Brickyard Nature Park Project Wins Statewide Conservation Award

The City of Crawfordsville is proud to announce that Brickyard Nature Park, located at 759 Concord Rd., has been awarded the Clark Ketchum Award of Excellence by the Indiana Park & Recreation Association. This recognition honors parks and creations initiatives across Indiana that demonstrate outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to elevating quality of life through innovative projects and environmental stewardship.

The award celebrates the recent prairie restoration initiative at Brickyard Nature Park, a collaborative effort led by Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District, with support from the USDA, Crawfordsville Fire Department, Purdue Extension and a dedicated local farmer.

Under the supervision of the Crawfordsville Fire Department, crews conducted a controlled burn of a former agricultural field to prepare the land for native prairie establishment. This process created a clean slate for planting a diverse mix of native species designed by the USDA. The prairie restoration improves soil health, restores native biodiversity and provides vital habitat for pollinators and wildlife. By transforming a monoculture landscape into a resilient and low-maintenance native ecosystem, the project preserves regional natural heritage while strengthening local ecological balance.

The restoration also includes an educational component. Three signs now installed at the site highlight the importance of prairie ecosystems, the impact of invasive species and ways to address them, and the native birds and plants visitors may encounter. The Soil and Water Conservation District continues to help monitor field conditions, while Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation provides ongoing maintenance as provided by the USDA-developed plan.

The prairie was seeded in March and early blooms started late summer 2025.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Lea Dick and Sam Lovold from the Soil and Water Conservation District on this project,” said Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Director, Fawn Johnson. “I am excited to watch the prairie develop over the next few years.”

The City of Crawfordsville extends its appreciation to all agencies, volunteers, and community partners who contributed to this impactful and forward-thinking conservation effort.

For more information about Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation visit www.crawfordsville.in.gov/parks