Larry Clemens, a longstanding leader in Indiana conservation, has announced his retirement from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) after 33 years of service. Clemens, who began his career as the Fish Creek Project Manager in Northeast Indiana, reflected on his journey in a heartfelt goodbye email.
“Thirty-three years ago, I started working for The Nature Conservancy as the Fish Creek Project Manager,” Clemens wrote. “Instructions from my boss were sparse — figure out a way to work with farmers to revive this important tributary to the St. Joseph River.”
Armed with minimal resources, Clemens adopted a grassroots approach, building relationships with farmers to implement sustainable practices like conservation tillage, cover crops and wetland restoration. These efforts not only bolstered farm sustainability but also improved water quality in Fish Creek.
Over the years, Clemens expanded his impact, spearheading TNC’s North America agriculture program. Collaborating with major food companies and agricultural leaders, he championed practices that benefited the environment while supporting the broader farming community.
Six years ago, Clemens returned to Indiana to serve as the state chapter’s fifth director, a role he describes as his favorite. Reflecting on his career, he expressed pride in the relationships he built and the collective achievements of conservation efforts.
“Honestly, I am proudest of the journey and the people I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way,” he said.
Clemens highlighted several career milestones, including the success of the Fish Creek project and his role in creating the Healthy Rivers Initiative. He encouraged friends and colleagues to visit Douglas Woods, a 1,370-acre preserve born from his early work at TNC.
“This preserve, nestled along Fish Creek, is a haven for migratory songbirds, as well as unique wildlife such as Blanding’s turtle and the blue-spotted salamander,” Clemens wrote.
Clemens’ last day at TNC will be Oct. 3. He plans to spend the summer mentoring his successor and preparing for TNC’s ambitious 2030 goals. Though stepping away, he expressed hope for future encounters.
“I truly hope our paths cross again … maybe on one of Indiana’s beautiful trails!” he wrote.
Clemens’ leadership and vision have profoundly shaped conservation in Indiana and beyond. His legacy includes not only preserved lands and improved ecosystems but also the trust and collaboration he built among farmers, communities and conservationists.
For more about Larry Clemens’ work and The Nature Conservancy’s initiatives, visit nature.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.
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