Lakes group quenches thirst for knowledge.
VALPARAISO — Farmland might be what comes to mind for most people when they think of Indiana, but the northwest portion of the state also has an abundance of water.
To create awareness, appreciation, and conservation of Northwest Indiana waterways, environment-minded individuals and organizations hosted Naturepalooza: Living with Lakes Seminars, at Rogers-Lakewood Park.
Walt Breitinger, of the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group, said the annual event began 18 years ago as a “scientific” endeavor, but has morphed into an annual activity families and children can also enjoy.
“We started with the idea that if we could educate and expose people to the wonderful diversity of these lakes and watersheds, they would be more inclined to help us protect and conserve them,” said Breitinger, who lives in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes watershed that encompasses 10 glacier lakes in Valparaiso, including Flint, Loomis, Long, Mink, Silver and Wauhab lakes.
Christian Anderson, of the Indiana Lakes Management Society, said his organization promotes water quality in lakes and watersheds.
“We have so many beautiful hills, creeks and rivers,” said Anderson, of Valparaiso.
“We have so much to offer.
If people would just stop and educate themselves they would be so impressed.” Ed Seykowski, of The Woodville Foundation, a citizen action group that promotes the orderly development of land around Porter Hospital, said many people who live in the area do not know its historical and geological secrets.
Barnes said frogs are an indicator species, and their decline can indicate water pollution.