With conservation becoming increasingly important in natural areas across the nation, we can all do our part to wisely steward the natural resources of beautiful Kosciusko County.
Lake Conservation
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College in Winona Lake conducts research and educates residents in efforts to keep our lakes and streams clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. Here are several practical, water-friendly tips from Assistant Director of Marketing Rusty Martinez.
When boating, look for at least 10 feet of water before beginning activities that create a wake. Wakes in shallow water stir up the lakebed, releasing nutrients like phosphorus into the water. These nutrients promote excessive weed and algae growth, which can inhibit recreation.
Here are additional ways to keep nutrients out of the lake:
- Dispose of trash in designated receptacles
- Use phosphorus-free fertilizer, or avoid fertilizer altogether
- Compost organic waste
- Dispose of lawn clippings and leaves properly instead of sweeping them into storm drains
To minimize nutrients contributed by Canada geese waste, create native landscaping along property edges to discourage geese from gathering.
After leaving the lake, dry your boat and remove any attached aquatic animals or plants to help reduce the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Fish and other aquatic animals are important indicators of lake health. Each species contributes to maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Always follow Indiana DNR guidelines when fishing or interacting with wildlife.
Residents can also sign up for notifications regarding the presence of microcystin, a toxin produced by blue-green algae, at lakes.grace.edu/research/blue-green-algae. The Lilly Center tests for microcystin in 16 Kosciusko County lakes every summer.
Learn more about the Lilly Center at lakes.grace.edu.
Land Conservation
To help conserve land areas, the U.S. Geological Survey, the nation’s largest water, Earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, offers the following recommendations.
When camping, use only dead and fallen wood that can be broken by hand rather than cutting down trees for firewood.
Choose small campsites in sloped areas located more than 200 feet from water sources. Concentrate activity on durable surfaces such as rock or areas lacking plant cover. Large campsites can increase runoff of soil and pollutants into lakes and creeks.
When hiking, stay on designated trails rather than venturing off-path. Trampling vegetation and removing organic materials compacts soil, increases erosion, and contributes to water runoff. Soil loss is one of the most significant and long-lasting environmental impacts.
Do not feed wildlife. Although it may seem helpful, feeding animals can harm wildlife by creating nutritional issues, encouraging dependence on unreliable food sources, and increasing vulnerability to predators, dogs, and vehicle accidents.
“Kosciusko County has so much to offer visitors and hometown tourists,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, Creighton Brothers Endowed Director of the Lilly Center. “There’s something for everyone. Caring for the lakes is essential to the well-being of our community and to the ecosystems our lakes support. In fact, our lakes contribute more than $422 million annually to the local economy.”
Other organizations in Kosciusko County focused on preserving the natural environment include:
- Watershed Foundation — watershedfoundation.org
- Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation — wacf.com
- Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District — kosciuskoswcd.org
This story was originally featured in the Clearly Kosciusko section of the 2026–2027 Visitor Guide.
Join the Waterways Challenge Passport
Kosciusko County is home to more than 100 lakes, making water recreation central to many local communities. Peaceful lakeside destinations provide the perfect setting for boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
Use the Waterways Challenge Passport to discover public access points and public beaches throughout local lakes and rivers.
- Check in at 3 locations to win a waterproof phone case
- Check in at 6 locations for a chance to win a $150 Kosciusko Cash grand prize
Experience the memorable lake life and outdoor recreation that Kosciusko County has to offer.