News Release
WINONA LAKE — If you happen to visit Center or Pike lakes in Warsaw, you’ll likely notice a dozen new signs that highlight the city’s conservation efforts.
The City of Warsaw, the Parks Department, Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, and many other community members celebrated the addition with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday.
In recent years, Warsaw implemented several projects designed to improve water clarity and the overall health of the lakes after data showed lower water clarity levels in Center and Pike lakes compared to nearby lakes.
The projects included shoreline restoration and the addition of native plantings, which help reduce erosion, provide fish habitat, and filter nutrients and pollution before they enter the lake, thereby reducing algae growth.
Although the public areas looked different, the city wanted its constituents to know that these projects would improve recreational activities like fishing, swimming, camping, and boating.
“The installation of these educational signs will provide ongoing education on the topics
of water quality and environmental engineering,” said Brandon Cordell, MS4 Coordinator for the City of Warsaw. “These educational signs will not only provide ongoing education but will serve as a reminder of the importance of our natural environment and how it protects our surface waters.”
The city partnered with Lilly Center scientists and the artists at Blue Note Design to
create the signs, which are specific to each lake. Topics touch on the lake food chain, the purpose of shoreline plants, buffer zones, and more.
The signage was strategically installed near familiar recreational areas.
“The city understands that healthy lakes are essential to our community’s well-being and
our economy,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, Creighton Brothers endowed director of the Lilly Center.
“The shoreline restoration projects completed over the last years are a great example of work that protects Center and Pike lakes — and this signage is a final, thoughtful touch to the work that has already been done,” he said.
Warsaw Stormwater Utility works to protect the water quality within the city’s boundaries, and implements measures to comply with state and federal permits.
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.
