For more than two centuries, the Wabash River has served as a vital conduit for trade, travel and settlement in the Midwest. Apart from its historic importance for human survival and transportation, biologically, the Wabash is a treasure chest of rare, endangered species and a critical migratory path and stop over area for many birds. Recently, the Nature Conservancy in Indiana's Tippecanoe River Project Office has changed its name to the Wabash Rivers Initiative - Tippecanoe Office to better represent our new focus on protecting the diversity of plant and animal life the Wabash River basin shelters and feeds.

To date, the Conservancy's efforts have focused our water quality work in the Wabash River basin primarily on the Tippecanoe River watershed in north central Indiana - the most biologically rich tributary of the Wabash River. Our partners in this area are many and include the Indiana State Department of Agriculture; United States Department of Agriculture under the federally funded Conservation Reserve Enhance Program; Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Indiana Department of Natural Resources;  Natural Resources Conservation Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Soil and Water Conservation Districts; and local county surveyors. In addition, we have also worked with numerous local farmers to foster the use of farming practices that reduce the amount of topsoil and agricultural chemicals in the waters than run-off of farm fields and into the river.

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing for the Wabash River

The Wabash Rivers Initiative - Tippecanoe Office will approach its work differently in the Wabash River basin compared to other Conservancy project offices due to the enormous size of the watershed. By focusing on collaborative partnerships with existing groups already improving the Wabash River, we hope to add to the conservation efforts and fill gaps in areas for which no conservation work is underway. As a science-based organization, we will use the best available science to make informed decisions to help energize conservation and restoration efforts of the largest river in Indiana.

*Please check back to learn more on the Wabash Rivers Initiative - Tippecanoe Office's work - updates to come shortly.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © The Nature Conservancy (Wabash River).