WINONA LAKE – Visitors to the Center Lake public beach and trail, as well as the Pike Lake beach and the southern shore, can now deepen their appreciation for these lakes through new educational signage.
This project was a collaboration between the city of Warsaw Stormwater Utility and the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, according to a news release from the Lilly Center.
“Education is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting the integrity of the city’s surface waters. These signs will help raise awareness of stormwater management practices and how they function to minimize pollutants that can enter our waters,” said Brandon Cordell, MS4 coordinator for the city of Warsaw. “The city is fortunate to have partners like the Lilly Center that have the same commitments and goals for protecting and preserving our lakes and streams.”
Twelve signs were installed along the public areas of Center and Pike lakes that cover a variety of lake science topics, including the benefits of native shorelines, the food chain, lake zones and turnover.
The eye-catching signs are sure to attract families that recreate or fish along the lake shores, the release states. Through these signs, anyone can learn more about what happens beneath a lake’s surface.

    Each educational sign covers different topics related to the lakes, like the food chain. Photo Provided.
  

The signs were designed by Blue Note Design of Winona Lake and manufactured by Graycraft Signs Plus of Warsaw.
“We are thrilled to see this project officially on the ground,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, Creighton Brothers endowed director of the Lilly Center. “The city of Warsaw has done great work improving shorelines along Center and Pike lakes. We are excited to partner with them in an effort to educate the community about the benefits of their work.”
Warsaw Stormwater Utility serves the purpose of protecting the water quality within the city’s boundaries, implements measures to comply with state and federal permits, and works with other departments to maintain stormwater sewers and other infrastructure.
For more information, visit https://warsaw.in.gov/301/Stormwater-Utility.
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe and beautiful. To date, the Lilly Center has conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 45 lakes. The Lilly Center is driven to create a legacy of stewardship by equipping community members, visitors, and future generations with understanding and to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.