OTTERBEIN LAKE: AN EXAMPLE OF PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SCIENCE

Otterbein Lake is a centerpiece of Westerville Ohio and part of Otterbein College's effort to create learning experiences that combine community involvement, service learning, and science programs. This paper discusses the template for this unique community relationship in hopes others will duplicate our success. The lake, situated on property owned by the City, began as a borrow pit and is somewhat isolated. The City once considered backfilling the lake because it was perceived as a public nuisance and liability. However, in 2000, a bike path was constructed to increase and enhance city green spaces. Part of the path skirts along the boundary of the lake. Shortly after the path was constructed, a group of citizens organized the Otterbein Lake Project (OLP). Through the work of the OLP, private partners like Otterbein College, and public partners such as Westerville City, grants have been secured to improve the lake’s appearance, access and appreciation.

Plans were developed and implemented to improve the infrastructure of the lake by lining storm water inlets to reduce channel erosion; temporarily lowering the lake level to repair an outfall structure connecting to nearby Alum Creek; and regrading the shoreline in order to improve pedestrian access and create littoral zones. Work is being completed by volunteers led by college students of Service Learning classes. Community naturalists, working alongside students are helping other volunteer groups understand and manage the invasive and native plant life surrounding the lake.

Several of the Otterbein faculty have integrated the lake into their teaching curriculum. A series of monitoring wells were constructed around the lake and creek to provide students an opportunity to evaluate water resources. Student research projects have identified the underground flow between the creek and lake, as well as identifying subsurface drainage caused by utility excavations. These findings are integrated into laboratory exercises that help students understand how water resources are interconnected and why sustainability efforts must look at holistic systems rather than disconnected parts. Otterbein is working with OLP to show how sustainable initiatives require scientific understanding, public engagement, and creativity in order to develop effective management programs.