Interview with Betsy Yankowiak, Executive Director of the Little Rivers Wetland Project

As one who fell in love with history as a child one of my passions has always been wondering where and when things took place, how things changed and why, and how the world once looked as compared to how it appears today.

For those who have all of those longings, as well, I would suggest a tour of the Little Rivers Wetlands Project website. And, when you get to Indiana, take a tour of Eagle Marsh - the sights and sounds will entrance you.

Betsy Yankowiak is the Executive Director of the Little Rivers Wetland Project located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Little Rivers Wetland Project is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1990 with the objective of restoring wetlands in Allen and Huntington Counties in Indiana. Today that objective is being realized beyond measure thanks in large measure to a community that is generous and a dedicated staff.

As the founder of the Waynedale Green Alliance in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Little Rivers Wetland Project stands as a hallmark of the headway that can be made when devoted citizens come together and persist in making change. I wanted to find out about the challenges and joys that went into the building of this organization and the following discussion took place.

ABS) How did the idea of the Little Rivers Wetland Project develop?

LRWP) Little River Wetlands Project, a local non-profit, began in 1990 by a group of citizens concerned that 85% of Indiana's wetlands have been destroyed. Our project area is the Little River Valley that stretches from southwest Fort Wayne to the Wabash River in the city of Huntington. This Valley that encompasses 25,000 acres was once known as the Great Marsh.

ABS) What resources did you pull from in order to put your plans into motion?

LRWP) We have overwhelming support from the community. We receive individual and business donations along with grants from local foundations. We also work with state and federal programs that make our work possible.

ABS) What is the most enjoyable part of the project for you, and how do you feel it is perceived by children?

LRWP) My favorite part of the project is when you see an unexpected plant or animal species that has found its home in our preserves. This includes many rare and beautiful amphibian, reptile and bird species. Many imperiled species need these two or more of the habitats we are working so hard to restore. I also love sharing this experience with my 4 year old daughter. She wakes up many mornings to tell me she dreamt about salamanders. Most of our programs can be enjoyed by children and exposing people of all ages to nature is part of our mission.

ABS) What was one of the biggest obstacles in your way as you went about the process of making your project a reality?

LRWP) There are many obstacles when trying to return an area to a natural state after so many man-made alterations has been made. This includes a 5-year intensive stewardship plan for reestablishing the native plants, trees, and shrubs. Activities include large-scale mowing, spot mowing, invasive species removal and control, and monitoring these activities to determine its effectiveness. Invasive species is a major problem in all of our natural areas in our region and everyone should help combat the spread of these habitat devastating species.

ABS) What is Little River Wetland's vision for the future?

LRWP) Our vision is to continue to restore these vital habitats in suitable areas in the Little River Valley. We will work with landowners to achieve good land conservation practices. We will continue to inspire and challenge individuals to become good stewards of all of our natural resources through great nature programs.

Perhaps this is the recipe for a successful conservation project. Good and dedicated citizens, a supportive community, and a striking idea.