From Farmland to Wetlands: Doug & Dawn Armey’s Conservation Legacy

From Farmland to Wetlands: Doug & Dawn Armey’s Conservation Legacy

As we kick off Season 3 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch sit down with Doug and Dawn Armey to celebrate their remarkable journey into wetland restoration. What began with a simple wood duck nesting box on a mailbox led to partnering with Scott Fetters, Private Lands Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and NRCS to convert marginal cropland into six beautiful, functional wetlands on their property. Doug and Dawn share how these wetlands support abundant wildlife — from wood ducks and geese to Blanding’s turtles — while providing flood storage, nutrient filtration, and a peaceful refuge for their family and grandchildren. They discuss the long-term commitment of conservation easements, managing invasives like Phragmites and poison hemlock, using prescribed burns and water control structures, and the joy of passing on a love for nature to the next generation. Their story shows how everyday landowners can turn challenging land into lasting ecological treasures that benefit water quality, wildlife, and future stewards. A perfect story of patience, partnership, and legacy. Guest bio: Doug and Dawn Armey are Warsaw natives with deep roots in Kosciusko County. After meeting at a now defunct dance hall, the Armeys married and quickly found a shared passion for conservation. Rooted in the idea of giving more than he takes from nature, Doug worked with Scott Fetters to restore bird habitat on their property. An avid hunter, Doug trains his own bird dogs, a talent he shared with his son, Ross. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

Meet Indiana's Turtle Expert: DNR Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht

In the final episode of season two of the Lake Doctor Podcast, Indiana DNR Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht takes a fascinating deep dive into the world of turtles. We discuss everything from common painted and snapping turtles to rare species like Blanding’s, spotted, and even an unexpected alligator snapping turtle documented in Kosciusko County. Nate shares insights on critical spring breeding grounds, how turtles can survive winter under ice, the challenges of habitat loss and nest predation, and why most turtles may not make great pets. The conversation also covers proper handling if you find a turtle on the road, reporting rare sightings to help conservation efforts, and the important role forested wetlands and natural shorelines play in supporting turtle populations. Packed with practical advice, fun childhood stories, and turtle shell show-and-tell, this episode highlights why protecting turtles and their wetland habitats is essential for healthier lakes and vibrant local ecosystems. Report a rare turtle sighting by emailing herpsurveys@dnr.in.gov  Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

A Prescription for Healthy Lakes: A Transformational Gift to Launch Lake Rx

In Episode 22 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we make an exciting announcement: Grace College and the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams has received a transformative grant from Lilly Endowment to launch Lake Rx — a bold new initiative to create customized “prescriptions” for improving the health of local lakes. Dr. Nate Bosch explains how Lake Rx will develop targeted, holistic solutions for individual lakes in Kosciusko County. These include constructing and restoring wetlands, incentivizing lake-friendly agricultural practices, promoting responsible boating, enhancing shoreline vegetation with native plants, and rebalancing lake ecosystems. The goal is to speed up lake recovery from decades of nutrient pollution and make measurable, visible improvements in water clarity and quality in tens of years rather than hundreds of years. Nate and Suzie discuss the inspiration behind the program (including a memorable visit to ultra-clear Crater Lake), the importance of collaboration with community partners, and why sustained funding and community support will be critical for long-term success. This episode marks a major milestone for lake stewardship in northern Indiana. To stay up-to-date on the latest Lake Rx news, sign up for the Lilly Center's monthly newsletter at: https://forms.aweber.com/form/83/118972383.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/83/118972383.htm]. Support the Lilly Center's work: https://lakes.grace.edu/ways-to-give/ [https://lakes.grace.edu/ways-to-give/] Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

Floating Trees and Ephemeral Wetlands with Jason Kissel

In Episode 21 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Jason Kissel, Executive Director of ACRES Land Trust, joins us for a fascinating conversation about forested wetlands and ephemeral wetlands. Jason's lifelong passion for trees was sparked at age five while standing on a mountaintop with his U.S. Forest Service father. Jason also shares why northeast Indiana is special as a crossroads of prairie, forest, wetland, and boreal systems. The discussion dives into forested wetlands—places where trees thrive in seasonally flooded soils—along with rare bogs like Glenwood Bog, where trees grow atop floating sphagnum mats. Jason describes ephemeral (temporary) pools that appear briefly each spring, serving as critical breeding grounds for amphibians like spring peepers because they lack predators. He also covers ACRES Land Trust’s work protecting nearly 9,000 acres, restoring wetlands, managing invasives, and using mitigation projects to create larger, connected natural areas. Practical and inspiring, this episode highlights how protecting trees and wetlands improves water quality, supports biodiversity, and benefits the lakes and streams we all enjoy in Kosciusko County and beyond. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

Wild About Wetlands: Nature's Amazing Water Filters

In Episode 20 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, hosts Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch revisit the best moments from Season 2 episodes about wetlands. They explore how wetlands act as nature’s kidneys—filtering nutrients, reducing floodwaters, and protecting lakes from pollution—while explaining the differences between marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. Featuring insights from Landon Vine, Nathan Herbert, Nate Simons, Jacob Macke, and Stephen Jacquemin, the episode shows how restored wetlands filter significant amounts of water and help reduce harmful algal blooms. Nate and Suzie connect these ideas to Kosciusko County and the new Lake Rx program, highlighting why protecting and restoring wetlands is key to cleaner, healthier lakes. There will be some really big news about Lake Rx in the coming weeks, so make sure you're subscribed. You won't want to miss this announcement! Check out the full conversations featured in this episode below: 02:31 - Ep. 10 - How to Eat Like a Wetland [https://lakes.grace.edu/how-to-eat-like-a-wetland-with-landon-vine/] with Landon Vine, V3 Consulting 05:31 - Ep. 18 - Quaking Bogs & Old Forests: Extraordinary Ecosystems [https://lakes.grace.edu/s2-e18-quaking-bogs-old-forests-extraordinary-ecosystems-with-nathan-herbert/] with Nathan Herbert, The Nature Conservancy  08:07 - Ep. 4 - Why a Controlled Wildfire is Important for our Lakes [https://lakes.grace.edu/s2-e4-why-a-controlled-wildfire-is-important-for-our-lakes-with-nate-simons/] with Nate Simons, Blue Heron Ministries 14:53 - Ep. 17 - How Wetlands Help Lakes Recover [https://lakes.grace.edu/s2-e17-how-wetlands-help-lakes-recover-with-stephen-jacquemin/] with Dr. Stephen Jacquemin, Wright State University 19:12 - Ep. 19 - Why Choose Native Plants for Your Lake Property [https://lakes.grace.edu/s2-e19-why-choose-native-plants-for-your-lake-property-with-jacob-macke/] with Jacob Macke, Chapman Lake Nursery 22:38 - Ep. 14 - How to Improve Lake Health Using a Holistic Approach [https://lakes.grace.edu/how-to-improve-lake-health-using-a-holistic-approach/] Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.