Expanding and Protecting Northeast Indiana’s Natural Resources

More than $1.6 million raised, 821 acres of public land acquired, and more than 500 acres of habitat created. Since 2012, our dedicated partners with Northeast Indiana Conservation Partnership & Preservation (Northeast IN Partnership) have joined us in increasing public land and improving habitat with the DNR.

Earlier this year, dozens of conservationists gathered in the home of Tom Kelley, Northeast IN Partnership co-chair, for the biennial Northeast Indiana Conservation Partnership & Preservation Fundraiser. When the night of celebration ended, gifts and pledges totaled more than $200,000, meaning continued impact for northeast Indiana’s public lands and wildlife.

Dale Budzon, Northeast IN Partnership co-chair, discusses recent projects.

“We’re grateful to have such dedicated donors and friends in northeast Indiana,” said Dale Budzon, Northeast IN Partnership co-chair. “Their generous support means more public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities for all Hoosiers to enjoy.”

As guests mingled and enjoyed good food and good company, many projects were at the forefront of conversations. The acquisition of the Buchanan Unit at Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area was one prominently discussed project.

The Buchanan Unit, encompassing 158 acres of upland prairie and wetland, was formally added to Mallard Roost in fall of 2023. The support of the NE IN Partnership group, alongside other dedicated partners, made the INRF’s acquisition of the property possible. The purchase expanded the Division of Fish & Wildlife property to 918 acres and permanently protects outdoor recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat.

Throughout Northeast IN Partnership’s 12-year history, the group has worked closely with the INRF and DNR to support land acquisition efforts like the Buchanan Unit while also focusing on projects that create new recreation opportunities.

Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb and Tom Kelley, Northeast IN Partnership co-chair, address the attendees.

Kuhn Lake, in Kosciusko County, is a prime example of a seemingly smaller scale project that makes a major impact for outdoor recreationists. Using funds raised at previous Northeast IN Partnership fundraisers, a public access site was added to the lake in 2020, solving access challenges local boaters and anglers faced.

At properties such as Crooked Lake Nature Preserve and Cedar Swamp Wetland Conservation Area, land acquisitions and enhancement projects have protected and created habitat for declining and endangered wildlife species. The cisco, Indiana’s only native salmon species outside of Lake Michigan, is found at Crooked Lake. At Cedar Swamp, 59 acres of restored prairie provides more habitat for upland bird species such as the ring-necked pheasant.

Each of these projects, along with many others, was made possible by the continued support of the group, partners, and individual donors. As we look forward to the next Northeast IN Partnership fundraiser in 2026, we’re also eager to see more projects and acquisitions come to fruition during the next two years.

You can join us in supporting these important conservation, land acquisition, and outdoor recreation projects by donating today. Your gifts will celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy in perpetuity.