Focus on the Land: Uniting Indiana’s Land Conservation Community
On February 4, ILPA hosted its second Annual Land Trust Conference and third Annual Reception with the DNR in Indianapolis at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. Throughout this eventful day, we united our incredible members, partners, and supporters to celebrate our shared love and commitment to Indiana’s lands.
A Day of Learning and Connection
Through our year-round programming, we’ve witnessed the immense value of bringing together land conservation peers to learn, exchange ideas, and collaborate. After the success of our first Land Trust Conference in 2024, we knew a second had to follow.
Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, speakers, and supporters, our second Annual Land Trust Conference was a resounding success—doubling attendance from last year! We kicked off the day with ILPA updates, including a briefing on our new strategic plan. Two early ILPA champions, Cliff Chapman, President & CEO of the Central Indiana Land Trust, and Joe Tutterrow, Chair of the ILPA Advisory Council, reflected on ILPA’s history and the passionate people who shaped its founding.
The conference featured six insightful sessions led by ten field experts:
- Kris Reynolds, American Farmland Trust
- Cindy Suseland, Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Pat Larr, George Rogers Clark Land Trust
- Kris Krouse, Shirley Heinze Land Trust
- Pam Blevins Hinkle, Spirit & Place
- Linnea Holt, IU Research
- Katie Michels, Conservation Finance Network
- Bob Neary, The Nature Conservancy
- Allen Pursell, Sam Shine Foundation
- MaryKay O’Donnell, Land Trust Alliance
These experts covered a range of topics from farmland conservation to designing events that create belonging, conservation finance, GIS, Forestry for the Birds, and land trust standards and practices. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore exhibits at the Indiana History Center and participate in a post-lunch policy update, where seven experts shared insights on programs and policies shaping the future of conservation:
- Jacob German, Barnes & Thornburg
- Kris Reynolds, American Farmland Trust
- Michael Spalding, Conservation Law Center
- Ray Chattin, SICIM and IASWCD
- Alyssa Cochran, Frost Brown Todd
- John Ketzenberger, The Nature Conservancy
- Mark Becker, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
It was inspiring to see so many staff, volunteers, board members, and partners come together— a testament of our growing community and collective impact.
An Evening of Hope and Celebration
Following the conference, ILPA partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to host our 3rd Annual Reception, an unforgettable evening that began with a Fireside Chat with Indiana Governor Mike Braun. Governor Braun shared his vision for land conservation in our state… and his personal passion for fungi!
DNR Director Alan Morrison delivered special remarks about his commitment to working with partners to protect Indiana’s natural resources. We also heard from conservation leaders Larry Clemens, State Director of The Nature Conservancy, Julie Borgmann, ILPA Board President and Executive Director of Red-tail Land Conservancy, and Dan Bortner, Director of State Parks. Bortner delivered a moving tribute to the late Carson Hughes, a gifted young nature photographer whose love for the land continues to inspire. Carson’s parents, Mandy and Jason Hughes, shared a heartfelt message of hope and purpose.
A highlight of the evening was recognizing photographers James Taylor, Michael Gard, Kate Huston, Bill Krider, Zac Cody, and Andrew Layer, who beautifully documented the work of Indiana land trusts, reminding us all to focus on the land.
Looking Ahead
This gathering is a demonstration of what we can accomplish together. From deep policy discussions to casual conversations over brownies, the ILPA Conference and Reception reinforced both the progress we’ve made and the critical work that lies ahead.
To everyone who contributed—our speakers, volunteers, partners, and attendees—thank you for being part of this growing movement. Let’s keep the momentum going! Join us in protecting Indiana’s lands by getting involved, supporting our mission, and championing our land conservation work. And, when it comes time to renewing your Indiana license plate, don’t forget to choose the BLUE eagle and sun license plate. Proceeds from this plate go towards protecting the lands, water, and wildlife we all love.
To receive updates about next year’s gathering and more opportunities in land conservation, sign up for our e-newsletter. We will send monthly (occasionally bi-monthly) emails to keep you connected.