Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area
Address
State Road 49, Wheatfield, IN 46392
Contact
Phone: (219) 285-2184
About
This 650-acre parcel, donated by NiSource, conserves wetlands, black oak barrens, and sand prairie, offering wildlife viewing, hiking, and hunting. Now jointly owned by The Nature Conservancy and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Aukiki is part of the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh Restoration Project. To restore the land, staff and volunteers have thinned the forest and reintroduced fire with prescribed burns to restore oak barrens and prairie habitat. DNR and Ducks Unlimited have partnered to restore wetland areas for waterfowl along the Kankakee River, and have converted 200 acres of former farm land to grasses to improve wildlife habitat. No amenities, but a great place to observe nature. Call (219) 843-4841 for information on hunting seasons and regulations.