Bulldozers have moved off site and the dirt has settled at the Dillin wetland restoration project site! Located near Pikeville, Indiana, the restoration project is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Indiana Four Rivers Project, North American Wetlands Conservation Council and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to restore 67 acres of wetlands at the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased this drained agricultural property with the purpose of restoring the area to shallow moist soil wetland management units. To get the job done, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracted Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to design the restoration and oversee construction of this important wetland project. Restoration activities included breaking existing drainage tile, plugging open drainage ditches, installing a pump and water level control structures, and building a levee adjacent to the Patoka River. This public area now provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as hunting and bird watching for surrounding communities to enjoy. Not to mention, the added benefits of improved water quality, flood attenuation and aesthetics associated with this wetland restoration. The project also will provide habitat for a host of wetland dependent wildlife, including waterfowl and many threatened and endangered species. The Dillin Restoration project is a fine example of partnerships dedicated to conserving Indiana’s valuable wetland resources.