Boot Lake
HUC: 4050001 (what is a Hydrologic Unit Code HUC?)
Area: 85 acres
Boot Lake is located in Elkhart County, Indiana in a 300-acre nature preserve of the same name. Boot Lake was originally formed by glaciers. As a kettle lake, it was once deep but due to the accumulation of peat now has a shallow, muddy bottom and is surrounded by wetlands, woodland, and prairie. Boot Lake and the surrounding nature preserve are a sanctuary for plants and animals and an excellent rest stop for migratory birds. A variety of wildlife can be found there including red fox, eastern bluebird, great blue heron, sandhill crane, indigo bunting as well as endangered plant species such as umbrella sedge and smith’s bulrush (from 2002 file unsure if these specific plants are still there, but a 2017 diagnostic study does claim that Boot Lake supports several endangered plants/animals). The preserve is recognized by National Audubon as an Important Bird Area with over 200 species documented, including sensitive grassland-nesting birds.
What’s going on at Boot Lake Nature Preserve?
Get involved in efforts to protect the Elkhart River Watershed by learning more and having fun.
The History of Boot Lake
The Elkhart River Restoration Association, Inc. was founded in 1983 to study the needs of the Elkhart River and its watershed…
Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Boot Lake Nature Preserve’s sprawling 300 acres encompass wetland, forest, and prairie habitat. A portion…
Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Boot Lake Nature Preserve’s sprawling 300 acres encompass wetland, forest, and prairie habitat.
How’s the water?
There are many ways that water quality can be tracked. Check out these helpful websites to look at data relating to water quality.
Watershed Partners
