Celebrating and Preserving Northeast Indiana’s Outdoors

Every two years, dozens of passionate outdoor enthusiasts gather in Fort Wayne for a night of fundraising and celebration of Northeast Indiana’s outdoors. The Northeast Indiana Conservation Partnership & Preservation (Northeast IN Partnership) continues to demonstrate what’s possible when a community rallies behind a shared vision of expanding public lands and preserving our natural resources. More than $215,000 were raised at this year’s biennial fundraiser, fueling the next chapter of land acquisition and conservation projects across the region.

This milestone year adds to the group’s legacy. Since 2012, the group headed by Tom Kelley, Dale Budzon, and Phil Marquell has raised more than $1.8 million and helped permanently protect 882 acres of public land. In addition, more than 500 acres of habitat have been created or restored, and multiple new public access sites have expanded access to the region’s special outdoors spaces.

“Having grown up in Indiana, I was very fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy many of Indiana’s great natural resources,” Kelley said. “Our aim is to preserve as many of these fantastic experiences as possible for future generations to enjoy and explore, making Indiana a great place to call home.”

Governor Mike Braun and Tom Kelley addressing the attendees.

Two recent land acquisitions highlight this growing impact. Thirty-one acres of unique habitat composed of marsh, fen, sedge meadow, and upland oak woods were added to Elkhart Bog Nature Preserve last year. The expansion of this diverse habitat supports a variety of sensitive species such as the state-endangered Eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the spotted turtle.

Farther east, 30 acres were added to Trine State Recreation Area, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting the existing public lands from adjacent development. The property, managed as part of nearby Pokagon State Park, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

An aerial view of Elkhart Bog Nature Preserve in the fall of 2020. Photo by Frank Oliver/Indiana DNR

“Growing public lands and increasing outdoor recreation opportunities in northeast Indiana is enhanced because of the generosity and partnerships created through this unique event,” said Jody Kress, INRF executive director. “We are grateful for the community leaving a lasting legacy in this corner of the state.”

From expanding Mallard Roost Wetland Conservation Area with the 158-acre addition of the Buchanan Unit to small but meaningful acquisitions like creating a public access site at Kuhn Lake, each land acquisition project showcases the benefits of collaboration and long-term stewardship.

The Buchanan Unit at Mallard Roost WCA in summer of 2023.

As the northeast Indiana partnership looks ahead, the mission remains clear: promote the conservation of public land for wildlife, recreation, beauty, and sport. We’re grateful for the growing partnerships that celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy. You can join us in supporting these important initiatives by donating today.