What is Sycamore Land Trust?
Sycamore Land Trust (SLT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit southern Indiana organization whose mission is to preserve our disappearing landscape. SLT protects scenic beauty for the aesthetic enjoyment of present and future generations and also
* saves healthy, beautiful habitat for both humans and wildlife.
* creates outdoor learning experiences for all ages through SLT’s Environmental Education Program.
* provides valuable ecological services that improve air, water, and soil quality.
* provides economic benefit by helping attract families, businesses, and visitors to southern Indiana.

Think for a moment about your favorite parts of our area; the brilliance of hardwood forests in autumn, the dogwood and redbuds blooming in spring, the place where you take your children to hike or watch the birds. Now ask yourself--will that place still be there in twenty years?  In 100 years?
Your contribution will help SLT preserve and restore the beautiful natural heritage of southern Indiana.

SLT uses a variety of means to conserve properties, including outright ownership and conservation easements. These methods are described in How Can I Protect My Property?

Founded in 1990, Sycamore Land Trust preserves over 60 properties totaling over 5,200 acres (as of January 2008). Properties span ten counties, including Bartholomew, Brown, Crawford, Greene, Knox, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, and Owen Counties.  SLT's service area, where we are eager to help more private owners protect their land, includes 26 counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Dubois, Daviess, Floyd, Gibson, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Perry, Pike, Posey, Scott, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Washington.
About Land Trusts
Land trusts are non-governmental organizations whose mission is to conserve land resources. Their mission may be narrowly defined or broad in scope. The Nature Conservancy, the nation's largest land trust, protects endangered species and threatened ecosystems. Other land trusts target specific landscapes such as agricultural lands or inner city greenspaces. Many land trusts work with a broad range of landscapes.

The number of land trusts operating in the U.S. is increasing dramatically. Four years ago there were 800 operating in the nation. Now there are over 1,700. Maine alone has 73 operating land trusts. The Land Trust Alliance, of Washington D.C., serves as an umbrella organization for land trusts; Sycamore Land Trust is a member of the Alliance.

Information on the staff and board of directors

 
Revised: November, 2009