Tallgrass Prairie National Park : Newtown County, Indiana
Authors
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Motloch, John L.
Marlow, Christopher M.
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Abstract
The disappearance of the tallgrass prairie needs to be addressed with a large-scale restoration in Newton County, Indiana. The best way to educate the public and professionals about the loss is the creation of a national park that is based around the restoration effort. Approximately 80,000 acres of prairie in northwestern Indiana needs to be restored in order to spur a greater movement across the United States. Tallgrass prairies are home to many endangered species and offer opportunity for research on their beneficial aspects for humans. Newton County is the ideal place to locate the park because restoration efforts have already begun there with the Kankakee Sands Project. It is also located in the Grand Prairie region where prairies historically were located. The national park features a campground, trail networks, equestrian trials, and various areas to stop at when traveling by car. Furthermore, a bus system will circulate throughout the park for users without cars. The features of the Kankakee sands are enveloped into the greater design, which creates a strong base for the project. Looking at the larger picture, biodiversity is missing from the region; therefore, the attempt at restoring the tallgrass prairie begins to restore native species and creatures. The master plan of the park involves the design of a village near the entry of the park. The village provides a prototype of the prairies and trails that would be found throughout the national park. The buildings and village were built with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Sustainable Sites Initiative requirements and worked with local materials to blend into the landscape. A national park of significant size was designed in northwestern Indiana. The national park will inform the public and professionals about prairie restoration techniques and the importance of the tallgrass prairie. The park will relay the historical significance of the tallgrass prairie, educate the public, and stand as a landmark for the movement to restore the tallgrass prairie to the greater Midwest. Visitors will come to the site to gain insight on the tallgrass prairie and become inspired to create more change.