About NICHES Land Trust
Protecting cherished lands in west-central Indiana and connecting people to nature.
Our Mission
The mission of NICHES Land Trust is to protect, restore, and sustain Northern Indiana’s ecosystems by providing habitat for native species and offering natural places for the education, appreciation, and enjoyment of current and future generations.
NICHES Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to the acquisition, restoration, and stewardship of natural areas. We serve 13 counties and protect over 5,000 acres of land across 60+ properties. Most of the land we protect is open to the public for free visitation. We recognize that a strong economy and a continued high quality of life in our area of Indiana is ultimately dependent upon and related to the state of our environment.
Northern Indiana Citizens Helping Ecosystems Survive
The organization was founded in 1995 as “Northern Indiana Citizens Helping Ecosystems Survive.” Harry Potter, one of those founders, proposed the name as we hoped to protect “a niche here and a niche there” of Indiana’s incredible biodiversity. Those initial niches have grown into vibrant wildlife corridors sustained for future generations.
We Believe
Native Plants and Animals
The Northern Indiana landscape is home to ecosystems of native plants and animals and should be protected.
The study of our natural resources contributes to our understanding and appreciation of the lands and waters.
Public Access and Private Landowners
Access to and connection with natural areas and open space improves the quality of people's lives. People in our region should be able to live among sustainable, healthy, attractive landscapes.
Private landowners have an important role to play in helping to provide larger ecological and social benefits for the local community.
Stewardship and Sustainability
Fostering an ethic of stewardship for the land and water is an important step to achieving lasting protection of native plants and animals.
The long-term viability of our organization is a critical to achieving our vision so that future generations can enjoy the same quality natural experiences as we do today.
Where We Work
NICHES currently protects land and waterways in Northern Indiana. We serve the counties of:
- Benton
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clinton
- Fountain
- Howard
- Jasper
- Montgomery
- Newton
- Pulaski
- Tippecanoe
- Warren
- White
What We Do
Helping Ecosystems Survive
The protection of our environment, including native plants and wildlife, requires continuous care and maintenance. We believe the keystone of our land stewardship is the protection of local ecosystems through the preservation of native habitats.
NICHES’ diligent stewardship team works tirelessly to improve and maintain the quality of our protected land holdings and easements through invasive species removal, prescribed fires, and bio inventory research. Our vision is for present and future generations to immerse themselves in high quality, open access natural spaces.
Responsible Conservation Through Collaboration
NICHES Land Trust is invested in partnership with organizations and private landowners that provide larger ecological and social benefits for everyone in Northern Indiana. Since its founding, NICHES has maintained a non-adversarial position. We work cooperatively with private landowners, other nonprofits, and government agencies to protect a broad array of natural areas ranging from small green spaces to pristine nature preserves of high biological integrity. In addition to conservation partners, NICHES regularly works with corporate sponsors and volunteersto support its mission-critical work.
Researching and Supporting the Study of Native Biodiversity
Northern Indiana’s native flora and fauna are crucial to the success, growth, and beauty of our natural environment. NICHES is passionate about the study of natural resources, which fuels our dedication to conservation and restoration.
Learn more about reports and research projects.
Connecting People to Nature
NICHES believes that our community’s connection with natural areas and NICHES’ mission-critical work improves the quality of life for current and future generations. Our organization was founded with the belief that our community deserves to live among sustainable and verdant landscapes. Our organization is committed to caring for and opening natural areas to the public. NICHES maintains trail systems at many of its preserves for free public use.
You can see a list of NICHES preserves and their amenities.
NICHES also engages our community with a variety of hikes, a Summer Adventure Camp for youth, and other events throughout our service region, all year long. Many of our programs are free and open to the general public. See the Upcoming Programs and Events Calendar.
We invite you to explore these special places and join us in our mission to protect them forever.
Nonprofit Status
NICHES Land Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We protect west-central Indiana's native ecosystems and connect people to nature. Federal tax ID: 35-1964901.
Source of Funding
NICHES is not funded by tax dollars and we do not receive support from county, state, or federal government organizations. We rely on the support of people, foundations, businesses and other entities.
NICHES Meaning
Have you ever wondered about the name? NICHES stands for Northern Indiana Citizens Helping Ecosystems Survive. We protect a 'niche here' and a 'niche there' to preserve a high quality of life.
Accredited Land Trust
Through demonstration of fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship, NICHES holds accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
