WHITEWATER—Caution tape, overgrown weeds, tall grass that reaches to the waist and benches you can’t sit on.
That’s the harsh, current state of the Effigy Mounds Preserve in Whitewater.
At the entrance, residents and visitors walk straight into reality—of not enough funding for the 13 earthen and hand-built burial mounds in the preserve.
The mounds are only accessible one-third of the way through, said Kori Oberle, a historical researcher, writer, and social studies instructional designer who has worked as an educator in museums and historic sites.
Oberle took 20 people on a morning tour of the mounds on a cold, snow flurry recent Saturday to show them the situation. She also held a presentation at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Nov. 7 to gather support and discuss action.
One of the many reasons why the preserve is at a standstill is because a prairie burn, which helps the mounds stay preserved, was canceled during the summer. When the time came to reschedule, it got canceled again, due to other priorities, said Orbele.
But another reason is the volunteer force that used to take care of the area has since disbanded.
Jaime Weigel, a member of the city’s library board, is in discussion to bring the Friends of Effigy Mounds Preserve back during the springtime.
“The benefit of a Friends group is that it provides a united front for everyone that cares about this special place and a forum for us to come together,†Weigel said. “It also allows everyone to bring their unique skill set to the table.â€
Another reason might simply be the visibility, Oberle said. The only thing visible about the preserve from the street is the green space and the entrance sign.
“One reason why the preserve isn’t receiving the care it needs compared to 20 parks in Whitewater is because it is so hidden, it’s tucked away into the woods behind a neighborhood,†she said.
“When I would walk through the preserve I felt so much peace,†a member in the audience said at the Nov. 7 library’s presentation, reminiscing about walking through the preserve several years ago.
“People don’t realize what it gives to your soul. It’s what I call forest bathing,†she said to the group of about 20.
Protected but not funded
Even though the Effigy Mounds Preserve is not a park, it is cared for by the City of Whitewater parks and recreation department, and funds to care for the preserve have to be shared with 20 parks in Whitewater.
It’s owned by the city of Whitewater and protected by state statute, Orbele said, adding that it naturally becomes overgrown if not actively managed.
“The main cause is mother nature,†she said.
Lawnmowers getting off trail and animals digging on the mounds are also factors of damage to the preserve.
Like with most cities, the pandemic only made things harder. There simply is not enough parks and recreation staff and funds to mow the way it needs to be mowed, she said.
“Brush mowing is one of the things that need to happen, but that type of mowing is expensive and maybe the only way to get that done is through private funding,†said Orbele.
How to help
At the end of Oberle’s presentation at the library, she recommended what people could do next.
One idea was to bring friends and family out to the mounds, and another was to reach out to city representatives to show them residents want the mounds to be preserved and maintained.
Some in attendance said they wanted more done.
Peggy Van Scotter, a recent Whitewater resident, was very outspoken about the mounds. She recommended talking to local businesses to get sponsorships or raising money in different ways.
