Hoosier Environmental Council seeks to save forests, protect free-flowing rivers and promote a deeper connection to nature in Indiana.
From the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana to the Indiana Dunes National Park, our state is blessed with diverse ecosystems. But our wild spaces are scarce. And fragmented. Expanding our wilderness areas and greenways protects vital open space and wildlife habitats and connects those fragmented pieces of the Hoosier landscape.
HEC supports local and statewide efforts to improve our greenway system, along with our leadership of the campaign to establish the Mounds Greenway.
Go To The Mounds Greenway
Wilderness & Greenways
Our Position
To protect our splendid natural heritage, improve our health and quality of life, and provide economic opportunity, HEC believes that Hoosiers need and deserve more public parks, forestlands, fishing and hunting areas, nature preserves that protect our most unique ecosystems, along with an expanded network of greenways, trails and other outdoor recreation areas.
A Victory for Wetlands
Lake County residents were able to save the the former Tom Sporre Wildlife area from a proposed residential development. The almost 80-acre restored wetland, a home for waterfowl, was sold at a sheriff’s auction through a series of unfortunate circumstances. The new owner wanted to develop this pristine wetland for residential purposes but concerned citizens mobilized in opposition. With the support of HEC, these residents convinced the Lake County Planning Commission to maintain the area’s current zoning, saving the wetland. This is a victory for wetlands rehabilitation and for all the residents in Lake County who enjoy the wildlife that the area offers.
Wilderness Funding
The State of Indiana should dramatically increase its investment in protecting new outdoor lands, principally through the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust. To this end HEC works closely with the Indiana Conservation Alliance to make dedicated public land acquisition and greenway funding a permanent component of the State’s annual budget.
Greenways Connect
Greenways in Indiana connect neighborhoods to neighborhoods and towns to other towns. They also connect people to nature and each other. They can preserve important wildlife corridors and connect important species of flora and fauna to the resources they need to survive. Greenways animate their surroundings by encouraging healthy social activity and supporting small business. And finally, greenways connect us to our spirit, encouraging Hoosiers to engage and care for themselves and the beautiful natural environment we’ve inherited.
Mounds Greenway
The Mounds Greenway is HEC’s plan to conserve the free-flowing West Fork White River and its floodplain forests, wetlands and other natural communities by creating a high quality linear park following the river.
