Fund Purpose
Preserves important natural land areas and family farms through support of land protection projects, land stewardship activities and environmental education programming in Harrison County.

Fund Story
The Sycamore Land Trust Conservation and Environmental Education Fund was established in 2009, and it preserves important natural land areas and family farms through support of land protection projects, land stewardship activities and environmental education programming in Harrison County. Samuel P. Hays, who was one of the fund advisors, shared information about the Sycamore Land Trust, as well as how the organization and the fund are impacting the county.

The Sycamore Land Trust in a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 to protect and restore the beautiful natural heritage of southern Indiana, as well as to provide environmental education programs that connect people of all ages to nature. I too have an interest in protecting lands and providing opportunities for individuals to enjoy the outdoors, and I looked to partner with the Sycamore Land Trust to extend their well-established work in land preservation and environmental education into Harrison County.

Originally, the Sycamore Land Trust worked in and around Bloomington, creating partnerships with schools by providing environmental education programs. In the early 2000s, it expanded its programs to reach all of southern Indiana. This expansion, along with the Harrison County Community Foundation offering to match donations, was an opportunity I saw as a way to provide viable funds to support environmental education in Harrison County.

By combining the experience of the Sycamore Land Trust with the Corydon setting, the expertise of Harrison County agencies such as the Harrison County Agricultural Society and the Harrison County Parks Department, and the contributions of the Harrison County Community Foundation and other county resources, this fund provides an opportunity for developing a variety of programs and resources for people to enjoy nature.

Therefore, with this fund, I hope to entice teachers and citizen groups of Harrison County to partner with the Sycamore Land Trust in creating permanent environmental education opportunities for the citizens of Harrison County. I am hoping the land in the Hayswood Nature Reserve will provide a place for such field work.

For more information about the Sycamore Land Trust, visit sycamorelandtrust.org.

Fund Impact:
2011: Expenses incurred in monitoring conservation easement in Harrison County.
2013: Paid for various stewardship costs for the "Pfrimmerhof" property in Harrison County.
2014: Provided a landowner workshop and support a WOCC radio campaign; paid for printing and bulk mailing for a workshop in Harrison County.
2017: Supported environmental education partnership with Heth-Washington Elementary School.
2020: To support real estate title examination and title policy for 92 acres in Harrison County donated by the Sam Hays family.

Note: Photos courtesy of Sycamore Land Trust.