Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

After visiting so many of our state parks, I wanted to focus on one organization who gives back to Indiana State Parks and nature preserves: Indiana Parks Alliance. The DNR and state parks staff are incredible people whose lives are shaped by maintaining and preserving these beautiful resources. But there are so many other people investing in the parks behind the scenes and often doing it out of pure love. The nonprofits and volunteers are doing everything. They're advocates at the state house, they organize holiday events for the community, apply for grants, and even mow the grass. Indiana Parks Alliance is an example of how anyone can support our state’s parks.

IN the Podcast Episode

I’m thankful that I was able to interview members of the Indiana Parks Alliance board. We discussed how IPA started, what they do, and how regular citizens can be allies of our parks. I learned about the Trails for Tomorrow campaign and how IPA provides grants to improve our parks. I also talked with several Friends group volunteers about how IPA has supported their projects.

Indiana Parks Alliance: An Advocate for the Parks

Indiana Parks Alliance began when Tom Holman retired from his position at the Department of Natural Resources. He told me he started to wonder, “What can I help do after I retire?” Ginger Murphy, another DNR employee, suggested he form a Friends group that would serve all the parks in the state. Indiana Parks Alliance was born, joining the larger Indiana Conservation Alliance. 

Indiana Parks Alliance is involved in research, education, action, and advocacy. Tom shared about the advocacy work he's done. He explained that many times state park employees may see needs on their property, but aren't always given the opportunity to voice their concerns or issues. IPA is able to be their voice in the public forum, especially when it comes to fixing problems. Tom is able to be an advocate for the parks to the state government. He said, “Advocacy is the key thing. We basically have two parts to our mission: advocacy and fundraising. But advocacy…most of our efforts have gone into that.” Specifically, that’s doing things like drawing our state leaders' attention to the positives of investing in state parks. 

Tom said he isn't the only person who can advocate for our parks with elected officials; citizens can do that too. He encouraged people, “Talk to your legislator. I often hear, ‘Nobody tells me that's important…’ I think most people are reluctant to talk to their legislators or to contact their legislators. You can go through the website…and send them a message. If you want to keep it simple: ‘Conservation is important to me. Nature is important to me. Parks are important to me.’ They should hear that.” If you want to ensure your legislator hears from you, you can call or email them to share your desire to see parks further invested in. There's a chance your legislator is supportive of parks, but they don't always know you are. If you call and let them know parks should be a priority, that helps them understand their constituents better.

Trails for Tomorrow: Raising Money to Improve Parks

Along with advocacy, raising funds for the parks is one of IPA's biggest focuses. Over the past 10 years, they've donated $175,000 to state parks and nature preserves. The new focus IPA has is for a fundraising initiative that's just getting started called Trails for Tomorrow. IPA’s new president Milt Grissom explained why improving the hiking trails is so important. He said, “Part of the reason trail maintenance has often been overlooked is because other tasks and issues consistently are higher priority. If there's a concern at the inn or an issue at the campground, a bathroom with a leak, or a shelter with a fallen tree on it, those are always going to get attention first. Trails often get pushed down the list.” However, trails need regular maintenance to keep them safe. The Trails for Tomorrow campaign will allow parks to make improvements in well-used trails, so there aren’t injuries or issues with erosion. 

Another part of the Trails for Tomorrow campaign is raising money for confidence signs. Many people get disoriented on a trail, even with a map in hand. They may not realize how close they are to a shelter and get overwhelmed. Sometimes a trail is more rugged than expected, and it’s hard to know how much progress you’ve made on the path. Confidence signs will help hikers in all these situations stay safe and informed. Many parks have already had confidence signs installed, and more are in the works. 

How You Can Get Involved

If you want to get more involved with state parks, volunteering is always welcome, especially through your local park’s Friends group. You can support the Friends group or IPA financially by becoming a member of either or both groups. IPA uses their funds for trail initiatives, and they also support Friends groups with grants. These grants typically go to smaller projects the park budget isn't going to cover. The parks are usually focused on big initiatives that need major funding, so the Friends group and IPA love focusing on the details that make the park special.

The IPA board spends a lot of time considering each request, and their members greatly enjoy seeing what each park is doing. IPA has funded grants to 15 different Friends groups, ranging from interpretive signs and invasive removal to water bottle fill stations and pollinator gardens. It's a strong partnership between IPA, the Friends groups, and Indiana State Parks.

Finally, you can support parks when you buy an annual pass, stay at an inn, go camping, attend an event, or get a fishing or hunting license. It also helps parks when you clean up after yourself. Most of all, say thank you to the staff! Remember all that state parks and nature preserves have given to you. Consider how you can give back to support the important work done by park staff, Indiana Parks Alliance, and Friends groups across the state. We have to invest in parks now, so we can continue to treasure our time there in the future. Go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!