In 1929, one of ten erosion control research stations in the United States was established southeast of this site to study erosion problems and the effectiveness of erosion control methods. It was one of the first organized efforts to address the nation's soil erosion problems in a planned, scientific manner. Five years later, in 1934, the Duck Creek watershed near this site was approved as a demonstration project using all known methods of erosion control. In cooperation with landowners in the 25,000-acre area, a conservation treatment plan was devised for each farm. Much of the labor to carry out these plans, including building dams and fences and planting trees and pasture grass, was provided by a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps CCC camp. The success of the Duck Creek project drew much attention and many visitors to the area. The Soil Conservation Service used Duck Creek as a training ground for agronomists, soil surveyors, engineers, biologists, foresters, economists, and others who carried knowledge learned here to many other states across the country.