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Tell Us Your StoryInterested in sharing your story about nature and the Conservancy. Write to us at story@tnc.org and your entry, photo or artwork could be showcased on our website or state newsletter. Other stories shared: Return to the 50th Anniversary page |
As members and friends of The Nature Conservancy, you've heard numerous stories about why we do what we do. Tell Us Your Story is your opportunity to tell us how your interactions with nature has affected you and your life.
Many of you have already shared your story with us; here are just a few.
Our Journey with The Nature Conservancy
Shortly after we were married we decided to broaden our financial contributions beyond our church to other non-profit organizations. Some of the first non-profits we chose were local broadcast media that had “public” as the first word in their name. We also checked out several environmental organizations, where they worked, what they did, how much of their budget was used to cover administrative expenses, how well the membership was kept informed, and the overall impression the organization made on us. A few organizations, including TNC, really stood out. So in 1988, we sent in a check to join TNC.
It’s good to know that TNC works nationally and internationally. But having the Blue River Project (BRP) in the southern part of Indiana, near where some of our family lives, has helped us connect well with the TNC. Participating in the local events has helped us get acquainted with the TNC staff. The first annual BRP open house featured a presentation on the bobcats in Indiana. Stories of bobcats wandering near us were most intriguing. In later years the BRP open house has featured a 5K walk run. Walking 5K is not as much fun as listening to stories about wildlife, but we do get nice Hellbender Hustle tee shirts.
In the BRP newsletters, we had seen announcements of workdays at various nature preserves. For several years we had talked about going to workdays, but never had. About three years or so ago, the male half of us did decide to start attending workdays. I have found the workdays to be more educational and informative than truly hard work. Often the hike to the glade or barren is the hardest part of the day, carrying loppers, bottles, and buckets through the woods. The workdays give me an appreciation for the dedication and hard work required of the land stewards.
As we grew older, taking an honest look at our mortality, we discussed how we wanted to pass on our estate to our heirs. After much thought and discussion we made the decision to include the TNC in our wills. In addition to knowing that sharing a portion of our estate will help support the TNC for future generations we have benefited from becoming members of the Legacy Club. In taking advantage of the excursions the Legacy Club offers we have enjoyed seeing some of the natural sites in Indiana that we more than likely would not have seen otherwise. We have also benefited from meeting like-minded, and interesting, TNC members.
Having TNC do beneficial work in Indiana, for 50 years and counting, and around the globe is a cause we want to continue to support. It is the Indiana TNC staff that is the face of TNC for us, and we are inspired.
Laura & Lewis Lenkey, Members and Volunteers
A Note from Jim Sweeney
Like many others, my interest in nature started very young with my father taking us fishing and camping, both with the family and with the Boy Scouts.
Later, it became more evident when I became a "linewalker" for a pipeline company. We actually walked long stretches of the rights-of-way where I saw all kinds of birds and wildlife in lots of different habitats.
I have been a member of the Nature Conservancy for over 20 years and am still amazed by its accomplishments. As a fan of science, it is important to me that there decisions are always based on sound science and that they partner with so many different stakeholders to accomplish their goals. The Kankakee Sands project is amazing for these reasons and more.
TNC has a lifelong member with me.
Keep up the great work.
Jim Sweeney
Schererville, Indiana
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Christiana Cohn - through Flickr (Blue Jay); Photo © Christiana Cohn - through Flickr: Dr. John (Flower Fly on Bramble); Photo © Elena Blando (Conrad Station Savanna).
Note concerning images uses - Photographs of the Blue Jay and flower fly are courtesy of Flickr. These images were posted by Flickr users under The Nature Conservancy group. You too can share your nature photos with the Conservancy by logging on and joining our group on Flickr.
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