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The Indian Creek Nature Center has two wetland restorations.
Wetland Septic System:
Located behind the barn is a constructed wetland septic
system that consists of two basins. Drain and toilet waste enters
the first basin underground. As dirty water slowly crosses the basin it becomes purified
by plant and bacterial action.
First basin water flows through an underground pipe into the second basin where plants
complete the treatment process.
Wetland septic systems are a viable option to homeowners who do not have the space or
proper soil for a conventional septic system. Wetland systems also enable homeowners to
have a wetland garden in their yards. It adds a new dimension to home landscaping.
Lynch Wetland:
The Paul and Sigrund Lynch Wetland is located a half mile west of the Nature Center
barn along Otis Road. Once a natural wetland, the area was drained during railroad
construction in 1859.
Generous gifts from Sigrund Lynch and various conservation groups in the late 1990s
enabled the Center to restore the wetland. It now consists of two large ponds with about
two acres of water surface. Dozens of species of terrestrial and aquatic plants and wildlife
have been introduced and flourish, including a population of state-threatened grass pickerel.
A handicapped-accessible trail winds through the site. This is an ideal site for students
doing water studies. It includes decks and interpretation.
Wetland view, summer 1999
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Wetland Watch:
In 1998 and 1999 the Nature Center restored a wetland that was drained in 1859 during railroad construction. Restoration involved removing thousands of tons of dirt, rerouting Bena Brook to its original course, and bringing back hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. The Paul and Sigrund Lynch Wetland is located a half mile west of the Nature Center's barn off Otis Road.
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