Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana, is known for its scenic shoreline, peaceful neighborhoods, and abundant wildlife. Among the most commonly spotted animals are white-tailed deer, which often wander through yards, wooded areas, and along the lake’s edge. While it may seem kind or harmless to toss out corn, apples, or leftovers for deer, feeding them can actually cause serious harm—to the animals, your property, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Here’s why feeding deer around Simonton Lake is strongly discouraged.

1. It Disrupts Natural Behavior
Deer are highly adaptable animals that survive by foraging naturally. They browse on twigs, buds, grasses, and native plants that provide balanced nutrition throughout the seasons. When humans feed deer, it alters their natural feeding patterns and causes them to rely on unnatural food sources.
In winter, this can be especially dangerous. Deer digestive systems adjust slowly to seasonal diets. Sudden access to large amounts of corn or other high-carbohydrate foods can cause severe digestive distress, sometimes leading to illness or death. What feels like “helping” during a harsh Michigan winter can unintentionally harm the very animals you’re trying to support.

2. It Increases Disease Risk
Feeding deer encourages them to gather in unnatural numbers in one location. This close contact increases the spread of diseases such as:

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
• Bovine tuberculosis
• Parasites and other transmissible illnesses

When deer congregate around feeding sites, the risk of disease transmission rises dramatically. These diseases can impact deer populations long-term and, in some cases, spread to livestock.
Indiana wildlife officials strongly discourage feeding deer because concentrated feeding areas can accelerate outbreaks and weaken local herds.

3. It Creates Safety Hazards
Feeding deer near homes and roads can make them less wary of people and vehicles. When deer begin associating neighborhoods with easy food, they spend more time crossing streets and lingering near driveways.
Simonton Lake Road and surrounding residential streets already experience regular wildlife crossings. Artificial feeding can increase deer traffic, raising the risk of vehicle collisions—especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Additionally, deer that lose their fear of humans may approach people more closely than is safe. During mating season (the rut), bucks can become aggressive, posing a potential risk to residents and pets.

4. It Damages Landscaping and Property
Once deer learn a yard is a food source, they often return—and bring others with them. Residents around Simonton Lake may notice:

• Damaged shrubs and ornamental plants
• Destroyed vegetable gardens
• Trampled lawns
• Broken fencing

Feeding deer can unintentionally invite ongoing property damage. Even if you stop feeding them, deer may continue to revisit the area out of habit.

5. It Impacts the Local Ecosystem
Simonton Lake’s ecosystem depends on balance. When deer populations increase or gather in concentrated areas, they overbrowse native vegetation. This affects:

• Tree regeneration
• Ground cover plants
• Habitat for birds and small mammals

Overbrowsing reduces biodiversity and can change the health of wooded and shoreline areas. Feeding deer disrupts the natural carrying capacity of the environment, leading to long-term ecological consequences.

6. It May Violate Wildlife Regulations
While local laws can vary, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources discourages feeding wildlife in ways that concentrate animals or alter natural behavior. In some situations—especially related to disease management—restrictions or regulations may apply.
Residents should always check current Indiana DNR guidance before intentionally feeding wildlife.

A Better Way to Support Wildlife
If you enjoy seeing deer around Simonton Lake, there are healthier ways to support wildlife:

• Plant native trees and shrubs that provide natural food and shelter.
• Avoid leaving pet food or garbage outside overnight.
• Maintain safe distances when observing wildlife.
• Support local conservation and habitat preservation efforts.

Observing deer in their natural state is one of the joys of lakeside living—but allowing them to remain wild is the best way to protect both the animals and the community.

Final Thoughts
Feeding deer on Simonton Lake may seem like a harmless act of kindness, but the consequences can be serious. From digestive problems and disease spread to increased vehicle accidents and property damage, artificial feeding does more harm than good.  By respecting wildlife boundaries and allowing deer to forage naturally, Simonton Lake residents can help preserve the health of the ecosystem—and ensure these beautiful animals continue to thrive safely for years to come.

Each year, as boating season approaches, Simonton Lake undergoes an important but often overlooked process: annual buoy maintenance. These floating markers play a critical role in keeping boaters, swimmers, and waterfront property owners safe. Proper installation, inspection, and removal of buoys help ensure smooth navigation and protect the lake’s ecosystem throughout the year.

Why Buoy Maintenance Is Important
Buoys serve as visual guides on the water. They mark no-wake zones, identify hazardous areas, outline swimming zones, and assist boaters in understanding safe travel paths. Over time, buoys can shift, fade, crack, or sink due to weather, wave action, and ice. Without annual maintenance, misplaced or damaged buoys can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents.
On Simonton Lake, where recreational boating, fishing, and swimming are popular, well-maintained buoys help maintain order on busy summer weekends and during community events.

