Airport authority builds new wetland

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) is constructing a new two-acre wetland site adjacent to Marihen Creek just south of Camby Road near the Marion and Hendricks county lines.

The project includes creating nearly three acres of forested and prairie buffer areas as well as the preservation of land and water buffer strips.

According to Tim Method, IAA’s environmental and conservation director, the site will replace about one acre of wetland disturbed during the Midfield Project.

“Wetlands are important to our environment. The area will mimic natural functions, like providing overflow areas for flood water and storing moisture to nourish rich plant and tree communities,” Method reported. “They also provide erosion control, act as natural filters for pollutants, help recharge groundwater tables, and serve as natural habitats for many wildlife species. “

Method said work to remove excess soil, shape the ground, and seed the area with a diverse plant mix was just completed this spring.

In addition to seeding, the wetland area will be planted with nearly 4,000 trees, shrubs, and live plants this weekend to promote quick growth.

Tackling this formidable job are three youth from Boy Scout Troops #97 and #499 (Avon and Southport) who seek Eagle Scout status.

Matthew Martin, Cole Crouch, and James Roach have recruited and organized their own teams of volunteers to complete the planting. Each is responsible for facilitating a specific area of the site and creating their own site plan and layout.

“These volunteers will be battling mud, bugs, and sun to get the job done,” Method said. “But they will make a lasting imprint on the environment.”

PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

Local youth and volunteers plant 4,000 trees, shrubs, plants for wetland

WHAT: Reporters and photographers are invited to a photo and interview opportunity with airport officials and community volunteers including scouts from Boy Scout Troops #97 (Avon) and #499 (Southport) planting 4,000 trees, shrubs, and plants as part of airport project to create new wetland site.

WHERE: South of Camby Road near Marion County / Hendricks County line; see map for details.

• Take SR 67 southwest toward Camby

• Turn west on CR 800 S

• Turn north on CR 1050 E

• Turn east on gravel access road running along north end of Friendswood Golf Course

• Take access road to wetland site

WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2009 | 9 a.m. to finish (Roach team) Sunday, June 28, 2009 | 1 p.m. to finish (Martin team)

WHO: Marvin Brethauer, environmental and conservation manager, Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) will be on hand to supervise the plantings (expected to last about four hours) and discuss the overall project. Marvin can be reached by mobile phone at 317.339.6397 for interviews this weekend.