Camp Scott open for tours October 7

From the City of Fort Wayne website:

A free opportunity to observe wildlife and native wildflowers is coming October 7th at the Camp Scott Wetlands. This is a rare chance for residents to see Camp Scott, as it is usually not open to the public.

An open house is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7th from 2pm-7pm. A three-quarter mile path around the wetlands lets visitors experience the natural beauty of Camp Scott without disturbing the habitat. Visitors will enjoy kid’s activities and observing wildlife and flowers as they stroll through the wetlands.

Camp Scott is a “constructed wetlands” that helps reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods and improves water quality. The wetlands are fed by a massive 1.7 million gallon underground storage tank and pump station located under McMillen Park, 6 blocks west of the wetlands. The underground tank collects stormwater from southeast Fort Wayne neighborhoods during rains. Pumps then send the water through a 4-foot diameter pipe to the wetlands storage area. The water moves through a series of wetlands before it enters the two-and-a-half acre storage pond. From there it filters into the Maumee River.

During World War II, a small part of the wetlands site was adjacent to a prisoner-of-war camp and military training facility that was named “Camp Scott”. This is the origin of the name of the wetlands.

Camp Scott is located at 3615 Oxford Street.