The Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow. Photo by Karen Wade.

Women Conservation Heroes of Indiana

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are honoring notable women, past and present. Right here in Indiana, we can point to many female conservation heroes. Here are just a few.

Dr. Shirley Heinze. Dr. Heinze’s love of nature and the Indiana Dunes ran deep. The Porter County resident devoted herself to the fight to save the Dunes, doing all she could to protect this special part of Indiana and inspiring others to do so as well.

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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.
Watercolor of golden oriole by Susan Fenimore Cooper, 1851

Women’s History and “Our Common Home”

For Women’s History Month, we look at just a few of the many American women whose work gave voice to planetary concerns.

The Naturalist

“The earth is the common home of all.” So said Susan Fenimore Cooper (1813-1894), one of America’s earliest naturalists.

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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.
CC BY-SA 4.0

Celebrating Black History in Conservation

This month, CILTI joins the nation in observing Black History Month, which shines a light on Black achievement while recognizing the ongoing struggle that Black people have faced throughout American history.

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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.
Nature preserve boundary sign at Betley Woods

The Nature of a Preserve

What makes a nature preserve? And if a nature preserve is not state-dedicated, is it really a nature preserve? It sure is!

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Grace van Kan

White River Steward

Grace grew up roaming the woods, creeks and wetlands around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. From an early trout-raising project to a “gap year” spent restoring coral reefs in Thailand, her interest in aquatic conservation has only grown. Now she cares for several riverine nature preserves as CILTI’s White River Steward.
Red-shouldered hawk

Expanding Protected Lands in Parke County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 26, 2023

Parke County conservation easement lays groundwork for more rare birds to call western Indiana home

Entrepreneur and nature lover Joe McCurdy and his daughter Cheyenne McCurdy have placed 200 acres north of Turkey Run State Park under protection through a conservation easement with the Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI). Conservation of this mixed forest and farmland acreage brings the total amount of land protected there to nearly 1,000 acres.

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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.
Betley Woods at Glacier's End

Gov. Holcomb Proposes Large Land Protection Investment

Gov. Eric Holcomb gave his 2023 State of the State address this week. In his remarks, he proposed $25 million for land protection, a significant investment. If enacted, this investment will spark the conservation of thousands of acres. The governor specifically named Central Indiana Land Trust as a partner in this work.
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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.
Visitors to Oliver's Woods enjoying a guided hike

Share your Love of Nature as a White River Docent

Have you ever attended one of CILTI’s guided hikes and thought that you might enjoy leading a hike yourself? Have you been inspired by a guided hike or program that you’ve participated in? We are seeking 10 outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to help engage visitors and share information about Central Indiana’s natural areas. Sound fun? Consider applying for our White River Docent program at Oliver’s Woods. Continue reading

Grace van Kan

White River Steward

Grace grew up roaming the woods, creeks and wetlands around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. From an early trout-raising project to a “gap year” spent restoring coral reefs in Thailand, her interest in aquatic conservation has only grown. Now she cares for several riverine nature preserves as CILTI’s White River Steward.
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.
Boardwalk at Burnett Woods

ARPA Funds Support Burnett Woods Improvements

We recently received a $12,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program to be used for nature preserve improvements. We plan to use the funds for Burnett Woods, an 80-acre wooded nature preserve in Avon. This state-dedicated nature preserve is well-loved for its seasonal wildflowers and fall colors, with one of our most highly visited trails.

The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) partnered with the Hendricks County Commissioners and Council to develop a grant program to distribute up to $6.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to nonprofits working in Hendricks County.

ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill enacted to speed up the country’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession. The funding Hendricks County received is part of the $350 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments bridge budget shortfalls and mitigate the fiscal shock of the pandemic.

William A. Rhodehamel, President & CEO of Hendricks County Community Foundation, notes that COVID-19’s impacts go far beyond the immediate concerns of infection rates and job loss. “With the pandemic, we see more and more community members getting out in nature to support their mental and physical health. Increasing the accessibility and awareness of this preserve will have a positive public health impact. HCCF has long supported CILTI and Burnett Woods. The preserve is a lovely place to visit and a wonderful resource for our whole community, and we are happy to support this project, which will bring even more visitors to the preserve.”

Look for improved signage and infrastructure such as additional boardwalks, bike racks, and a kiosk in 2023, thanks to this grant award.

This funding recognized the role our organization played in serving the needs of our community during the COVID outbreak. We are grateful for the efforts of the Hendricks County Commissioners, Council, and Community Foundation to make this funding possible.

