News

Partnership Spotlight: CenterPoint Energy

Earlier this year, CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded NICHES Land Trust a $10,000 grant for its land stewardship efforts.

 NICHES was pleased to announce support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation for critical land stewardship work across its network of nature preserves in west central Indiana.

This generous grant will help NICHES care for and protect the forests, prairies, wetlands, and savannas that make our region ecologically rich and resilient. Stewardship work includes invasive species removal, prescribed fire, native habitat restoration, tree plantings, trail maintenance, and ongoing care that ensures preserves remain healthy and accessible for both wildlife and people.

“Activities like tree plantings are only the beginning,” says Ann Fields Monical, NICHES Development Director. “True conservation requires long-term stewardship of the land. That means we have invest in caring for restoration projects, like tree watering trees after they're planted, in order to ensure biodiversity. We are deeply grateful to the CenterPoint Energy Foundation for investing in this important work and allowing us to continue caring for the land.”

NICHES Land Trust protects 4,935 acres of natural areas across west central Indiana, preserving vital habitats, improving water quality, supporting pollinators and wildlife, and providing places for people to connect with nature.

Support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strengthens NICHES’ ability to care for these lands and continue its mission of preserving and restoring natural areas for the benefit of current and future generations. The grant included funds that will allow NICHES to purchase native plants as well as support for outreach programs (like the one pictured below) and volunteer workdays.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation's investment in our region will directly impact over 22,000 individuals who participate in NICHES programming or visit its nature preserves. Beyond direct participants, the work supported by CenterPoint serves a regional population of over 520,000 people.