The prairie section is located between the trail and US 35, beginning at CR 400 S going north 6/10 of a mile (approximately 3.5 acres).
At one time 15 percent of Indiana was covered by prairie; it is estimated that less than 1 percent remains today - much in right of ways such as the Panhandle's, and old cemeteries. In the mid 1860’s the Pennsylvania rail beds were laid over this untouched prairie. Since the railway has been vacated, during the past decade the plants along the Panhandle Pathway right of way have been allowed to grow. Their ability to tolerate harsh conditions and a deep root system has given us this 3.5 acre example. The native plants and their deep root system have provided the dark, rich agricultural soil available in this area.
Native plants tend to protect the ecosystem, keeping soil from eroding and filtering water which flows into streams and rivers from silt deposits and pesticides. They are also a habitat for native pollinators; birds, butterflies and wildlife utilize their seeds, nectar and cover. This small area contains over 38 species of native plants
Prairie areas are great educational tools for schools and organizations, allowing us to see what the region would have looked like prior to agricultural growth. It teaches about environmental responsibility through water quality, watershed conservation. Native plants are easier and less expensive to maintain, and provide natural beauty year round.
The Panhandle Pathway organization invites any interested person to the trail for the fun of physical exercise but also to enjoy its natural beauty, the Tippecanoe River, creeks, wetlands, trees, shrubs native plants and grasses and wildlife along its 22 magnificent miles.
There’s more to the trail beyond the asphalt. http://www.panhandlepathway.
