Why we exist:
Indiana’s natural resources are at a critical juncture in our history.
- 80% of our forests have been lost
- 85% of our wetlands are gone
- 390 indigenous plant species are listed as rare, threatened or endangered
- 31 animals are extinct and 140 are rare, threatened or endangered
- Children are growing more alienated from nature
- Environmental education outside of the classroom is decreasing at an alarming rate
Since 1990, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation has worked to protect our rare and endangered species, grow our protected public lands, teach our children about our natural resources and restore and preserve Indiana’s natural heritage.
What We’re Doing / Our Goals:
- Help increase Indiana’s protected land by an additional 45,000 acres by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ 100th anniversary in 2016. Growth by the purchase of land from willing sellers will increase habitats for our endangered rare and threatened species and provide opportunities for the restoration of our lost forests, wetlands and prairies.
- Work with IDNR to create a trail within 15 minutes of every Hoosier’s front door by 2016. Trails foster a connection to the outdoors while providing the opportunity for relaxation, recreation and exercise.
- Provide an educational outdoor experience on a state owned property for every Hoosier child. Studies have shown that nature is important to a child’s development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. Also it is well noted that school achievement is enhanced when curricula are environment based.
Some of our Successes
- 8,000 acre Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area was acquired in May 2005 and is currently being restored to natural Indiana wetlands.
- The Judy Burton Nature Preserve, 129.7 acres on the southwest side of Lake Manitou, contains a complex of wetlands, upland “islands” of oak and hickory, lake frontage and agricultural fields. This area serves as important nesting habitat for a number of rare birds and is home to a variety of rare species and plants.
- The Natural Heritage of Indiana is a documentary based on the Marion Jackson book by the same title and sponsored by the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation
- C-52- Indiana’s resident bald eagle is a living interpretive tool cared for through the Foundation, which allows DNR staff to tell our bald eagle restoration success story to more than 50,000 people annually.