Celebrating Stewardship in Indiana

Stewardship Week kicks off on Sunday, April 28. The theme this year is "Where Does Your Water Shed?" The purpose of having a week dedicated to learning about and celebrating stewardship gives us the opportunity to remember our own commitment to protecting our resources, as well as show off our accomplishments and announce our goals and expectations for the coming challenges.

In Indiana, our abundant natural resources are truly something to celebrate, as are the women and men who work tirelessly to protect and improve them. Farmers who value the sustainability of their operation and the long-term health of their land; scientists who are committed to determining the best practices for conservation, improving water quality, and soil health; community members dedicated to making sure their neighbors are aware of the value and benefits of conservation; the elected or appointed leaders of the state who make sure conservation issues are given a voice; and volunteers who go above and beyond to be good stewards of the land in all capacities.

Inspiring stories can be found in all corners of the state. One of my favorites comes from the southeast, an area known for old coal mines, freeway construction projects, and low-lying river bottom land. In this instance, invasive weeds had totally dominated an area of an abandoned, exposed surface mining project. A local man, dedicated to restoring the land's integrity, worked with all sorts of companies, government agencies, and neighbors to eradicate acres of kudzu, honeysuckle, tree of heaven, and other rampantly-growing invasive plants. It involved renting heavy machinery, hours and hours of time, and a sustained commitment to seeing it through.

In another story, closer to our office's home in Indianapolis, a section of a parking lot at the Indiana State Fair was reclaimed in order to build a model of a healthy watershed. Crazy idea, huh? The crazier thing is that twenty years later it's still there, attracting hundreds of visitors and learners each year. Pathway to Water Quality was featured in the February issue of My Indiana Home - check out the article here. This coming Tuesday, we'll be reading a proclamation recognizing Stewardship Week and the value of watersheds out at PWQ with members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership and state government.

What is your commitment to stewardship? Make sure to let your community know! Any time is good, but this coming week - Stewardship Week - is particularly good.