ACRES blog | ACRES Land Trust

Visitor amenity improvements, trail retirements coming in 2021

As ACRES plans for the future, we understand that our work—protecting local land— continues long after our lifetimes. This means we must continually inspire support in our mission to protect and care for land. When ACRES leadership realized that the preserve visitor experience varied greatly from property to property, we raised our standards for visitor ...

03/04/2021
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Volunteers digitize preserve records

When ACRES acquires new property, we become steward of both the land and its records. These files include everything from legal documents, like deeds and wills, to artifacts like newspaper clippings and handwritten notes. Two ACRES volunteers have spearheaded an effort to digitize records for all ACRES properties. Thanks to their hard work, these records ...

02/25/2021
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ACRES to host limited hours during office renovation

ACRES Land Trust’s office at Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve will close for renovation Feb. 15. While the office is closed, we will staff limited hours Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dustin Barn, 1992 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748. The project is part of ACRES expansion plan. The renovation will improve ...

02/12/2021
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Observe World Wetlands Day at an ACRES preserve

Feb. 2 marks World Wetlands Day, a celebration of the important role wetlands play in the lives of people, plants and animals. Wetlands provide critical wildlife habitat, purify rivers and lakes, and reduce flooding risk. They’re often called “nature’s kidneys” because of their important function in the health of our planet. Together with our members, ...

02/01/2021
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Winter photo contest winners

For ACRES Winter Photo Contest, we challenged you to take to the trails and capture photos that celebrate our forever-protected places. Your submissions truly reflected the beauty of these natural areas and the joy they bring visitors. Members of ACRES board and staff selected five winners from the following categories: Wildlife, People on Preserves, Selfie, ...

01/31/2021
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Artist reimagines ACRES logo

ACRES’ new T-shirt design features the work of local artist Ian Ruisard. Learn more about Ian and what inspired his work. About the artist Ian works as a graphic designer in Fort Wayne. Inspired by his parents, he enjoys exploring natural areas and believes protecting local habitats is important in creating a healthy community. “My ...

01/30/2021
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Meet ACRES new board president

ACRES Land Trust’s new board president brings a wealth of experience and a track record in service to her new role. Members of ACRES board of directors have elected Dawn Ritchie to serve as board president in 2021. Dawn joined ACRES in 1995 and has served on the board for five years. She is Greenways ...

01/15/2021
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ACRES welcomes new communications manager

ACRES recently welcomed Bridgett Hernandez to our team as communications manager. In this new role, Bridgett will capture and share ACRES stories online and in the Quarterly. By Bridgett Hernandez As someone who grew up in northeast Indiana, I feel incredibly fortunate to join the ACRES team and play a role in protecting land in ...

01/11/2021
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A look back at our 60th year

2020 was a year like none others. ACRES celebrated a major milestone — our 60th birthday! — and, like the rest of the world, we adapted to pandemic life. This year, we protected more than 7,200 acres of natural and working lands, restoring habitats and removing invasive species. We also welcomed a record number of ...

12/31/2020
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Herbarium provides a glimpse into the past

ACRES protects more than land. We also work to protect the history of our land donors. Their stories and artifacts provide a glimpse into the past, an explanation of who they were and how they cared for and loved the land before ACRES. Join local journalist Kevin Kilbane as he uncovers the story of a ...

12/16/2020
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