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Places We Protect

Pipewort Pond

Indiana

Pipewort Pond
Pipewort Pond Located in Elkhart County, Indiana. © Ron Leonetti

Despite its name, Pipewort Pond is not a pond, but a glacial basin created long ago.

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Overview

Description

Why You Should Visit

Though more like a glacial basin or shallow depression rather than a permanent pond, Pipewort Pond Nature Preserve in Elkhart County offers beautiful scenery in a serene atmosphere. The area is not only recognized as an important piece of Indiana's biological diversity puzzle but also affectionately honors the late William L. Lieber for his long-time commitment to the protection of our state's natural resources. Pipewort Pond was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1986.

Conservation Concerns

There are several species of endangered plants at Pipewort Pond that are being protected including umbrella sedge, long-beaked baldrush, small bulrush, and brown-fruited sedge.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Size

135 acres

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What to See: Plants and Animals

When brimming with water, Pipewort Pond supports a lush growth of yellow pond lilies and other wetland plants. When waters recede in late summer, exposing an expansive shoreline of moist sand and peat muck flats, plants that are typically rare within our borders thrive. Robbins spikerush, dwarf umbrella-sedge, long-beaked baldrush, Carolina yellow-eyed grass and pipewort—for which the pond is named and appears as a million tiny, scattered hairpins on the water's surface—can be found in here even though they are more familiar to the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain states. Carnivorous plants—such as the pitcher plant and purple bladderwort—are also found in the more open shallow water. In the more coarsely vegetated boggy spots, you'll find large cranberry, winterberry, and poison sumac.

As for animals, the site is very attractive to herons, ducks, and shorebirds. Birdwatchers have spotted Sandhill Cranes from the short boardwalk that takes visitors to the wetland edge. While marsh nesting species are found year round, the shifting water levels in the spring and fall bring a good number of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.

A developed trail and boardwalk that leads to the wetland edge make for an easy, pleasant stroll through the preserve. Keep a look out for poison sumac found throughout the area.

For More Information

Division of Nature Preserves