Cliff Chapman and Mr. Grinch at closing

Whoville-area property preserved for education and recreation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rugged landscape donated to CILTI, opened to visitors for first time

Mount Crumpit and adjacent lands outside Whoville have been sold to the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) so they may be protected in perpetuity. Landowner The Grinch agreed to the sale in the wake of a cardiac episode that prompted him to consider how access to the land could benefit area residents. Continue reading

Jen Schmits Thomas

Media Relations

An award-winning communicator and recognized leader in Central Indiana’s public relations community, Jen helps us tell our story in the media. She is the founder of JTPR, which she and her husband John Thomas own together.
Cliff Chapman and Santa Claus at closing

Claus Family Puts Storied Property Under CILTI Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sugarplum fields, reindeer play areas to be protected forever

The Claus family has put approximately 2.6 billion acres of ice cap under the care of the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) through a conservation easement that protects the property while allowing the family to continue its toy-production operations there.

Impressed by CILTI’s management of thousands of acres of Indiana’s natural heritage, the Claus family wanted to ensure that similar care would be given to its property in perpetuity.

“I’ve got enough on my mind without worrying that one of my descendants might one day decide to sell off our North Pole real estate to relocate to a warmer climate,” said Santa Claus, family patriarch and founder of Claus Enterprises. “Now I can focus on our merry manufacturing and logistics operations … and enjoy a pretty nice tax benefit to boot!”

Claus said the property has been in his family for as long as anyone can remember, so they feel a special attachment to the ice cap, especially the wild sugarplum fields and reindeer frolicking grounds.

“People tend to think of the Arctic as a frozen wasteland, but there is vibrant flora and fauna, ranging from lichens and sedges to polar bears and Arctic foxes,” said CILTI Executive Director Cliff Chapman, “and recent bird counts found snow buntings, northern fulmars, and black-legged kittiwakes, among others.”

He added, “This truly one-of-a-kind property has incredibly rich biodiversity, and we’re honored to be asked to help protect it.”

Claus said he first learned of CILTI when he noticed a Central Indiana surge on his “Nice” list. Investigating the increase, he determined that it was driven by CILTI’s donors. “These people aren’t just nice,” Claus said. “With their generosity and concern for the environment, they’re making a difference in Central Indiana, and I want to make a similar difference in my neck of the woods.”

The conservation agreement does not restrict public access to the property, but CILTI does not plan to develop trails or amenities or to locate staff there.

Wishing a happy holiday to all! We are so grateful for the continued support.

Jen Schmits Thomas

Media Relations

An award-winning communicator and recognized leader in Central Indiana’s public relations community, Jen helps us tell our story in the media. She is the founder of JTPR, which she and her husband John Thomas own together.
Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

On Earth Day, we pause to give our gratitude to all you nature-lovers. We are so grateful for your ongoing support for nature. You are showing your connection and care for the earth in so many ways. Continue reading

Shawndra Miller

Communications Manager

Shawndra is in charge of sharing our story and connecting you to our work. Through our print and online materials, she hopes to inspire your participation in protecting special places for future generations.
Carpenter bee

True Resilience

A letter from our executive director

Nature teaches us that biodiversity is key to thriving, that differences create strength. And wisdom assures us that nature is not only “out there” but also “in here”: Human variability in all its forms serves as a source of strength.

Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Shagbark hickory

Happy Earth Day! (Plus: The 9th Iconic Preserve to Visit)

A letter from our executive director

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series of nine off-the-beaten-path preserves. The final featured place and a recap are below, but we also wanted to step back, this Earth Day, to talk about the big picture of land protection. Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Rue anemone

Nine Days. Nine Iconic Preserves.

A letter from our executive director

Our hearts go out to all who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We at CILTI want to provide you with useful content that may raise your spirits. One constant in the midst of uncertainty is nature, which offers a healthy way to lose yourself for a while. Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Volunteer pulling garlic mustard

How You Can Help Nature.

A letter from our executive director

As we make our way through this uncertain time, we at CILTI are keeping all of our members, supporters, volunteers and friends in our thoughts. We send all good wishes your way for safety and health, and that of your loved ones. Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Drooping trillium

Nature is Not Closed

A letter from our executive director

As you may have guessed, we are cancelling our upcoming events. But we’re here to remind you, during this difficult time, that nature isn’t closed. Even though travel has been restricted in many places across Central Indiana, we can take notice of nature right where we live. Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.