Larimer Fen photo by John Brittenham 1
Larimer Fen photo by John Brittenham
Habitat protected for one of North America’s rarest butterflies, other endangered species
Written By: Jen Schmits Thomas
Date Published: December 18, 2024
Jen Schmits Thomas
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.
The Central Indiana Land Trust, Inc. (CILTI), a private nonprofit conservation group, worked with partners to purchase the land known as Larimer Fen from private owners with the intention of selling it to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in the future when funding comes available. Due to its sensitive nature, it will not be open to the public.
Mitchell’s satyr, by Nate and Erin Fuller, via Wikimedia Commons
The survival of Mitchell’s satyr, a federally endangered butterfly, requires the unique conditions of high-quality wetlands like Larimer Fen. Nationally, the loss of similar habitats is putting Mitchell’s satyr at risk of extinction. Only a handful of sites remain that are hospitable to the species, and Larimer Fen is the only one in Indiana.
But the butterfly isn’t the only imperiled species making its home in the damp and peaty environment of Larimer Fen. Blanding’s turtles, sphagnum sprite damselflies, elfin skimmers (North America’s smallest dragonfly), and death camas, a state-threatened plant, also rely on the habitat for survival.
About the site, noted conservationist and best-selling author Kenn Kaufman said, “The Mitchell’s satyr is an unbelievably rare butterfly, worth protecting in its own right, and it’s also an indicator of unique, high-quality habitat. This fen is also home to rare wildflowers, rare dragonflies, and other special creatures. I am so pleased this natural gem is preserved forever.” A native Hoosier, Kaufman is co-author of a popular butterfly field guide, among other books. He now lives in Ohio, where there is one site remaining for the Mitchell’s satyr.
CILTI president Cliff Chapman expressed gratitude for the organization’s generous donors and forward-thinking board that enabled swift action on the purchase. “Thanks to our support base, we can move fast when speed is of the essence,” said Chapman. “We’re interested in more partnerships with individuals, groups, and state government when it means protecting the natural places that make Indiana special.”
A unique resource for a private nonprofit organization, CILTI’s Evergreen Fund for Nature made the rapid transaction possible. Donors contribute to the fund so the land trust has access to ready capital, which allows it to move quickly when desirable land is for sale. This project’s critical endangered species habitat also brought support from donors as far away as California. In cases like Larimer Fen, CILTI can hold onto a property until the state can free up funds to purchase it for long-term protection.
“Even though the site will never be open to the public, I believe saving part of our natural heritage increases overall quality of life in Indiana. It’s wonderful to know that places like this still exist in 2024, and we were fortunate to put a deal together fast enough to buy the land, ensuring that the state wouldn’t end up with development that would wipe out the endangered species,” Chapman said.
(Find out more from this Dec. 31, 2024 Indianapolis Star piece.)
Ben Valentine
Guest Blogger
Ben Valentine is a founding member of the Friends of Marott Woods Nature Preserve and is active in several other conservation organizations. He leads a series of NUVO interviews with Indiana's environmental leaders, and he cherishes showing his son all the wonders of nature he grew up loving.
DJ Connors
Guest Blogger
DJ Connors, a Central Indiana native and late-to-life hunter, combines a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors with a deep passion for exploring the natural beauty of the area he has called home for most of his life. As a husband and father of three, he is committed to ensuring his children have the same opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate the outdoors in their community. DJ’s unique journey into hunting emphasizes sustainability, responsible stewardship, and the importance of preserving these experiences for future generations.
Bridget Walls
Guest Blogger
Bridget is our first ever Communications and Outreach Intern. She is a graduate of Marian University, where she combined English, studio art, and environmental sciences in her degree studies. As treasurer for Just Earth, the university's environmental club, she helped plan events encouraging a responsible relationship between people, nature, and animals.
Jordan England
Guest Blogger
Jordan England is a lifelong Shelby County resident who graduated from Waldron Jr. Sr. High School (just a few miles from Meltzer Woods!). After earning her B.S. degree in Retail Management from Purdue University, she returned to Waldron to start a family with her husband, Brian. Together they have 3 young children and enjoy sharing with them their love of the community. Jordan is the Grants and Nonprofit Relations Director at Blue River Community Foundation, managing BRCF’s grant program, providing support to local nonprofits, and promoting catalytic philanthropy in Shelby County.
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.
Stacy Cachules
Chief Operating Officer
Among her many key duties as Assistant Director, Stacy has the critical task of tracking our budget, making sure we channel donations for maximum efficiency. When her workday’s done, Stacy loves to spend time with her two young boys—and when not traveling, she’s likely planning the next travel adventure.
Ryan Fuhrmann
Vice Chair
Ryan C. Fuhrmann, CFA, is President and founder of Fuhrmann Capital LLC, an Indiana-based investment management firm focused on portfolio management. Ryan’s interest in land conservation centers around a desire to help preserve natural habitats for wildlife and the subsequent benefits it brings to people and the environment.
Joanna Nixon
Board Member
Joanna Nixon is the owner of Nixon Consulting, an Indianapolis-based strategy and project management firm focused on the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the Philanthropic Advisor for the Efroymson Family Fund. Prior to opening her consulting practice in 2000, Joanna was vice-president for grantmaking at Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Joanna has more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and arts and culture sector. She is passionate about the environment and loves bringing big ideas to life and creating high-quality arts and culture programs and experiences. Joanna enjoys outdoor adventures, including competing in fitness obstacle course races and hiking with her high energy Australian Cattle Dog, Jackson.
Karen Wade
Board Member
Before retiring, CILTI board member Karen Wade worked for Eli Lilly & Co. In retirement she volunteers for a number of organizations, including the Indiana Master Naturalist program, Johnson County Native Plant Partnership CISMA, Meadowstone Therapeutic Riding Center, and Leadership Johnson County.
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.
Jamison Hutchins
Stewardship Director
Jamison leads our stewardship team in caring for the land that is so important to you. He comes to our team after eight years as Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the city of Indianapolis, where his work had a positive impact from both health and environmental perspectives.
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. She is accredited in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America, and loves to camp and hike in perfect weather conditions.
Shawndra Miller
Communications Director
Shawndra’s earliest writing projects centered around the natural world, starting when a bird inspired her to write her first “book” in elementary school. Now she 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.
Phillip Weldy
Stewardship Specialist
Phillip enjoys nature’s wonders from an up-close-and-personal perspective as he works to restore the natural places you love. As an AmeriCorps member in Asheville, NC, he had his first full immersion in relatively undisturbed land while reconstructing wilderness trails in National Parks and National Forests.
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