nature Association, these small hills of plant
matter are built by the tussock sedge Carex stricta as it accumulates soil, litter, roots and live shoots over time. While tussocks aren’t fun to
walk through, they encourage biodiversity because the tops, sides, and bases differ in environmental conditions. In one study, each area of
Carex stricta tussocks formed a microhabitat such that one tussock could support up to 16 additional plant species, including asters,
goldenrod and moss. So get out your magnifying glass and watch our tussocks grow!
Many kinds of imperiled Indiana wildlife visit sedge meadows to find food or nest. But for Northern Leopard Frogs, Bitterns, and Short-eared
Owls, these often soggy areas are vital. All three species not only flourish in sedge meadow habitats such as the one at Eagle Marsh. They
also hide there, happiest if you don’t choose to walk too near.
American Bitterns and Least Bitterns, both state-endangered, migrate north to live in sedge meadows during spring and summer. Slender
brown birds with lighter and darker vertical stripes, they hide by raising their beaks straight up to look like the tall vegetation around them.
American Bitterns are about two feet high while the still rarer Least Bitterns, at 11-14 inches, are the smallest herons in North America.
Heard more than seen, bitterns have a booming call that sounds like a congested pump. They eat amphibians, fish, insects and reptiles and
build solitary nests among the cattails or bulrushes. Will you be the first to see a bittern at Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh?
Learn more at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/end-thrtened/ambittern.pdf
Northern Leopard Frogs are numerous in only a few areas of Indiana. Luckily for us, LRWP’s preserves are full of this lovable species of
special concern! Adult frogs, three to five inches long, are spotted black on green and lighter green, with white bellies. They eat mostly
insects, worms, and small snakes. In spring and summer, males make a short snore-like call from the water. Females lay up to 6,500 eggs
in wet areas, preferably where there are no fish. The tadpoles metamorphose into small adults after several months in water. Listen for
these frogs when you visit Eagle Marsh or Arrowhead Marsh, or look closely and you may spot them trying to hide in wet areas or
near the edge of ponds. Learn more at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/anglerboater/1999/jf99/leofrogg.htm
Short-eared Owls are the only owl species in this part of the country that nests on the ground—often in sedge meadows where, like the
Bittern and Northern Leopard Frog, they can easily hide. They’re not really short-eared but have shorter tufts of feathers, resembling ears,
on their heads than most other “eared” owls. About one foot in length, the Short-eared Owl has plumage mottled tawny to brown, a barred
tail and wings and a streaked upper breast. While the Short-eared Owl pictured here is sitting in a tree, they use such perches mainly to rest
before flying out low over marshes, sedge meadows, and prairies to find food. Also unusual for owls, they start hunting at dusk and
continue all night and through the dawn. However, their meals are typically owl-like, consisting mostly of rodents such as mice and voles.
Avid birders have seen the Short-eared Owl, an Indiana endangered species, at Eagle Marsh. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to
spot one also at one of our night hikes or early one morning! Learn more at http://www.owlpages.com/owls.phpus=Asio&species=flammeus
Forested Wetlands—Home for Eagles, Salamanders, and Bats!
With the almost 30-acre Eagle Marsh Woods on the south border of Eagle Marsh and the 13-acre mature woods at Arrowhead Preserve,
LRWP has a lot to offer wild creatures that depend on forests for food, breeding sites, or winter homes. We’ve also planted well over 200
acres of new trees and shrubs at Eagle Marsh and our Arrowhead preserves, ensuring more such habitat in the years to come. Most of the
older trees and shrubs and all the new ones are native to this part of Indiana. Native Indiana wildlife, especially imperiled wildlife, depend on
such native woodlands to survive.
State endangered American Bald Eagles, which already hunt at Eagle Marsh, may soon choose to nest in its new mature woods of red and
silver maple, green ash, American elm, box elder, and other native trees. Bald Eagles, the most regal of American birds as well as our
national symbol, eat mainly fish but also small animals, disabled waterfowl and carrion. They build large nests of sticks that can grow to
weigh more than a ton when “remodeled” by interweaving more and more sticks on top of old ones over a period of years. Eagles mate for
life and only one pair would be likely to nest at Eagle Marsh as eagles, like most birds, are territorial.
