President's Column - Ralph Jersild
Being Part of the Solution
Taking it a Step Further - Patrick Malone
Thank you
The human population on our planet continues to grow at an astronomical rate. On October 12th of this year, population statistics suggest that the global population will reach 6 billion people. This is a figure double of what it was only 4 decades ago, and one billion more than it was just 12 years ago. Current projections reveal that even at the current global growth rate, 1.5 million more people will be added to the world's population every week (W.G. Hollingsworth, Sierra, Sept., 1999).
In the United States alone, the population is expected to increase another 6o million in the next 25 years. Growth, especially in expanding urban areas, is witnessed across our country. Given there will be an increase in population for untold years to come, this growth need not and indeed should not be detrimental to the community.
The effects of growth can be felt right here in central Indiana. For example, it was announced just recently that Eli Lilly and Co. soon would expand its work force by about 7,500 employees; an expansion expected to contribute to economic growth and prosperity for Marion and surrounding counties. This should be good for the community at large. As individuals, we all require living space and employment opportunities; we all have our special needs and demands within our communities. New residents, as well as current citizens, will expect much from our community including amenities that enrich the quality of life.
One important factor contributing to the enrichment of communities is the continued presence of local areas of natural beauty which both add to the quality of our lives and assure a home for resident wildlife. This point was emphasized in a recent editorial in the Indianapolis Star (July 19, 1999) dealing with population growth issues. It stated that one of the challenges facing mankind into the next century is "...to balance human demands with the needs of other living creatures that inhabit the planet." This is an enormous challenge and one toward which CILTI strives. It is one that will protect available natural areas as living space for wildlife and a pleasant living environment for those of us who live here now and in the future.
If we are to prevent a future of traffic congestion, air pollution, overcrowded schools. a proliferation of shopping malls and parking lots, we will need to employ multiple strategies to accept social responsibility for how we treat our planet. Buying land to conserve open space is one major strategy for containing urban sprawl. Central Indiana Land Trust Incorporated is actively involved in using that strategy to help maintain a balance for all living creatures. CILTI also uses conservation easements and land donations to protect natural areas.
"Land trusts have become the fastest growing part of the conservation movement," Stephen Greene reported in a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article. He made the comment after seeing national census data from the Land Trust Alliance. CILTI is one of eight land trusts in Indiana filling a unique and important role. As a regional land trust, we are able to work within communities and focus not on vast wilderness, but on irreplaceable tracts, even small and mid-size open spaces, including greenspace in urban settings. We are grateful for your support.
CILTI is committed to protecting Indiana's natural landscape, but, like most nonprofits, is limited by its stock of both human and financial resources. As development pressures continue to increase and the world around us continues to become more urbanized, fewer and fewer natural areas remain. and the chances to protect them are continually reduced.
At the national level, we are fortunate to see the land trust movement flourish. The growth in acreage preserved has skyrocketed over the last ten years, and we can see the signs of success. CILTI is part of that success story. Central Indiana is better off because of CILTl's work, but there is much more to be done.
While the national statistics are important, their impact on preservation in Central Indiana is limited. We in Central Indiana need to take our efforts a step further. As members and volunteers, we are the lifeblood of the organization and are the ones who can and do have an impact on Central Indiana's landscape. So I encourage you all to "take it a step further" and think about what else you can do to help advance CILTI's efforts. Whether it involves working at a CILTI property, making an extra financial gift, or simply spreading the news about CILTI's mission and good deeds to your friends and acquaintances, we can all come up with a way to give a little more of ourselves.
Your contributions to enhancing CILTI's stock of financial and human resources are directly related to CILTI's effectiveness at preserving important lands. So, as the problems of the modern world become increasingly interconnected, take pride in the fact that you are part of an organization that is making a difference. You are invited to consider what more you can do, and the difference that could make in preserving nature in the heart of Indiana. Consider taking it a step further....your actions and involvement do make a difference.
Editor's note: Patrick Malone, member of CILTI, is employed by the division of Outdoor Recreation. He recently completed a project that resulted in a $100 donation to CILTI from the IU Foundation.