GOSHEN, Ind. — Residents will have an opportunity to explore one of Goshen’s newest environmental restoration projects during a public prairie walk from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4106 Dierdorff Road.
The City of Goshen’s Environmental Resilience Department will lead the public prairie walk through the Goshen Water Department’s 48-acre prairie near the municipal airport. The restricted-access property will be open to the public for the guided tour.
Public prairie walk highlights wellfield restoration
The prairie was planted in 2024 as part of a project to naturalize and protect 48 acres that will become part of the city’s wellfield. The effort brought together the Goshen Water Department, Environmental Resilience Department, Goshen AmeriCorps through the Michiana Area Council of Governments, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bee and Butterfly Fund.
Participants should park on the paved access road at the entrance to the property. They will walk about 1,200 feet before entering the prairie. The full tour covers more than 2 miles across uneven ground and through tall prairie vegetation. Participants should wear appropriate footwear and prepare for extended walking.
Public Prairie Walk
- Who: City of Goshen Environmental Resilience Department
- What: Guided tour of the Goshen Water Department’s 48-acre prairie restoration
- When: Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: 4106 Dierdorff Road, Goshen
- Parking: Park on the paved access road at the entrance to the property.
- Walking distance: More than 2 miles, including a 1,200-foot walk to the prairie entrance
- Terrain: Uneven ground through tall prairie vegetation. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather.
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Prairie and pollinator habitats support bees, butterflies and moths that continue to decline because of habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use. Monarch butterflies migrate through the Corn Belt, where native habitat continues to disappear because of development and agricultural conversion. Over the past decade, the monarch population has declined by about 70 percent.
Future plans include a public walking path that will allow residents to enjoy the prairie and observe native wildlife. The restoration will be the largest habitat restoration project undertaken by the City of Goshen. It also will help protect the city’s future wellfield while expanding access to natural spaces.