The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation mission is to promote, support, assist, sustain and encourage the charitable, educational and scientific programs, projects and policies of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Our current projects reflect the breadth of programs and projects which impact the lives of all Indiana’s residents.
- Hoosier Outdoor Experience
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be host the inaugural Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 25-27, 2009 at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The Experience will be three days of fun-filled, hands-on education and exposure to the great outdoors. Sept. 25, the opening day of the event, is exclusively for third-grade students. The 26th and 27th are free and open and free to the public. Learn from the pro’s how to shoot, fish, paddle, hike and more! www.hoosieroutdoorexpo.in.gov. For sponsorship information contact Bourke Patton at (317) 234-5447 or email bpatton@dnr.in.gov.
- C-52
C-52 is Indiana Department of Natural Resources resident bald eagle. In 1989 C-52 arrived at Patoka Reservoir. A genetic wing abnormality prevented his release as a part of the Indiana’s successful bald eagle restoration program. Since then he’s been a living interpretive tool used to teach children and adults about Indiana’s native raptors. The C-52 fund provides for the long-term care of C-52 and other permanently injured birds of prey used in interpretative programming at Patoka Lake.
- Forest Restoration
The greatest risks to Indiana’s forest resources are not the rather stable levels of removals across Indiana, but rather the conversion of forests into non-forest conditions (e.g., urban sprawl), advanced stages of stand development, and invasive species/ pests (e.g., emerald ash borer). The Forest Restoration Fund is dedicated to growing and conserving Indiana’s forestry resources through forest land-owner services and land acquisition. This fund is entirely dependent on the support of private donations for its growth.
- Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation Fund supports the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archeology in their efforts to conserve Indiana’s cultural resources through public education, financial incentives including several grant and tax credit programs, and the administration of state and federally mandated legislation.
- Colonel William Jones Endowment
Located at Lincoln State Park, the Colonel William Jones Home is the historic home of the merchant employer of young Abraham Lincoln. Through guided tours, themed talks and exhibits this State Historic Site offers a unique look at 1830’s Indiana. The Col. Jones Endowment was established through the generosity of William and Gayle Cook to support the operation of the Col. Jones home as a State Historic Site.
- Indiana Master Naturalists Program
The Indiana Master Naturalist program provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about Indiana’s natural resources and teaches how to share that knowledge, along with life experiences, through volunteer service. The purpose of the program is to introduce Hoosier natural resources through the guidance of professionals and experts in the field. The program also provides an opportunity for participants to establish a relationship with a natural resources agency or a local organization involved in natural resource management through volunteering. http://www.in.gov/dnr/masternaturalist/index.html
- The Third Annual Mighty Mississinewa Triathlon, September 2009
Swim 500 yards, Bike 16.6 miles, Run 4 miles. Proceeds from the event are used to purchase ground around Mississinewa reservoir when willing sellers become available. http://www.in.gov/dnr/uwis/triathlon/
Support all of these projects by joining the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation today! Or restrict your gift by donating online and writing the project name on the memorial line.
Check out our recent successes for more information on how the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation is working the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to protect our natural resources.