ACRES Land Trust announced the acquisition of more land in three Indiana counties. About 7,000 acres in the state are now under the non-profit’s protection.
Kosciusko, Wells and Noble County preserves are set to benefit from the expansion deals for four existing nature preserves.
In Kosciusko County, ACRES’ Wildwood Preserve expanded by 19 acres, and now encloses the pond on the property. Jason Kissel, who is the Executive Director of ACRES Land Trust, said only half of the pond was protected by ACRES before.
Noble County’s Sauga Swamp and Tamarack Nature Preserve sawa an increase of 16 and 10 acres respectively, while Wells County’s Hurb and Frances Fuller Woods Preserve grew by 18 acres.
Kissel said ACRES is selective of the land they procure, and try to expand already existing preserves as often as possible.
“We treat land differently, I think that’s the value of what we do, is not only providing nature, nature close to home, but we’re also provided on a much longer time scale,” Kissel said.
He said additions provide extra protection and help expand natural habitats.
Though ACRES is a donor-supported organization, Kissel said local fundraising efforts as well as good relationships with counties and local communities are essential to making the expansions possible. He says because expansions mean nearby land needs to be acquired, timing can range from a few years to even decades.