The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has set a new standard for conservation in Indiana, raising more than $50 million through its Human:Nature campaign.
Surpassing the initial goal of $48 million, this marks the largest conservation fundraising initiative in the state’s history.
Over five years, the campaign has fueled efforts to protect and restore vital ecosystems, support renewable energy development and engage communities in conservation. A significant highlight includes protecting 10,000 acres of land, including 1,700 acres near the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. The campaign’s work has also improved visitor experiences at nature preserves and forged partnerships with farmers to enhance sustainable agricultural practices.
Key accomplishments of the Human:Nature campaign include:
- Planting 140,000 trees in TNC preserves, improving air and water quality, carbon sequestration and climate resilience for Hoosiers.
- Enhancing visitor experiences at several TNC nature preserves, most notably at Kankakee Sand in northwest Indiana, where TNC recently unveiled extensive visitor improvements — such as new bison viewing decks with spotting scopes, picnic areas, improved parking areas and interpretive signage — all to make the site a more welcoming, inspiring and educational destination for all visitors.
- Working with the agricultural community to set new cover crop records year after year in Indiana, benefiting both water quality and farmers’ bottom lines.
- Removing four outdated low-head dams in Southern Indiana, reconnecting nearly 1,800 miles of stream habitat for aquatic species and improving river safety for residents.
- Conducting 117 prescribed fires on a record 11,000 acres, utilizing a cost-effective tool to control invasive species and help native species thrive.
- Developed the “Mining the Sun” strategy, a plan that repurposes mine lands and brownfields for renewable energy projects.
- Working with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration and the state legislature to expand funding for Clean Water Indiana and the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust.
- Participating in 500 outreach events, hosted over 400 volunteer workdays, and engaging more than 9,000 attendees and 2,000 volunteers.
“This campaign demonstrates the power of community and conservation coming together,” said Larry Clemens, state director for TNC in Indiana. “With the support of Hoosiers, we’ve achieved milestones that will benefit both people and nature for generations to come.”
For more information about the Human:Nature campaign visit www.nature.org/indiana.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
