Your Stories

You are ACRES. You make it possible to protect land.

You are the explorers seeking respite, adventure and everything in between on the trails. You are the members who take responsibility and come together to protect land. You are the volunteers who invest your time, energy and sweat into ACRES. You are the land donors who permanently protect the places that matter most to you.

These are a few of your stories.

Thomas Sprunger

Over the last four years, photographer Thomas Sprunger has transported Quarterly readers to ACRES preserves across the region through his stunning images. An ACRES member and volunteer, Thomas shared his story with Communications Manager Bridgett Hernandez in a video interview. From waterfalls frozen in icy splendor to the intricate beauty of spring wildflowers, Thomas’ nature ...

Kirk Swaidner

ACRES member and volunteer Kirk Swaidner agreed to sit down with Office Manager Natasha Manor for a video interview. Kirk shared his stories of how he came to ACRES, how he developed his land ethic and how a big change in his life led to a new role with the organization. Kirk first heard about ...

Jim Haddock

Interview by Jason Kissel ACRES Member Jim Haddock agreed to sit down with Executive Director Jason Kissel for a video interview. Jim shared stories of his experience with the organization and motivation behind his continued support. When Jim paid his first membership dues of $2 in 1975, ACRES Land Trust owned and protected 332 acres ...

Angie O’Neill

Interview by Jason Kissel Angie reluctantly agreed to be interviewed on video to describe her 50-year relationship with ACRES. Reluctant, because she didn’t want the attention on her, and she was nervous. But she agreed because it would help ACRES. That’s Angie—her desire to help greater than any obstacle that tries to get in the ...

Thomas Sprunger

“I’ve always liked natural places. In 1964, when I was a kid, my mom and dad and grandparents went out west on a month-long trip. We stayed in a rustic cabin in Yellowstone National Park. Times were different then, bears would come in for food. I remember kids chasing a baby bear until it hid under the ...

Janet Canino and Family

”‘If not now, when? If not us, who?’” encapsulates why ACRES’ mission “to protect land—forever” is of utmost importance to my family. When it is estimated that at least 85 percent of our native Hoosier wetlands have already been destroyed, how can we afford to wait any longer?” Janet Canino enjoys many ACRES preserves with ...

Joe and Nancy Conrad

Although Mother Nature feigns sleep at this time of year, undercover she is alive with activity. She beckons into her wondrous, quiet world those of us open to adventure. Fortified with a down jacket, warm gloves, sturdy hiking boots, and a strong walking stick, you are ready to enter a tranquil world of sight, sound, ...

Velma Caprarotta

“I love the land and wanted to keep the Caprarotta family name on it, and I feel great about protecting it with ACRES members.” Velma Caprarotta has a long history with and a deep-seated love of the Elkhart County land she recently donated to ACRES Land Trust. Born in 1924, she grew up in the ...

Josie Fox

“ACRES caught my eye during trips to Indiana over 20 years ago, and this has evolved into a mentorship. ACRES’ programs are outstanding! Their pipeline of information to members is always high-quality. As a result of my ongoing interaction with ACRES staff, I feel confident asking how to carry out tasks on local, regional and ...