The Hoosier state is home to lots of different landscapes, environments, and creatures. Sometimes, though, it behooves us to give nature a boost, and that’s where places like Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center come in! There’s a lot to admire about this 1,189-acre nature sanctuary, but our favorite part of it is probably the wetlands.
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center was established in 1980 as a dedicated state nature preserve.
They're associated with Goshen College, and they're on a mission to educate and inform folks of all ages (not just college-age!) about several kinds of ecosystems and natural processes.
It's truly beautiful all year round; in the winter, it's dusted with snow, and in the fall, there are stunning colors to admire.
In the spring and summer, visitors and students are treated to tons of colorful wildflowers.
The land that Kesling Wetland occupies was once simply abandoned agricultural property, but thanks to a few decades of love and care, it's now a thriving ecosystem.
Fields and prairies seem to extend for as far as the eye can see; other natural systems one can find here include swamps, wet-meadow, and sedge meadow. Glacial eskers and kames are also a part of the landscape; every natural wonder here is cared for with the utmost respect and adoration.
It's tough to find time at the Kesling Wetlands when you'll have it to yourself; we suggest getting there early to both appreciate the wetland and absorb the rest of this beautiful place.
Whether you come alone or with friends, we're certain that you'll find this man-made wonder just as beautiful as we do, no matter what time of year it is! Make sure to save some time during your visit to visit the farm on the land, too.
If you’d like to visit Kesling Wetlands and Merry Lea Environmental Education Center, first visit their website here. You’ll find operating hours, open/closed notifications, more pictures, loads of information about the center and those who manage it, and information about the fully-sustainable farm on the premises, too.
Have you ever seen man-made wetlands and appreciated their beauty? Tell us about it in the comments!
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Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
