“Project Blueways” to Support Local Rivers, Watersheds
As a place-based family foundation that was established in 1926 in Muncie, Indiana, Ball Brothers Foundation has a long history of supporting efforts related to the White River. In 2020, we are building on this interest by dedicating additional funding to projects involving the White River, the Mississinewa River, and surrounding watersheds in East Central Indiana. We are calling this effort “Project Blueways.”
Through "Project Blueways," BBF will focus on:
Increasing access to—and appreciation of—local waterways
Improving soil and water quality, reducing pollution
Supporting collaborative watershed planning efforts
Promoting ECI as a regional/state destination for canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, and agritourism
BBF will continue working primarily with local partners to expand existing efforts and support new projects.
Recently-supported projects include:
Portage Point: As more paddlers are enjoying canoeing and kayaking through Muncie (now that several dams have been removed), there is a need to create better portage options where low-head dams still exist. A small BBF grant is building a portage spot at the Indiana-American Water Company, just upriver from the new Kitselman Trailhead.
Ramped Trail: A new ramped trail connection is helping cyclists, walkers, runners, and anglers to connect to the White River Greenway at Martin Street in Muncie. The ramped trail connection extends several hundred feet from the top of White River Boulevard to the White River Greenway. Funding awarded to BSU is helping to complete the project. The trail connection directly links to recent improvements that connect the Greenway to BSU’s campus.
Taylor University Wilderness: A small grant from BBF is helping Taylor University—and its students—initiate a planning effort to expand outdoor recreation areas southwest of campus along the Mississinewa River. Possible future projects include a canoe launch and a trailhead/parking area that could also connect someday to an envisioned expansion of the Cardinal Greenway.
Levee Trail Neighborhood Connection: Muncie Central High School sits on a levee with a beautiful vista of the White River. A gravel trail was recently constructed along the levee using funds awarded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Now, a BBF grant will close a small gap in the trail. This connection will allow neighborhood residents and MCS students to more easily access the trail and connect to the White River, downtown, Muncie’s new riverfront development district, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Soil & Water Conservation District Support: This spring, BBF awarded operational and match support for several local Soil & Water Conservation Districts that play a key role in spearheading projects that benefit soil, water, and ecological health. Among the projects underway are a feasibility study for dam removal on the White River, watershed planning efforts, and a multi-county “headwaters partnership” that helps local partners coordinate efforts across the region.
