Alcoa donates Evansville wetland property to Sycamore Land Trust
January 25, 2018
Alcoa has donated 80 acres of wetland habitat in Evansville, IN, to Sycamore Land Trust for permanent protection. The land contains a rare bald cypress grove and excellent habitat for wildlife, and expands the amount of protected land Sycamore holds in Vanderburgh County.
This wetland property is located near, but not adjacent to, Sycamore’s Eagle Slough Natural Area. Eagle Slough is 127 of wonderful wetland and bottomland forest, and is a beloved spot for birders to visit because of the more than 160 species of document birds seen there. The 80 acres from Alcoa in this addition will provide further habitat for the species that depend on Eagle Slough.
“Building habitat corridors by expanding areas of protected land is a crucial component to conserving land for wildlife, and this is a good step in that direction,” said Christian Freitag, Executive Director for Sycamore Land Trust. “Additions like Alcoa’s generous gift help Sycamore grow our impact in Vanderburgh County, restore the wetlands that used to cover so much of southern Indiana, and provide more open spaces for the plants and animals that need them.”
Because this parcel of land is not accessible to the road, Sycamore Land Trust will not be able to make it available to the public. However, a visit to Eagle Slough provides a great opportunity to hike a similar wetland, which has had more time to mature. Visitors to Eagle Slough can enjoy the educational signs posted along the way, as well as the overlook deck which the Alcoa Foundation donated the funds for several years ago.
“We are all stewards of the land,” said Brad Marrs, manager of the Alcoa Warrick Power Plant. “Alcoa is committed to using our natural resources wisely and protecting them for future generations. Sycamore Land Trust shares that commitment, and we are pleased to place these acres in their care. “
To acknowledge Alcoa’s generosity and this exciting addition to Sycamore’s protected land in Evansville, a small reception and press event will be held at Eagle Slough Natural Area (5000 Waterworks Rd) on Thursday, January 25 at 2pm CST. For more information, please contact Abby Henkel, Sycamore Land Trust Communications Director, at abby@sycamorelandtrust.org or 812-336-5382 ext. 101.
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About Sycamore Land Trust: Founded in 1990, Sycamore Land Trust protects land and connects people to nature in 26 counties in southern Indiana. The organization protects and actively stewards 9,320 acres (and growing) of forests, wetlands, native prairies, and critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Sycamore maintains 16 public nature preserves for hiking, bird watching, and general enjoyment of nature, and provides an environmental education program that connects more than 5,000 people of all ages each year to southern Indiana’s natural world through guided hikes, field trips, and other hands-on activities. sycamorelandtrust.org
About Alcoa: Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since inventing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate. Visit us online on www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