Learn more at http://www.eagles.org/moreabout.html
Blue-spotted Salamanders, an Indiana species of special concern, have been seen at Eagle Marsh where the topography of the Eagle
Marsh Woods includes small sandy ridges interspersed with wetter areas—ideal salamander habitat! These shy creatures spend most of
their time in burrows in the ground or hiding under fallen logs or leaves, but in spring they rush for water to breed and lay many, many eggs.
The baby salamanders later hatch and spend a month or so in the water, looking very much like tadpoles. Eventually they metamorphose
into small adults and return to their regular home, the woods. Blue-spotted salamanders eat spiders, centipedes, slugs and earthworms
among other creepy, crawly creatures. When attacked by a predator, their tails can detach and grow back again later.
Learn more about these wonderful creatures at http://www.chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/spring2000/salamander.html
The Eastern Pipistrelle bat, one of the smallest American bats, is another imperiled Indiana species that needs forests. Weighing less than
1/3 of an ounce and barely reaching 3 ½ inches in length, they can be mistaken for large moths. While they hibernate in winter in mines or
caves, in summer they must find tree cavities or nest boxes such as the ones at Eagle Marsh to raise their young. These small reddish
brown mammals hunt in or near their forest homes, near streams or over open water, making both Eagle Marsh and Arrowhead Marsh good
places to call home. Eastern Pipistrelles fly in a floppy “butterfly” pattern and when hunting, can catch one insect every two seconds.
Learn more about these diminutive bats at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Pipistrellus_subflavus.html
LRWP Prairies
About 300 acres at Eagle Marsh, Arrowhead Marsh, and Arrowhead Prairie are planted in prairie grasses and forbs (wildflowers). Some of
these grasslands are wetter, some dryer. Both wet and dry prairie habitats are a vital part of the fully functioning ecosystems our restored
wetlands will soon become. They complement our preserves’ wet/marshy areas, sedge meadows, and wetter and dryer woods for wildlife
dependent on grasslands for all or part of their life cycle.
While 85% of Indiana’s original wetlands have been destroyed, more than 99% of its native tallgrass prairies are gone. The statistics are not
much better in other areas of the country. To try to restore this important habitat, we have planted a variety of native grasses at our three
preserves, including big and little bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass. We’ve also planted wonderful wildflowers already growing in
many areas. Watch for five different kinds of asters, four different sunflowers, common and swamp milkweed, Joe Pye weed, and the lovely
wild bergamot (monarda) among others. The prairie grasses and wildflowers are not only beautiful. They also provide food and cover for all
sorts of birds, small mammals, and insects such as butterflies.
Grassland birds all over America have declined precipitously due to reduced foraging and nesting sites. Their nests are especially
vulnerable in farm fields that will be mowed and even in prairies that are small or have insufficient cover. At least four grassland birds that
are endangered in Indiana have visited LRWP’s preserves: the Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and Loggerhead
Shrike. All of these hunt over prairies for their prey of small mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds.
Northern Harriers also nest on the ground. They are slender, long-winged raptors almost two feet in length, with the female larger. While
hunting, they fly low with wings held up in a slight "V” and are easily recognized by their white rump. Harriers, like owls, use sounds to help
find their prey. We have seen Northern Harriers hunting at both Eagle Marsh and Arrowhead Prairie and hope they are nesting there as well.
Learn more at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Harrier.html
Another Indiana endangered ground nester is the Upland Sandpiper, a secretive bird about one foot tall, with a long neck and long yellow
legs. The only sandpipers not closely associated with water, they hunt and nest in grasslands, preferring areas of at least 40 acres. Their
call is a series of descending whistles. Wouldn’t it be great to host a colony of these wonderful birds at Eagle Marsh soon?
Learn more at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Upland_Sandpiper_dtl.html
Imperiled butterflies also depend heavily on prairie habitats. Flowers in most backyard gardens are exotics from which butterflies may sip
nectar, but the leaves of which their caterpillars cannot eat. Even with the recent trend toward native gardens, the need for caterpillar host
plants is great. Many varieties of butterflies are in decline worldwide due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other hazards. Among these,
monarchs are probably the most recognized. Many are found at LRWP preserves visiting our numerous wildflowers including milkweed
plants, where adult monarchs lay their eggs. At Eagle Marsh we have seen up to eleven monarch caterpillars on one milkweed.
Learn more at http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/
Can you help LRWP enhance our habitats for imperiled wildlife, carry out our wetland restoration and conservation efforts, and continue our
free nature education programs? The birds, frogs, turtles, salamanders, and other wild creatures are depending on you!
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