Davey Mitigation Restores Wetland On Former Agricultural Property In Henry County, IN

The Candace Lee Fink mitigation site in Henry County, Indiana is located on 64 acres of land previously used for agriculture. The site is split into two parcels across the road from each other.

The Challenge

Candace Lee Fink was used to grow corn and beans for more than 80 years. When mitigation efforts began, the site was left fallow for one growing season and was infested with invasive plant species and head-tall weeds. The previous agricultural use of the site resulted in severe damage to the area's ecological makeup, negatively impacting native animals and plants.

Davey Mitigation restored the wetlands at Candace Lee Fink, supporting the return of native wildlife and plants to the site.

The Solution

Davey Mitigation used a Bush Hog to mow down the vegetation on-site pre-construction. A combination of excavators and bulldozers was used to create depressional areas to hold surface water and roughen the site, promoting infiltration. All the on-site drain tile was removed or disrupted so that it could be restored to its original condition. 

Once construction was completed, Davey Mitigation seeded the site and planted a mix of native herbaceous and woody plants. Monitoring wells were installed at various locations across Candace Lee Fink to measure groundwater levels during each growing season.

The Results

Davey’s crews will monitor the site for 10 years to ensure the restoration work is meeting its goals.

Wildlife has returned to the property, including sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, American toads, rabbits, and coyotes. The restoration created wetland mitigation credits to offset developments in the Upper White River Watershed.