Larimer Fen photo by John Brittenham

Habitat protected for one of North America’s rarest butterflies, other endangered species

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana’s only site for Mitchell’s satyr, a species on the brink of extinction, safe from development

The purchase of a 13-acre property containing a high-quality wetland in northern Indiana will help to protect one of the rarest species in the U.S. 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.
Weft fern at Fern Station

Rare plant discovered at Fern Station in Putnam County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Weft fern confirms uniqueness of the nature preserve

A team of natural scientists recently discovered a rare plant at Fern Station, the new nature preserve that the Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI) purchased last year. Weft fern is a state-endangered species that grows on rocks, caves, and sheltered crevices. The scientists found the specimen during a plant inventory of the 570-acre forest west of Greencastle in Putnam County. 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.
Rough blazing star

Land Trust buys 14 acres to expand Baseline Barrens Nature Preserve in Washington County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acquisition will add to DNR property, help to preserve globally rare habitat

The Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) has closed on the purchase of a 14-acre parcel adjacent to Baseline Barrens Nature Preserve near Fredericksburg in Washington County.

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.
Sandstone arch in the Lowe Tract, Hoosier National Forest

CILTI buys inholding of Hoosier National Forest to return to forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Purchase prevents housing development from going into middle of national forest

The Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) has closed on the purchase of 80 acres in Orange County that will eventually be added to the Hoosier National Forest. The property, known as the Lowe tract, was purchased at auction last month from private owners for $541,000. 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.
Founders Fen

CILTI takes ownership of Hancock County site including unique fen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seeks to buy adjacent land to fully protect feature rich in biodiversity and environmental impact

The Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) has received ownership of a 9.8-acre Hancock County site from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), allowing it to protect forever a biodiverse and environmentally significant feature known as a fen. 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.
Looking north across Snake Creek with Fern Station in the distance

CILTI expands Putnam County protected lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fern Cliff Addition adds to protected lands connected to Coca-Cola’s patented green glass

The Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI) has added to protected lands in Putnam County with the purchase of 27-acre Fern Cliff Addition.

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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.
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.

Gov. Holcomb announces land purchase for new nature preserve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thanks to a public-private partnership, a 570-acre undisturbed piece of Indiana forestland west of Greencastle in Putnam County will be protected forever to support important wildlife and plants and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. 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.
Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve photo by Kyle Doles

Let’s honor those who have protected Indiana’s natural places

Our president & CEO, Cliff Chapman, submitted this opinion piece to local media. It ran in several outlets in late May.

Among the many ways that Len Betley, who passed away late last year, made a difference in Indiana was through his drive to conserve our natural areas. In addition to directly participating in the purchase and protection of some of Indiana’s most stunning landscapes, he led initiatives that support ongoing conservation projects and strengthened preservation organizations. Continue reading

Cliff Chapman

President and CEO

As President and CEO, Cliff keeps our 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.
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.

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.