Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
An indigo bunting in the hand has to be worth more than two in the bush.
The small blue-feathered bird may just have been passing through, but Bob Frantz happened to photograph it when it was charmed into an outstretched hand.
Bob and Alice Frantz live in Wildwood, the name given their 238-acre home south of Ind. 14, three miles west of Silver Lake.
The property, with an 85-acre woods, home to 200-year-old trees, acres of prairie, wetlands and a pond, is teeming with wildlife and supporting habitat.
When they bought the property in 1960, the Frantzes knew they had a treasure to preserve.
For the last year the couple have worked with ACRES Land Trust to raise $250,000 locally so the nonprofit organization can continue to protect the property.
To this end, a benefit concert was held Sunday in the North Manchester Public Library, featuring a quartet of members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Prior to the concert, ACRES Executive Director Carolyn McNagny said more than $100,000 has been raised for the property to date.
ACRES manages and protects 44 nature preserves, more than 3,000 acres of scenic and environmentally significant natural areas, in 12 northeast Indiana counties. All are open to the public.
The majority of ACRES preserves are dedicated Indiana Nature Preserves, which gives stronger protection by law for their continued preservation.
ACRES property ranges in size from the vast 350-acre Art Hammer Wetlands Nature Preserve to the 1.5 acres Hanging Rock National Natural Landmark in Wabash County.
Throughout the year, hikes, canoe trips, concerts and special events are held for ACRES members and the public. Trained naturalists are available to lead guided hikes in all seasons.
During the concert's first number, Bob Frantz, an accomplished photographer, gave a slide show of his images showing Wildwood throughout the seasons.
According to McNagny, Bob and Alice will continue to live at Wildwood as long as they wish. ACRES plans to eventually have a caretaker manage the property and the house will become a nature preserve.
Wildwood is open to the public now, a designated Indiana Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Preserve.
Following the concert, new residents, five pair of quail, were released at Wildwood.
Since 1960 the Frantzes have identified 157 kinds of birds on the property. They also have listed 86 rare and common wildflowers.
Wildwood is the first Kosciusko County land acquired by the land trust.
To give toward the preservation of Wildwood, donations may be sent to ACRES Land Trust, 200 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne IN 46808-2474.
For more information call ACRES at 260-422-1004. On the Net: www.acres-land-trust.org
