This month, ROW thanks Jerry Shepherd for stepping up as Co-Chair for the Pogue’s Run Waterway Committee after two years of committee engagement.
As a long time Springdale neighbor, Shepherd walks his dogs along Pogue’s Run each day and has been an active member of Pathways Over Pogue’s, a community-led group advocating and fundraising for the restoration of the historic Nowland Avenue bridge.
But Shepherd was leading the way along Pogue’s Run as long as 12 years ago when he spearheaded the effort to establish the Spades Park Bird Sanctuary. “Working with Indy Parks, Keep Indianapolis Beauitful, the Episcopal Diocese, and hundreds of Near Eastside neighbors, we were successful in cleaning up Spades Park and Pogue’s Run of 83 tires, 36 shopping carts, 11 bicycles and 2 wheelchairs, as well as filled 2 packer-trucks,” said Shepherd. “We also raised enough money to plant more than 200 native trees. Spades Park is now a recognized destination with abundant wildlife, as well as many dog walkers, and fitness enthusiasts.”
Shepherd enjoys working with the dedicated Near Eastside residents and stakeholders on the Pogue’s Run Committee. “It’s only natural that everyone wishes for more in their communities,” said Shepherd. “It’s also natural to have clean spaces where flora and fauna can grow abundantly and an opportunity to learn about our environment exists.”
Well said. Thank you Jerry Shepherd for your continued leadership along Pogue’s Run!