A rendering of the future Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center, opening in 2027

Construction has begun on the first phase of our new Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center in Monroe County. This exceptional wetland along Beanblossom Creek, located near the community of Dolan about 10 minutes north of Bloomington, 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.

Inspiring a lifelong appreciation for nature at the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center

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.

The new indoor classroom will serve as a hub for wetland education, where we will highlight the importance of wetland ecosystems and their role in supporting biodiversity, filtering water, preventing floods, and promoting climate resilience. With its glass doors opening to the wetlands, this classroom will offer an inspiring view of ongoing restoration efforts, reinforcing the importance of protecting and restoring these critical habitats. Indoor and outdoor classroom spaces will give participants of all ages the opportunity to engage directly with the science of wetland ecosystems and see restoration in action.

Rendering of the future classroom at the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center

Restoring the Carl Ziegler Wetlands

Originally nicknamed the “Dolan Wetlands” after the nearby community of Dolan, portions of the wetlands on this property were restored by the former landowners. In the years that followed, a small roadside pull-off along Old State Road 37 became a hotspot for local birdwatchers drawn by the remarkable diversity of birds and other wildlife supported by the restored habitat.

In 2022, Sycamore Land Trust acquired the 113-acre property and named it the Carl Ziegler Wetlands. This new nature preserve provides a rare opportunity for Sycamore to create a publicly accessible wetland landscape that supports biodiversity while inspiring people of all ages to connect with nature through environmental education and outdoor recreation.

The Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center is at the heart of Sycamore’s Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area, a 2,400-acre corridor of protected nature preserves along Beanblossom Creek where we are restoring wetlands, improving water quality, and expanding habitat for wildlife.

With support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Sycamore will enhance and expand the Carl Ziegler Wetlands, control invasive species, and plant native trees and pollinator plantings along the slopes in the upland areas of the preserve. We will also construct rain gardens and bioswales to collect and filter stormwater and establish pollinator plantings around the new education center with native plants grown from seed in our Native Plant Nursery.

Indoor and outdoor classrooms for hands-on learning

The Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center will deepen public understanding of wetland ecosystems and inspire visitors of all ages to become stewards of these vital habitats for generations to come. Sycamore has partnered with Strauser Construction, Casseaux Architecture & Design, and Abram-Moss Design Group, LLC, to transform the existing ranch-style home on the property into a welcoming, fully ADA-accessible education center.

Indoor and outdoor classroom spaces will feature interpretive exhibits that highlight the ecological importance of wetlands, the history of our growing Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area, and the diversity of native plants and animals protected within this watershed. A dedicated bird observation room will offer comfortable seating, spotting scopes, and expansive views of the wetlands, creating opportunities to observe waterfowl, migratory birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat throughout the year.

Visitors will be able to explore the nature preserve on a seasonal hiking trail through the wetlands, while wildlife viewing areas will invite people to experience the beauty of this dynamic landscape up close. With the support of our members, volunteers, partners, and generous donors, we are excited to bring our vision for the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center to life.

Rendering of the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center

Building support for the Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center

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 able to acquire this 113-acre addition to our Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area through support from the Sam Shine Foundation, the Raymond Foundation, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Next Level Conservation Trust, the 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.

Sycamore is seeking additional funding to complete this vision. These funds will support future phases of the project including expanded accessible trails and boardwalks, enhanced interpretive exhibits, solar panels, and more. Every investment in our Carl Ziegler Wetlands and Education Center will help more people experience the wonder of wetlands and the importance of protecting them.

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.

Weekly volunteer educational workdays will begin in spring 2027. Email Education Director Saige Sentell at saige@sycamorelandtrust.org to be notified of future volunteer opportunities.