Haserway Wetland Project…In 1990, Mr. Roy Oliver, a local citizen, and Ducks Unlimited Member approached the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the potential development of a project on Grenada Lake.
Mr. Oliver was particularly interested in developing a marsh area located below the Grenada Dam that served as a borrow site during the construction of the dam between 1950 – 1954. After the lake was put in operation Mr. Oliver recognized the borrow area remained inundated providing excellent habitat for migrating waterfowl.
The uniqueness of this area both in it’s diversity of habitat and accessibility to the public made it the ideal location for a wetlands demonstration area.
The primary objective of the project was the development and maintenance of waterfowl habitat with specific emphasis on public access for interpretation.
The name Haserway was chosen for this project in recognition of the nearby Illinois Central Railroad Station. The Railroad Claims Agent lived about 1.5 miles from the railroad station. As the story goes, the station was erected due to his wife’s persistence and named in her honor “Has-er-way.”
The project quickly gained momentum and support from individuals, businesses, schools, and other government agencies. The Haserway Wetlands Demonstration Area was the result of a partnership developed between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Holmes Community College, Grenada Chamber of Commerce, Grenada School District, and local businesses.
The 330-acres wetland demonstration area contains a 50-acre green tree reservoir of bottomland hardwood trees, five 5-acre moist soil management areas, two 5-acre millet ponds, wood duck nesting boxes, and a 1.5-mile interpretive trail.
Mr. Oliver’s idea became a reality on September 13, 1991, when a groundbreaking ceremony took place at the future location of the Haserway Wetland Demonstration Area. Construction began in 1992, improving the existing wetlands, forests, and upland habitat through increased development, management efforts, and water level manipulation. On May 26, 1993, Haserway became the nations first public-use wetland demonstration area. Today, Haserway serves as a wildlife sanctuary providing an aquatic habitat with emphasis on waterfowl feeding, resting, and parking areas.
The area also serves as the cornerstone of our interpretive programming as an outdoor learning laboratory for area schools, and education of the public about the functional values and elements of a wetland ecosystem.
