Location:

North Central Indiana

Elkhart County, Indiana

DeLorme Page 21, Grid E-12

Description:

Jackson Cemetery is a 7-acre township cemetery located in southern Elkhart County. The main attraction of this site is the wetland / mudflat complex that surrounds the cemetery on three of its four sides. Many common wading birds, waterfowl, and shorebirds can be observed from the cemetery property, which is elevated in relation to the wetland.

The wetland to the west and along half of the north side belongs to a dairy farmer whose barn lies about 1/8 mile to the west. This portion can be viewed easily from the western bank of the cemetery near the gravestones. This bank is an ideal location to set up a scope. The other half of the northern component, and all the wetland on the east side of the cemetery, lies on the property of a private landowner, Mrs. Ganger. Her property line is well marked by a fence. This section of the wetland can be viewed from the cemetery's eastern edge, just east of the 2-acre wooded lot. This eastern portion is actually better viewed, however, from Mrs. Ganger's property. She has graciously agreed to allow birders onto her property but has asked that they call ahead to notify her of their planned arrival. See the "Access Restrictions" section below for details on contacting her. Use the drive that leads to her house and park in a convenient location alongside it.

The site typically can be birded in an hour, although special attention to the mature conifers (located throughout the gravestones), the lily pads, or the mudflats can often take some extra time.

Typical Time to Bird Site: 1 Hour

Birds:

Overview:

Summer residents include Belted Kingfishers and the common Indiana herons and dabbling ducks. During migration, expect to see other wading birds, dabbling ducks, geese, and shorebirds on the wetlands, while warblers, vireos, and sparrows can be found in the woodlot and cemetery. Red-tailed Hawks are also regular visitors in the area.

Specialty Species:

None.

Noteworthy Records:

Common Moorhen - (27-Aug-1998)

Osprey - (20-Oct-1999); several other sightings not recorded

Rusty Blackbird - (01-Nov-1999) - 20 birds

General:

Ownership:

Jackson Township

Contact John Divine at 574-831-4203

Hours:

None.

Fees:

None.

Access Restrictions:

The entire wetland lies on private property. While most of it can be adequately birded from cemetery property, the section to the east is better viewed from the property of the landowner, Mrs. Ganger. Fortunately, she has agreed to allow birders to access her property, provided that they call ahead to notify her of their anticipated arrival. She can be contacted at 219-831-3518. Please be sure not to call too late at night, and as always, be courteous while visiting her property.

Restrooms:

None.

Lodging:

Lodging is available in nearby Goshen, some 8 miles to the north.

Temporal Considerations:

Jackson Cemetery is most productive during the major migration periods: March through May and August until the wetlands freeze. Many of the common Indiana marsh birds can be found during the summer.

Directions:

From the North: Take US 33 south to the town of Benton, about 7-8 miles south of Goshen. In Benton, turn right (west) onto CR 44, and continue for one mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (north) side of the road. Park outside the gate and walk the short distance in.

From the East: Take US 20 west to the US 20 Bypass (as you drive west, US 20 will BECOME the US 20 Bypass). Continue west on the US 20 Bypass and exit south onto US 33. Take US 33 south to the town of Benton, about 7-8 miles south of Goshen. In Benton, turn right (west) onto CR 44, and continue for one mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (north) side of the road. Alternatively, one could take US 6 west from Kendallville and exit north onto US 33 as it branches off of US 6 in eastern Elkhart County. Continue north, then, on US 33 to the town of Benton, which is just north of the Elkhart River. In Benton, turn left (west) onto CR 44, and continue for one mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (north) side of the road.

From the South: Take US 33 north to the town of Benton, which is just north of the Elkhart River. In Benton, turn left (west) onto CR 44, and continue for one mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (north) side of the road.

From the West: Take US 6 east through Napanee to its intersection with US 33. Go north on US 33 to the town of Benton, which is just north of the Elkhart River. In Benton, turn left (west) onto CR 44, and continue for one mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (north) side of the road.

Credits: