Coastal plain ponds are a rare and endangered ecosystem. Although most are found along the Atlantic coast north of New York City, Indiana claims a few. They are located SE of Chicago--one could say on the coastal plain of Lake Michigan.
They are found in Jasper-Pulaski State Park, famous as a place to view Sandhill Cranes during migration (below).
"Although a popular destination for hunters, anglers, and Sandhill Crane enthusiasts, few are aware of the global significance of Inland Coastal Plain ponds and marshes at Jasper-Pulaski. These ephemerally wet, shallow basins are host to an impressive array of unusual flora.
As the name of the nature preserve and natural community type suggests, several plants found in these wetlands have their primary distribution along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain.
As water levels recede in late summer, muckflats and sandflats are exposed, providing a suitable substrate for these and other interesting plants. Long-horned beakrush, Robbin’s spikerush, netted nutrush, warty panic grass, sessile-leaved bugleweed, and creeping Saint John’s-wort are among the rare and interesting flora."
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