One of the City of Portage's most unique characteristics is getting even more unique.
Bishop's Bog is a 152-acre preserve that developed after the glaciers from the last ice age receded.
It features northern plant life that normally would not grow this far south if the glacier had not deposited them. The bog is home to several rare plant species, including the Orange Fringed Orchid and Stemless Pink Ladyslipper.
And it has a 1.75 mile hiking trail on a floating boardwalk allows visitors to hike through the preserve.
Now the family of David Eliason has donated 123 acres adjacent to the bog on its western boundary in memory of the Portage businessman whose parents started Eliason Corp. Founded in 1952, Eliason Corp is the originator and manufacturer of swinging doors for high traffic areas like restaurant kitchens.
The land worth an undisclosed amount is being donated to the city of Portage for public use. The property runs along the est side of Shaver Road behind Impact Foods and Eliason Corp.
The transaction has not been finalized, but city officials are confident an agreement can be reached.
When the transaction is complete the city will draft a master plan to determine the best recreational uses of the property, which currently has issues regarding access due to its location near railroad tracks.
William Deming of the city's parks and recreation department says Bishop's Bog is a great treasure for the city and the donation by the Eliason family will help preserve it.
The property which is being donated has not only bog, but also upland terrain, so it will offer opportunities that can't be realized in the wet areas of the property.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: William Deming, City of Portage
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