Kosciusko County Lakes and Streams Enhance Quality of Place

May 2011: OrthoWorx eNewsletter

The Warsaw, Ind. region offers a strong sense of place, contributing to a spirit of connectivity among residents. As cited in quantitative research in the BioCrossroads Report, Warsaw, Indiana, The Orthopedics Capital of the World, September 2009, some professionals moved away from the area only to return, citing values and quality of life. Kosciusko County lakes and streams contribute to that quality of life and also differentiate the region.

Kosciusko County has more than 100 natural lakes and is part of the lakes region of north central Indiana. Nathan Bosch, Ph.D., Director, Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, comments “Kosciusko County is home to some wonderful lakes. We have the deepest and largest natural lakes in all of Indiana and a total of 15,740 acres of lakes in our county. Our lakes are relatively clean and ready to be enjoyed.”

These natural resources are incorporated into the Warsaw Community High School curriculum via an annual freshman class rafting event on Grassy Creek and Tippecanoe Lake. Held in August of each year, it serves multiple purposes: freshmen orientation, team building, educating about the water resources of our county and teaching responsible actions. This is a program of Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conversation District, with assistance from Arrow Head Country RC&D, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation, Tippecanoe Property Owners Association and Kosciusko Lakes and Streams.

“Kosciusko Lakes and Streams is committed to keeping our lakes clean and is working to improve them through applied research and education,” continues Bosch. A key element in that education program is the annual Northern Indiana Lakes Festival. “The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival is a local event, which celebrates what the lakes mean to our region,” comments Bosch.

More information about this year’s festival can be accessed at the following link:
www.lakesfestival.org