VINCENNES— A popular natural attraction in Knox County has welcomed visitors back following significant enhancements. A section of Ouabache Trails Park has officially reopened after volunteers and park officials completed major upgrades to the Lynn Wiseman Butterfly Garden.
The project, funded by the Knox County Parks Department, brought fresh native plantings and a newly constructed waterfall to the park, transforming the space into a revitalized sanctuary for local wildlife.
Photos from the Facebook page.
Community-Led Conservation and Care
The centerpiece of the renovation is a restored water feature and updated flora designed to support regional pollinators. The work was carried out in partnership with volunteers from the Knox County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA).
To prevent damage to the existing garden during heavy construction, volunteers executed a careful relocation plan:
Plant Extraction: Before construction crews began work on the new waterfall, volunteers dug up existing perennial plants.
Temporary Fostering: Members hosted the plants at their personal residences—including in front yards—to keep them healthy during the site overhaul.
Replanting: Once the contractor’s work on the waterfall wrapped up, CISMA team members returned the original plants along with dozens of newly added native species.
“Before the contractor came in and did the work on the waterfall, we dug the plants up, took them to our house, put them in the front yard,” said Larry Sutterer, president of Knox County CISMA. “And then when the waterfall was finished, we came out here and planted those too along with the new native plants.”
Boosting Local Ecosystems
The addition of native Indiana flora paired with a running water feature provides critical habitat support for a range of species. Since reopening, visitors have reported immediate sightings of wildlife returning to the site, including native butterfly species, birds, and turtles drawn to the new waterfall pool.
Project Overview
Location
Ouabache Trails Park, Vincennes, IN
Site Feature
Lynn Wiseman Butterfly Garden
Key Upgrades
Native plant species, custom waterfall installation, restored water feature
Funding & Support
Knox County Parks Department, Knox County CISMA volunteers
The renovated garden is open during standard park hours, giving residents and visitors an accessible spot to observe native plants and pollinators in their natural environment.
