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We Did It: 5,000 Acres Protected Forever

There are moments in conservation that remind us just how powerful a committed community can be. NICHES Land Trust is proud to share one of those milestones: together, we have surpassed 5,000 acres permanently protected across west central Indiana.

 At the close of 2025, NICHES protected 4,935 acres across our growing network of preserves. With the addition of our newest protected property in Fountain County, we have now crossed the 5,000-acre threshold. It’s a powerful testament to what dedicated supporters, partners, and volunteers can accomplish together.

A Milestone Built by Community

Every acre that NICHES protects represents a story: a generous landowner, a committed donor, a passionate volunteer, or a partner who believed that natural places matter. Reaching 5,000 acres is not just about the number. This milestone reflects:

• Healthier wildlife habitat
• Cleaner water and more resilient landscapes
• Expanded opportunities for people to connect with nature
• A stronger conservation future for our region

This achievement belongs to everyone who has stewarded the land alongside NICHES over the years.

Our Newest Protected Property

Crossing the 5,000-acre mark was made possible by the successful effort to protect a remarkable property along the Wabash River in Fountain County. While it does not yet have an official preserve name, this land still represents far more than acreage. With over two-thirds of a mile of river frontage, mature oak-hickory woodlands, and restored grasslands filled with pollinators, the property is a vital link in the growing corridor of protected natural areas along the Wabash. We are honored to protect this land and ensure these habitats can continue to recover, connect, and thrive.

This 68-acre acquisition conserves high-quality habitat in a vital stretch of the Wabash River corridor. Located just across the river from the Weiler-Leopold Nature Preserve, the property strengthens an already growing network of protected lands in the region. Protecting this land safeguards important wildlife habitat while ensuring future opportunities for public access, exploration, and education.

We are deeply grateful to the foundations that helped launch the project and to the many individuals who stepped forward to help us close the gap. Many thanks to the Laura Hare Charitable Trust, Roy A. Whistler Foundation, Attica Community Foundation, and Western Indiana Community Foundation for making this land acquisition possible. NICHES is still raising additional funds to support the long-term care of this property via the NICHES Stewardship Endowment.

Moving Conservation Forward

While we are proud to celebrate 5,000 acres protected, NICHES’ work is far from finished. Each new project builds momentum toward a healthier, more connected landscape across the region. With your continued support, NICHES will keep:

• Protecting high-quality natural areas
• Restoring native habitats
• Connecting people and nature
• Expanding our conservation impact

The land is our common ground and native habitats recover with every acre we save. Together, we will continue this work for future generations.