Elkhart Bog
HUC: 040500012003 (What is a Hydrologic Unit Code HUC?)
Area: 60-acre bog (228.48-acre preserve)
Elkhart Bog, a part of the Puterbaugh Creek Watershed, is a large wetland formed over an old glacial lake. A mat of sedges and Sphagnum moss grew across the top of the glacial lake, creating a floating mat of peat, plants and plant roots. It occupies a large peat basin and contains a variety of plants and animal species…26 of which are uncommon or rare in Indiana. Small stands of tamarack trees are scattered throughout the bog. The tamaracks and many of the plants are boreal relicts in Indiana, meaning their normal ranges are farther north in the upper portions of Michigan and Wisconsin. An observation deck extends into the bog, offering a vantage point for this unique site, and can be accessed from a parking lot on County Road 15.
The preservation and protection of the Elkhart Bog began with a land donation in 1990 and has continued to grow through land purchases made possible by grants and funds from Indiana’s environmental license plate sales since then. The property opened to the public in 2022.
What’s going on at the Elkhart Bog?
Get involved in efforts to protect the Elkhart Bog by learning more and having fun.
St. Joseph River Basin Commission
The St. Joseph River Basin Commission (SJRBC) was established to improve water quality, encourage…
Acres Land Trust
ACRES Land Trust is a member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural…
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana’s system of Nature Preserves was established in 1967. The system’s purpose is to provide permanent…
How’s the water?
There are many ways that water quality can be tracked. Check out these helpful websites to look at data relating to water quality.
Watershed Partners
