News & Info

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Aus Brooks, former Board President of Friends of Sugar Creek, passed away in May 2025. During his impactful time on the board, Aus made the community aware of the existence and danger of the Sugar Creek low-head dam and championed a study to determine the costs and benefits of its removal. As a Professor of Biology at Wabash College, he shared the beauty and wonder of Sugar Creek with countless students and hundreds of volunteers who have donated their time to keep our precious creek clean and safe for generations to come. 

The Friends of Sugar Creek Fund, in Memory of Dr. Austin Brooks, Jr. has been established at the Montgomery County Community Foundation to memorialize Aus's significant contributions to our community and all the extraordinary things he did for Friends of Sugar Creek.

The Sugar Creek Nature Trail is located just north of downtown Crawfordsville, the interpretive signage for the Nature Trail was a Friends of Sugar Creek project.

USGS has installed a new stream gage near the Lafayette Avenue bridge, and as a result new water level advisories have been established. Only experienced canoeists and kayakers should be on the creek when the water level is between 5 and 6 feet, with levels above 6 feet being hazardous and unsafe for canoeing or kayaking.

 On Saturday, June 6th, the Friends of Sugar Creek Canoe Race will once again continue its long tradition in Montgomery County. Whether you are a professional, weekend warrior, or a beginner - there are multiple race divisions to choose from this year. Visit Montgomery County Visitors Bureau https://www.visitmoco.com/canoe-race/  

On Saturday, July 11th, we will offer our popular Kids, Canoes, and Crinoids event.
 Each year area youth and adults participate in Friends of Sugar Creek's educational program to learn about the habitat, biology, geology, history, and beauty of Sugar Creek.   This event will educate participants about the biological and ecological elements of our watershed. Participants must be between 9-14 years old and be accompanied by an adult for this event. Registration will open in June.  

The Sugar Creek low head dam was removed by the City of Crawfordsville in September 2021, following approvals from Indiana DNR and IDEM. Removal of the low head dam has reconnected 1,123 stream miles, improved biodiversity, and eliminated a safety hazard.

Turn in a Poacher, Inc. (TIP) is a non-profit conservation organization that protects our fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.