Pine CreekWildlife Management Area is 700 acres of abandoned farmland in eastern Benton County. The land was purchased by the Indiana DNR in 1993 to provide habitat for pheasants. In 1995, Ducks Unlimited and the DNR constructed a series of dams to restore about 200 acres of shallow wetlands on the site. These wetlands filled with water in April 1996, and have been a great birding spot ever since. About 125 species have been recorded on the site since March 1995.

To get to Pine Creek, take Route 231 north from Montmorenci, and turn west (left) on Route 18 (at flashing yellow lights). Drive on 18 into Benton County, and about 4 miles past the county line, turn north (right) on County Road 850 East. Go 2 miles and turn east (right again) onto County Road 200 North. When County Road 200 North suddenly dips into a lowland (less than a mile from where you first turned onto the road), you are entering the DNR property.

Several parking areas are marked, we suggest using Parking Lot #3, and walking across the road to the bluffs overlooking the northern part of the wetlands. A scope is desirable. The wetlands continue south of the county road. You will need to move several times to see all of the wetlands.

Several warnings: Do not park or stop along County Road 200 North while crossing the wetlands - the local farmers cannot move their vehicles if traffic is in the road, and we do not want to upset the neighbors. Also, there are active hunts in the fall for pheasant and for waterfowl. During hunting season, hunters have priority for using the area, because it was their money in the form of taxes that paid for much of the property. During the fall, the southernmost wetland is a designated waterfowl resting zone. The hunters do not hunt there, and birders should not walk down in the area. This is to protect the birds and give them a sanctuary. During the rest of the year, all of the property is open for hiking and birding. The fields surrounding the DNR property is all farmed - please restrict your movements to non-plowed lands.

Interesting species recorded since March 1995 - Glossy Ibis, Snow Goose, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Sanderling, Bell's Vireo.