Meet Our Partners!
April 5, 2016Last week, we shared a few highlights from the 16-and-counting Next Indiana Campfires happening across the state in 2016. This week, we want to introduce you to the amazing organizations we’ve partnered…
Last week, we shared a few highlights from the 16-and-counting Next Indiana Campfires happening across the state in 2016. This week, we want to introduce you to the amazing organizations we’ve partnered with to offer this ambitious and fun statewide series:
- Cardinal Greenways: Indiana’s longest span of recreational trails runs 62 miles across East Central Indiana. We’re biking a few of those miles (from Muncie to the prairie) on August 14. Join us!
- Central Indiana Land Trust: Through land protection, stewardship and education, CILT preserves natural areas, improving air and water quality and enhancing life in our communities for present and future generations. We’re visiting CILT preserves not usually open to the public, Oliver’s Woods and Glaciers End Nature Preserve.
- DNK Presents: The wife-and-wife outfitters Danielle and Kate Nolan provide opportunities for people to “re-charge” themselves in nature by creating and facilitating guided adventure retreats for individuals, groups and businesses. We’re hitting the trail with them for an overnight camping trip in Morgan-Monroe State Forest on July 9-10.
- Dunes Learning Center: As partners of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Center inspires curiosity, scientific literacy and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning in the dunes. We’re joining the organization to tackle the Cowles Bog Trail on June 18 and walk the succession trail on Sept. 10.
- Eagle Creek Park & Eagle Creek Outfitters: With 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest, this Indy Parks outpost offers unmatched opportunities for recreation, enjoyment and discovery of nature. Eagle Creek Outfitters rents boats and bikes and offers adventure programs. We’re headed out for a sunset paddle on the Reservoir on July 29.
- Gene Stratton Porter State Historic Site: This state historic site, part of Indiana State Museum, preserves the author’s Cabin at Wildflower Woods. An optional free tour of the home is included before we set out for our hike through the restored Limberlost wetlands on October 8.
- Indiana Forest Alliance: This statewide network strives to preserve and restore Indiana’s ancient, resilient forests for a thriving ecosystem and for the enjoyment of all. We’re wrapping up Campfires with a walk through Morgan-Monroe State Forest on November 5.
- LaPorte County Soil & Water Conservation District: One of 92 SWCDs across the state, this county organization helps Indiana residents conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and related natural resources. We’re working together on the long canoe paddling adventure on October 8.
- Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center: Part of Goshen College, this nature sanctuary located near Wolf Lake is managed according to a Christian theology of earthkeeping. We’re headed there on July 23.
- Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab: Committed to education about the environment through interaction with the environment, this 55-acre property is part of the Marian University campus. We’re trekking there on October 21.
- Northwest Indiana Paddling Association: Formed in 2009, this non-profit is dedicated to developing the region’s paddling resources and opportunities, providing environmental stewardship of the region’s waterways, education and serves as a link between the region’s paddlers. We’re heading down Michigan City’s Trail Creek on October 8.
- Prophetstown State Park: Indiana’s newest state park is located where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash. In addition to preserving a 900-acre tall-grass prairie, Prophetstown also includes a 1920 farm and Native American village. We’re going for a sunset prairie hike on August 5.
- Red-tail Land Conservancy: Founded in 1999, Red-tail preserves, protects and restores natural areas and farm land in east central Indiana while increasing awareness of our natural heritage. We’re partnering for a June 7 walk through McVey Memorial Forest and again for our August 14 bike-and-trek outing.
- Syracuse-Wawasee Trail: Part of Syracuse-Wawasee Parks Foundation, the trails circle Syracuse Lake and connect to natural and recreation areas. We’re walking and talking on June 7.
- Trail Creek Watershed Partnership: This coalition of individuals and organizations in Northwest Indiana assesses water quality issues and develops meaningful implementation strategies to improve the quality of life within the watershed with regard to the environmental, recreational and aesthetic use of our Lake Michigan lakefront and Trail Creek. We’re paddling by long canoe down Trail Creek on October 8.
- Wesselman Nature Society: Based in Evansville, this organization provides environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences designed to awaken the sense and enrich the lives of area residents and visitors. We’re trekking through Indiana’s largest remaining stand of old growth forest on May 22 and paddling through the northernmost stand of bald cypress trees at Hovey Lake on Sept. 17.
We’re incredibly grateful for the creativity, enthusiasm and know-how of our partners. We’re excited that Next Indiana Campfires offers an opportunity for Hoosiers to learn more about their good work!
—————————————————-
Next Indiana Campfires is a unique way to connect nature, literature and Indiana’s Bicentennial. The program is supported by the Efroymson Family Fund, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and Pulitzer Prizes Centennial Campfires. Indiana Humanities is supported in part by Lilly Endowment Inc. and the National Endowment of the Humanities.
This post is part of the weekly blog series devoted to the initiative. Check back every Tuesday to learn more about Indiana’s great environmental literature, find out interesting facts about Hoosier stewardship, get all the latest program details and more.