Red-Tail Conservancy Secures $75,000 to Protect Buskirk Falls

The organization finalized the purchase of the property on May 21, 2026, marking a significant win for local conservation efforts in the East Fork Whitewater River watershed. The site, characterized by its mature forest and waterfall, serves as a natural filter for pollutants and a buffer against erosion. Julie Borgmann, executive director of the Red-Tail Land Conservancy, emphasized that the project balances biodiversity protection with public utility, providing a rare space for both wildlife and residents to thrive.

Beyond its environmental functions, the preserve is positioned to become a hub for scientific research and education. Its proximity to the Earlham College field station integrates the land into an existing network of conserved tracts, offering students and local residents a living laboratory. The grant program, supported locally by Indiana American Water, focuses on upstream resource management to secure downstream water quality for the broader region. As the forest faces increasing fragmentation, this permanent protection helps maintain essential habitat connectivity for migratory birds and native species.