Fountain County Gets DNR Grant

Fountain County’s natural wonders are getting a bit of a shot in the arm from the state.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, a $46,338 grant to the University of Indianapolis will conduct a survey of about 270 acres to identify archaeological resources within the DNR’s Portland Arch Nature Preserve. Work includes shovel test probes covering about 15 acres at the edge of the bluffs, a pedestrian survey of about 33 acres of agricultural fields, and pedestrian survey and shovel test probes covering about 222 acres of sloped terrain. The goal is to determine whether archaeological resources are present, assess whether they may be eligible for the National Register, and identify threats to these resources.

“Indiana’s rich history tells the story of our past, and protecting that past is foundational to our future,” said Governor Mike Braun. “With the support of these historic preservation grants, community organizations and local governments are leading the way in preserving Indiana’s history and supporting vibrant communities, ensuring that these special places will continue to be here for future generations.”

Dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1972, Portland Arch in Fountain County is beautiful with its dramatic sandstone gorge and the meandering creek that follows the well-worn path of the preserve. Also found are an assemblage of natural communities and features including cliffs, forests, open prairies, spring-seep wetlands, and savannas—all offering an abundance of plants, wildflowers, and trees. The preserve’s calling card is an incredible natural archway, located on the North Trail. The North Trail is currently closed for trail and boardwalk rehabilitation and is scheduled to reopen on October 1. The South Trail at the preserve remains open to visitors. As this property is a nature preserve, this property protects vulnerable plants and animals that call the ecosystem home, so visitors must do their parts to conserve this natural resource, including carrying out any garbage they bring in and not removing anything from the property that is there naturally.