On Tuesday, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets visited The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College.
Dr. Nate Bosch, director of Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, and Heather Harwood, executive director for Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, presented the economic impact of the Lakes and protecting the greatest natural assets in Kosciusko County, according to a news release from KLA.
Bosch said his organization’s strategy of protecting the future of the county’s water systems through research, education and collaboration. The economic impact study done by the Lilly Center showed $313 million is brought into the local economy annually because of the lakes. With over 100 lakes and nearly 600 miles of streams in Kosciusko County it is the county’s greatest natural resource.
Our lakes flow into Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico from the continental divide near North Webster. Did you know Tippecanoe River is in the top 10 in the country for biodiversity? There is also a new kayak and canoe launch at Creighton’s Crazy egg café to the Tippecanoe River.
WACF, The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation now in its 30th year, encourages others to be good stewards of water resources. Their efforts have resulted in the acquisition and protection of over 10 miles of shoreline and 51 wetland areas totaling over 900 acres. WACF has 2 miles of trails – a great place to take a walk, dogs welcome. On Oct. 8-9 from noon to 4 p.m. WACF has a Falltastic Trail walk event starting at the WACC Ruddell Pavilion in Syracuse.
The next KLA session will cover Law Enforcement and the Judicial System in Kosciusko County at the old courtroom in the Kosciusko County Courthouse on Tuesday.