Spring Installation and Inspection
Buoy maintenance typically begins in late spring, after the ice has fully melted and water levels stabilize. During this time, buoys are:

• Reinstalled after winter removal
• Inspected for cracks, fading, or water intrusion
• Checked for proper anchoring and alignment
• Cleaned to remove algae, debris, and buildup

Correct placement is especially important. Buoys must be positioned according to lake maps, safety guidelines, and local regulations to ensure consistency and compliance.

Common Types of Buoys on Simonton Lake
Different buoys serve different purposes, including:

• No-Wake Buoys – Reduce shoreline erosion and protect swimmers
• Hazard Markers – Identify shallow areas, rocks, or submerged obstacles
• Swimming Area Buoys – Create safe zones away from boat traffic
• Navigation Buoys – Help guide boaters through commonly traveled routes

Annual maintenance ensures these markers remain visible, reflective, and effective throughout the season.

Mid-Season Checks and Adjustments
While spring installation is the main focus, mid-season inspections are often necessary. Heavy boat traffic, storms, or fluctuating water levels can cause buoys to drift or loosen. Quick adjustments help maintain accuracy and prevent hazards before they become serious issues.
Lake residents and boaters are encouraged to report missing or damaged buoys so they can be addressed promptly.

Fall Removal and Winter Protection
Before winter sets in, buoys are typically removed from the lake. Ice expansion and movement can destroy buoys, anchors, and lines if left in place. Removing them protects the equipment and reduces debris in the lake during freeze-up.  Once removed, buoys are stored, repaired if needed, and prepared for the next season.

Community Responsibility and Safety
Annual buoy maintenance is a shared responsibility between lake associations, local authorities, and the community. Respecting buoy markers, avoiding collisions, and not tampering with placement all help keep Simonton Lake safe for everyone.

Annual buoy maintenance on Simonton Lake is a vital part of preserving safety, navigation, and enjoyment on the water. From spring installation to fall removal, these simple markers play a major role in protecting people, property, and the lake itself. When maintained properly, buoys help ensure another safe and enjoyable season for all who call Simonton Lake home—or visit its waters.

As winter fades and the ground begins to thaw around Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana, homeowners often notice new ridges, tunnels, and small mounds appearing across lawns. This marks the start of mole season, a common springtime issue for lakeside properties. While moles are small and rarely seen, their underground activity can cause noticeable damage to yards, especially during the spring months.

Why Spring Triggers Mole Activity
Moles are active year-round, but spring is when their presence becomes most visible. As soil warms and moisture levels rise, earthworms and insects—moles’ primary food sources—move closer to the surface. Moles follow, expanding and rebuilding their tunnel systems just beneath the grass.  Additionally, spring is breeding season for moles. This leads to increased tunneling as they search for mates and establish territories. The combination of softer soil, abundant food, and reproductive behavior makes spring the peak time for lawn disruption.

Why Simonton Lake Properties Are Attractive to Moles
Homes around Simonton Lake often have conditions moles love:

• Moist soil from the lake and surrounding groundwater
• Healthy lawns rich in earthworms and grubs
• Minimal soil freezing near the shoreline compared to inland areas

While moles don’t eat grass or roots directly, their tunneling loosens soil and uproots turf, causing grass to die or collapse. The result is uneven lawns, soft spots, and unsightly ridges that can worsen quickly if not addressed.

Common Signs of Mole Activity
Spring mole damage typically shows up as:

• Raised ridges just below the surface
• Cone-shaped mounds of soil
• Spongy or sinking grass when walked on
• Sudden patches of dying turf

These signs often appear overnight, making it seem like damage is happening all at once.

Why Early Action Matters
Ignoring mole activity in spring can lead to long-term lawn damage throughout the summer. As tunnels expand, grass roots lose contact with soil, irrigation becomes less effective, and mowing becomes difficult. Over time, bare patches may form, allowing weeds to take hold.  Addressing moles early helps limit tunnel expansion and reduces the chance they’ll settle in permanently.

Responsible Ways to Manage Moles
For Simonton Lake residents, it’s important to manage moles responsibly and legally:

• Trapping remains one of the most effective and targeted solutions
• Reducing grubs and insects can make lawns less attractive
• Compacting soil along active tunnels may discourage reuse
• Professional wildlife control services can provide humane, regulated solutions

Poison baits are generally discouraged near lakes due to environmental risks and potential harm to pets, wildlife, and water quality.

Protecting the Lake Environment
Because Simonton Lake is a sensitive ecosystem, homeowners should avoid chemical treatments that could leach into the water. Environmentally conscious lawn care and wildlife management practices help preserve water quality while still protecting property.  Spring marks the beginning of mole season on Simonton Lake, and while these small mammals play a role in soil aeration, their activity can be frustrating for homeowners. Understanding why moles are more active in spring—and responding early with safe, effective solutions—can help keep lawns healthy throughout the season while respecting the natural balance of the lake environment.