Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center

Construction has begun on the first phase of Sycamore Land Trust’s Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center in Monroe County. This exceptional wetland along Beanblossom Creek, located near the community of Dolan, was purchased by Sycamore Land Trust in 2022.

Our vision for the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center includes enhancing the restored wetland areas in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, renovating the existing house on the property to create a wetland education center, and constructing a public hiking trail and observation platforms to provide learning opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project will be the new education center, which will provide Sycamore with an indoor facility large enough to accommodate group programs. This 2,100-square-foot, fully ADA-accessible facility will include indoor classrooms and meeting spaces, as well as a bird observation room that will offer stunning views overlooking the restored wetlands.

Carl Ziegler understood the importance of nature in people’s lives, and he wanted to provide his neighbors with opportunities to experience the wonders of the natural world. Thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Dr. Carl H. Ziegler, this project is well on its way.

In 2022, Sycamore was acquired this 113-acre nature preserve in our Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area through generous support from the Sam Shine Foundation, the Raymond Foundation, the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s Next Level Conservation Trust, Namaste Foundation, and contributions from Nancy Ralston, Jim and Bobbi Diehl, and Tom Mayer. Funding for early support for the Education Center was provided by the Raymond Foundation and Alexandra “Sandy” Lynch and Jack Shelton in memory of Bill and Cookie Lynch. Additional funding for future improvements has been provided by Steve and Kathy Weller, Kathleen and Fred Henney, The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Virginia Metzger, Randy and Jeanie Scofield, and David and Julie Zersen.

To learn more about our vision for the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center and how you can support this project, contact Alex Sienkiewicz, Executive Director, at 812-336-5382 ext. 105 or alex@sycamorelandtrust.org.