Funding assistance from the Bicentennial Nature Trust has helped the LaGrange County Parks Department buy a 44-acre addition to Dallas Lake Park. Indiana Heritage Trust and the LaGrange County Community Foundation also contributed to the purchase.

The addition represents a nearly 50 percent expansion of the 96-acre park on the south side of Dallas Lake near Wolcottville. The new property contains the southern portion of the “Pond Lil” wetland home to several rare and endangered species. LaGrange County Parks Department will own and manage the property, while the DNR holds a conservation easement ensuring public access and permanent protection.

“The wetland observation deck at Pond Lil has been a community favorite for many years,” said Micheal Metz, LaGrange County Parks director. “We are excited to protect the remainder of the wetland, and grateful to the Bicentennial Nature Truth, without whom this acquisition would not have been possible.”

In addition to Dallas Lake Park, LaGrange County Parks operates 10 properties, including parks, beaches and the Maple Wood Nature Center. For more, visit LaGrangeCountyParks.org.