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.
Big Walnut Creek

One Year at Big Walnut, a National Natural Landmark

In this 60th anniversary year of the National Natural Landmarks program, we asked our staff to share their favorite NNLs for the winter newsmagazine. Our Development Systems Manager, David, offered this reflection after one year as preserve monitor at Big Walnut. 

I have enjoyed getting to know Big Walnut natural area over the course of a year by volunteering with The Nature Conservancy as a preserve monitor. Through my monthly visits, I get to see this property throughout the seasons—a privilege that reveals things I wouldn’t learn in just one visit.

Big Walnut is a 2,458-acre natural area which encompasses two preserves and several trails. Co-managed by The Nature Conservancy and Indiana DNR, Big Walnut was registered as a Natural National Landmark in 1968.

Here are some of my favorite observations from one year at Big Walnut:

Winter: I took my first hike on the Tall Timbers Trail in December 2021 with TNC’s volunteer coordinator, Esmé. She walked me through the volunteer role and encouraged me to take pictures and report back.

In January I took a hike on the Hall Woods nature trail and encountered deep green ferns coming through the light dusting of snow. The banks of Big Walnut Creek had a thin layer of ice.

In February I returned to the Tall Timbers trail, this time with more snow on the ground. I spooked several deer as started down the trail and I watched them take off through the deep ravines. Wildlife tracks were everywhere in the snow! A better naturalist than myself would have been able to identify which forest creatures had come through, but it was amazing to me to see just how many creatures call this place home. As I continued down the trail, I came to a low creek bottom area, through which several tiny creeks flow as they make their way to Big Walnut Creek. Seeing these tiny creeks flow under the ice and snow was a treat.

Spring: In March I returned to the Tall Timbers Trail where a trail re-route had just been completed, adding a more scenic start to the trail. The air still had a chill and the trees were still bare, but new green shoots were beginning to emerge through the forest floor. Down the creek bottom area of the trail, Virginia bluebells and wild leeks were sneaking up through the leaves.

In April I made my way back to help with a garlic mustard pull on the Tall Timbers Trail. Thankfully we found only a little garlic mustard thanks to the diligent work of TNC stewardship staff and previous volunteers. What we did find were many different wonderful wildflowers blooming: trout lilies, squirrel corn, trillium and many others. After this volunteer day I walked a newer trail that weaves in and out of an area where TNC has planted many trees. It was encouraging to see this new forest taking shape.

In late May I returned to Hall Woods. So much had changed during the month of May. The trees were full, new flowers bloomed, and turkeys strutted around the cornfield neighboring the preserve. My favorite observation was the many beautiful tulip poplar blooms littering the forest floor.

Summer: I returned in late June after having taken a short vacation out west. While the natural areas out west were spectacular, I was happy to return home and visit Big Walnut, where the greens of the forest were deep and vibrant, and life was everywhere. I encountered a few raccoons heading back to their little hole in a downed tree as I hit the trail. The path was damp from recent rain, and the fungi were out in force, including a beautiful orange chicken of the woods mushroom (which even though many enjoy eating was left in place for others to see, because it’s a nature preserve!).

In July, I continued appreciating the forest full of life. I returned to one of the newer trails that passed through some open areas where there were many coneflowers and quite a few milkweed plants.

In August, I spotted a few pollinators visiting the many flowers and enjoyed watching the low flow of the creek trickle over the rocks.

Fall: In September when I visited the Tall Timbers trail, the air had started to cool and the creek ran very low. The leaves were still very green and a few of the summer flowers were still in bloom. I found several bumblebees.

By October, the Tall Timbers trail had changed again, with leaves transformed into all shades of orange, red, and earthy browns. Leaves floated on top of the small streams, at times making it challenging to find solid ground. I again saw several deer, which I hadn’t seen since winter.

In November, as I walked the trail, the forest had returned to a very similar state as it had been a year ago. I reflected on the year that had passed at Big Walnut. What a gift to experience all four seasons in such a special place.

I hope you find time to experience the wonderful treasures available in Indiana’s many nature preserves and National Natural Landmarks—not just in spring or summer, but throughout the year. Each season offers new and wonderful things in these amazing landscapes.

David Barickman

Development Systems Manager

Born and raised in Central Illinois, David spent many days as a child wandering around the river, forest and lakes there. He works behind the scenes as a key member of our fundraising team. When not working, David loves to be outdoors hiking, fly fishing, kayaking or woodworking.