News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Visit Camp Scott Wetlands
Learn What Wetlands Can Do!Fort Wayne, IN – City Utilities’ Camp Scott wetlands will be open to the public this Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM with lots of things to see. The wetlands is located at 3615 Oxford Street. Despite the recent dry weather, there is water in the wetlands. Visitors are invited to wander the wetlands in search of wetland inhabitants or go on a plant identification walk. City Utilities will be on hand to answer questions about the wetlands and activity kits for children will be distributed.
The Camp Scott constructed wetlands stores stormwater during rainy periods then releases it to the Maumee River after the storm sewer system has emptied. In addition to providing stormwater storage, the wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Wildlife seen at Camp Scott includes owls and other birds of prey such as hawks and falcons. Songbirds such as Yellow Rumped Warbler, Cedar Waxwings, several species of swallows, Grey Catbird and Flicker Woodpecker as well as a variety of frogs and turtles are often seen in and around the wetlands. The dead and dying trees in some areas promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and provide a habitat for the Indiana bat.
Camp Scott has been filed with native plants chosen specifically for their ability to help clean stormwater. Wetland and prairie grasses, sedges and rushes have been planted. Aster, coneflower, gaillardia, daisy, poppy, Black-Eyed Susan and Butterfly Milkweed flower at various times during year.
Many wetlands in Indiana have been destroyed or damaged. Camp Scott offers the opportunity to see how a wetland works and to appreciate how vital these features are for reducing flooding and improving water quality.
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