The Sycamore Land Trust is expanding Beanblossom Bottoms to include two new wetland areas. The areas, named Oliver and John Allen England nature preserve, will serve as two newly constructed wetland habitats for local plant and animal species.
The Oliver nature preserve is 61 acres between Beanblossom Creek and Old Maple Grove Road, just before the covered bridge.
The land, gifted by Bill and Kathleen Oliver, was previously farmland. Sycamore will work with Natural Resources Conservation Service to dig out the land and cut the drain tiles, helping the land hold water.
Sycamore executive director John Lawrence says this wetland space is essential for certain plants and animals to thrive. Additionally, the wetlands help with flooding and runoff.
“The wetlands act like a sponge, and (if) there's a big rain event, they can soak up that water and then let it go slowly,” Lawrence said.
The John Allen England preserve is 26 acres of pasture and cost $226,000 to purchase. Sycamore plans to do soil testing to determine the best use for the land.
The Beanblossom Creek watershed is home to at least 20 endangered, protected, or special-concern species. The two preserves will add to the more than 2,400 acres Sycamore currently protects in the Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area in Monroe and Brown County.
