WACF Acquires Searfoss Property
By HEATHER HARWOOD
Executive Director, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
SYRACUSE — Recently the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation acquired the waterfront property, which for decades was the Searfoss Family Homestead. The property is located east of the Wawasee-To-Syracuse Lake main channel and across the road from the Channel Marker Restaurant on Pickwick Drive. The property will now be known as “WACF Between-The-Lakes.”
WACF Between-the-Lakes is approximately seven acres with nearly 1,600 feet of water frontage adjoining the crucial Mud Lake wetlands. WACF already owns the substantial “Buck Island” property on the north side of Mud Lake and smaller properties on the east side of Mud Lake. This acquisition furthers the environmental protection afforded to this unique wetlands and habitat area.
The majority of WACF critical land acquisitions are located in remote areas that most of the Wawasee watershed community will never see. WACF Between-the-Lakes will give the lake community the unique opportunity to observe the positive changes and activities on the property, which over time may include wetlands and prairie restoration, shoreline enhancement, ecological demonstrations, canoe and kayak wetlands adventures and community access to short trails.
The public is invited to drop by WACF Between-The-Lakes anytime to see the WACF in action.