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Let’s honor those who have protected Indiana’s natural places through conservation by Cliff Chapman, Indiana Capital Chronicle June 19, 2023

Inadequate Recognition for Land Conservation

Indiana, like many other states, has been blessed with stunning natural landscapes that are worth preserving for future generations. Over the years, numerous individuals have dedicated their lives to the protection and conservation of these areas, ensuring that they remain intact and accessible to all. One such individual was Len Betley, who passed away last year. Betley not only actively participated in the purchase and preservation of Indiana’s most beautiful landscapes but also played a crucial role in promoting ongoing conservation projects and strengthening preservation organizations.

The Impact of Len Betley’s Legislative Contribution

One of Betley’s notable achievements was being the primary draftsman of legislation that allowed for the funding of land protection through the sale of environmental license plates. This legislation has resulted in the permanent protection of nearly 62,000 acres of Indiana’s natural heritage. Moreover, it laid the foundation for the unprecedented $10 million allocated in the state budget for land conservation. Betley’s contributions have thus been instrumental in safeguarding Indiana’s natural areas.

The Importance of Honoring Conservationists

It would be a disservice to individuals like Len Betley if their immense contributions to land conservation were not acknowledged and honored in some way. Unfortunately, an important avenue for such recognition, the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame, seems to have been neglected. Established in 2009 by the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the Hall of Fame aimed to honor and commemorate outstanding conservationists. However, after inducting three classes of deserving individuals, the tradition abruptly ceased, leaving a significant gap in recognizing the achievements of Indiana’s conservation heroes.

Resurrecting the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame

To rectify this oversight, I propose that the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame be revived and continued. The previous inductees, including notable names such as Cook, Deam, Efroymson, Ford, Harrison, Lilly, Rolland, Scifres, and Stratton-Porter, have left indelible marks on the state’s land conservation efforts. Yet, many more deserving candidates are waiting to be recognized.

Noteworthy Land Conservationists in Indiana

Based on my professional focus on the protection of natural areas, I recommend several individuals who have made significant contributions:

1. Dr. Alton Lindsey

Dr. Lindsey recognized the destruction of beautiful places in Indiana and took action. His 1969 book, “Natural Areas of Indiana,” showcased the state’s remaining natural treasures, leading to the creation of many preserves that we cherish today.

2. Edna Banta

Banta put Jefferson County on the map as a biological hotspot during the turn of the last century. Her extensive surveys highlighted the county’s biodiversity and underscored the need for conservation efforts in the area.

3. Fred Meyer

As Indiana’s first chapter president of The Nature Conservancy in 1960, Meyer played a pivotal role in chairing the land protection committee and negotiating deals to safeguard the state’s initial nature preserves.

4. Shirley Heinze

Heinze dedicated her life to protecting the Indiana Dunes and inspiring others to do the same. Her passion led to the establishment of an endowment that continues to preserve the dunes and their surrounding areas.

5. John Bacone

Bacone, the director of the DNR Division of Nature Preserves for 40 years, was instrumental in protecting numerous natural areas in Indiana. His commitment was acknowledged even before his retirement when he received a lifetime achievement award from his peers in the Natural Areas Association.

6. Ellen Jacquart

Jacquart, as the founder and first president of the Central Indiana Land Trust, played a vital role in land conservation. Her efforts included creating a native seed nursery when she found a lack of resources for restoring areas in need.

7. Dr. Laura Hare

Dr. Hare’s family land in Fishers has been protected as Richey Woods Nature Preserve for decades. Additionally, she ensured the creation of a foundation after her passing to safeguard Central Indiana’s natural areas through land protection grants.

8. Len Betley

In addition to the aforementioned contributions, Betley’s legacy lives on through his leadership and efforts in improving the practices and sustainability of multiple nonprofit organizations involved in land conservation.

Promoting Future Appreciation and Conservation

It is crucial to establish a means to commemorate the outstanding contributions of individuals like those mentioned above. By reviving and maintaining the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame, we can honor their legacies and inspire future generations, including state legislators, to prioritize the conservation of Indiana’s natural places.

In addition to recognizing these conservation giants, we must also take practical steps to ensure the preservation of our natural areas. This includes allocating generous funding for land conservation in the state budget. By doing so, we can actively demonstrate our appreciation for the work done by these dedicated individuals and ensure that their efforts are not in vain.

Let us come together as colleagues in land conservation, elected officials, community members, and Hoosiers everywhere to revive and maintain the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame. Through this recognition, we can convey our gratitude and remind future generations of the remarkable individuals who shaped and protected Indiana’s incomparable natural landscapes.