Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College is moving forward with the High Lake Channel Dredging Project, an effort to improve water flow and increase boating access through the channel to High Lake.

The project is expected to take place between September 21 and October 31, 2026, with the dredging work anticipated to take approximately three weeks. The overall timeline may be affected by weather and site conditions.

How the Project Will Work
McCullough Excavating and Silt Removal will conduct the dredging operation using a barge and excavator. The barge will be put in near the South Gate of the Luckey’s Landing portion of Merry Lea’s property.

Sediment will be removed from the channel by excavator and transported by barge back to the put-in site. The sediment will then be unloaded into trucks and hauled to a designated disposal area on Merry Lea property.

The disposal site is located across the lane, accessed through Mark East’s property, on the west side of the Shew Track of Merry Lea’s property. This is the same area used for disposal when the channel was dredged approximately 30 years ago. The disposal area will be closed to the public while the project is underway.

Residents and visitors may notice increased equipment and vehicle activity in and around these areas during the project.

Project Funding
Last year in 2025, Merry Lea received estimates for deepening and widening the High Lake outlet channel [Site 1, above] and are proceeding with contractor bidding for the project. This will enhance water flow and increase boating access.

We are grateful for the support of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, who has awarded Merry Lea a Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant of $80,000 toward the sediment removal project. The remainder is to be split between Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College and the High Lake community.

Merry Lea pledges our support of $24,000. We invite you to consider contributing to the needed $24,000 community match supporting this investment. Donations are tax-deductible.

For any questions, please reach out to Mark East at High Lake or Freya Berntson at Merry Lea.

Community Pledge Match Commitment Form

To donate online, click the link below and select the designation as “Merry Lea – High Lake Channel Dredging Community Match.”

Donate Now!

If paying by check, please write “Merry Lea – High Lake Channel Dredging Community Match” in the memo line and mail it to:
Advancement Office
Goshen College
1700 S Main St.
Goshen, IN 46526