PARTNERSHIPS:
PROJECT BLUEWAYS
Championing Our Local Waterways
At Ball Brothers Foundation, we’re all about protecting what makes East Central Indiana special. For decades, we’ve championed efforts to improve water quality and preserve our region’s natural beauty. Project Blueways takes this commitment to the next level, dedicating a portion of our grantmaking specifically to the waterways and watersheds that connect and sustain our communities—including the White River and the Mississinewa River. Through Project Blueways, we’re teaming up with partners to support efforts that:
Increase access to—and appreciation of—local waterways
Improve soil & water quality and reduce pollution
Support collaborative watershed planning efforts
Promote East Central Indiana as a regional/state destination for canoeing & kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and agritourism
“Our waterways are integral aspects to our quality of life. Protecting our waterways, diminishing runoff, and increasing accessibility to East Central Indiana’s rivers are crucial in preserving our natural amenities for many years to come.”
This collaborative effort expands on existing efforts and supports new projects.
Explore recent Project Blueways initiatives that are positively impacting local watersheds and waterways.
Promoting and Branding the White River
Funding is supporting the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District’s (DCSW) efforts to promote and brand the White River through the creation of a logo, signage, website, social media, and more. This effort is designed to promote the White River as a destination for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more for locals and for visitors while also increasing community pride in the river.
Canoe & Kayak Launches Through Muncie
The Muncie Sanitary District, the City of Muncie, and Delaware County are teaming up to install a series of canoe/kayak launches through the heart of Muncie from the city’s eastside to westside. The first of the launches opened in the summer of 2024 at “Barlow’s Landing” near the Kitselman Trailhead on Muncie’s eastside. The next launch—scheduled to open in 2025—will be in Muncie’s McCulloch Park.
Enhancing Watershed Health and Collaboration in the Upper White River
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has identified the Upper White River Watershed as a priority area. This includes maintaining water quality monitoring stations that provide data and learning opportunities for Ball State students, mapping the river bottom of Buck Creek, and identifying ways to reduce flooding through better floodplain management.
BBF funding also helps TNC connect with landowners to promote conservation practices, partnering with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to support these efforts. Events like the annual Sampling Blitz engage the community in water quality testing, building awareness, and collaboration to create a healthier watershed.
Mississinewa River Trailhead and Canoe Launch Infrastructure
Taylor University is expanding public access to the Mississinewa River with the creation of a trailhead and infrastructure for a canoe launch on the university’s property west of campus in the “Taylor Wilderness.” Complemented by native plantings to meet conservation requirements, the trailhead and canoe launch will eventually connect to approximately two miles of trail being constructed by the university through generous support from Lilly Endowment. In addition to supporting the trailhead and canoe launch infrastructure, BBF funding is supporting ongoing environmental monitoring and the creation of wayfinding and educational signage, ensuring long-term accessibility and environmental stewardship.
Building Momentum for White River Watershed Improvement
The White River Report Card, developed with input from over 500 individuals across community, business, and political sectors, was released in 2023 and evaluated the health of the river and watershed. Results were shared through events, media, and an interactive website, raising public awareness and reaching thousands of people.
Policy recommendations were shared with legislators, and additional water sampling at new sites is helping to address data gaps and refine solutions. This project, supported by funders from across the state—including BBF—laid the groundwork for future improvements to the watershed’s health and ongoing collaboration with community leaders. Since the report card’s release, BBF has continued to support efforts to educate the community about the report and make improvements recommended in the report through grants to the White River Alliance.
White River Canoe Races
Each summer, the White River Alliance (WRA) hosts annual canoe races on the White River, giving the chance to show off the river’s beauty and recreational potential through friendly competitions. BBF has been proud to support the White River Alliance’s work to put on these events, including along one of our favorite stretches of the river from Yorktown to Daleville.
White River Education Center & Mussel Propagation Enhancements
Muncie’s Bureau of Water Quality (BWQ) has long been a statewide leader in protecting and improving the health of the White River. Through innovative efforts like their freshwater mussel propagation program, the BWQ is making significant strides in water restoration and environmental education. Recent grants from Ball Brothers Foundation have helped to construct a new “Education Center” that allows the BWQ to host field trips and community groups; support the purchase of signage, tables, and audio equipment for the education center; and address the need for interns, additional supplies, and advanced equipment to help expand the mussel propagation program.
Dam Modification on the White River
Over the past decade, four out of five dams along the White River in Muncie have been modified or removed. This significantly improves fish passage, safety for citizens, and the overall biological health of the river. Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) continues to advance this work through funding from BBF and other partners which is helping to study the impact of dam modifications and visualize how further changes could improve the White River.
Programming for Youth and Adults
Red-tail Land Conservancy continues to bolster its programming to educate youth and adults on water quality issues and conservation practices. By partnering with organizations like Hoosier Riverwatch, Red-tail empowers participants to actively monitor waterways, expanding awareness and fostering actionable change across the region.
Collectively, these projects showcase the power of partnerships, education, and innovation to enhance the health of our waterways and build momentum for long-term regional impact.
Project Blueways News
BBF grantees and friends from Muncie, Delaware County, and nearby communities convened on a brisk winter afternoon earlier this month to share updates and future plans related to the White River, the Mississinewa River, and surrounding watersheds. Ball Brothers Foundation convened partners as part of the foundation’s Project Blueways effort.