Today’s general absence of structured environmental education has created an ecologically uninformed society that lacks the understanding and skills needed to be effective environmental stewards. We’re working to change that.

Our Mission: IN Nature is an ever-expanding educational initiative dedicated to celebrating and protecting Indiana’s natural heritage.

What we do

Educate

Thanks to movies, television, generically written textbooks, and a shortage of regionally-focused ecological education, Hoosiers often have a greater understanding and appreciation of exotic plants and animals than those indigenous to Indiana. Through our online presence, speaking engagements, guided hikes, and participation in the Indiana Master Naturalist program, we aim to inspire Hoosiers to take a greater interest and appreciation in their local community’s biodiversity and ecological well-being.

Advocate

Indiana’s environmental track record is nothing to brag about. A recent U.S. News and World Report study ranked Indiana dead last out of 50 states in pollution and overall “natural environment.” Meanwhile, the Indiana state legislature continues to chip away at environmental safeguards by reducing protections for wetlands and prohibiting the regulation of single-use plastic bags. Non-beholden to special interests, we objectively advocate for responsible stewardship of Indiana’s natural resources and encourage and help others to do the same.

Collaborate

Collaboration is a critical element of IN Nature, and the platform›s success depends heavily on community participation. Through innovative ventures like the GAIN projects, we strive to inspire and involve people in new and unique ways, and by partnering with other environmental-focused entities, we extend our outreach to broader audiences.