SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The land surrounding the former Portage Manor carries a vast cultural and environmental history, from Native American trade routes and French explorers to farmland and a century-old county home. Now, after sitting vacant since Portage Manor closed two years ago, public trails surrounding a nearby Catholic school could possibly come next.

“This area is the reason why South Bend is located here due to this portage,” said Ecologist Steve Sass.

County Surveyor and former Commissioner, Derek Dieter and ecologist Steve Sass are working with an attorney to form a nonprofit that would manage the natural areas, restore habitats, continue trail systems and eventually open the land to the public for hiking and biking. Their plan follows an ecological assessment completed in 2024

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