Community Cove Welcomes New Kayak Launch and Pollinator Field

The area of public lands designated as Dam West High Water Boat Ramp, commonly referred to as “Community Cove”, recently acquired a new kayak launch and pollinator plots through various partnerships and grants. The “Community Cove” area includes the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp as well as public lands directly encompassing the boat ramp. This area extends West to Forest Park, South to the 9^th Street and Dam Road intersections, and East to the Dam West Recreation Area.   

The Kayak Launch is located at the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp and was made possible through several generous benefactors, including a grant of approximately $42,000 from the Lumpkin Family Foundation. Other contributions such as volunteer work, donations, and manpower were provided by Friends of Lake Shelbyville, the Youth Ambassador Program of Lake Shelbyville, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville has also partnered with The Urban Butterfly Initiative to begin a restoration project which is located within “Community Cove”.  The project, once completed, will restore the open lands back to native vegetation and pollinators conducive to butterflies and other wildlife. The Urban Butterfly Initiative is a community service non-profit focused on biodiversity enhancement, education, and science. Signs delineating the areas being restored were provided with a $500 grant from the Shelbyville chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

For more information on Community Cove, please contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email at lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.