The mission of the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is to advance sustainable land management practices for natural resource, agricultural, and military interests. There are 19 sentinel landscapes throughout the nation. Landscape coordinators and other stakeholders convene annually for a multi-day site visit where they tour local land management projects, hold partnership meetings, and share best practices with one another.
The Partnership’s fourth annual site visit was hosted by the Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape (SISL), which is coordinated by the Conservation Law Center and protects lands surrounding key facilities like the Naval Support Activity Crane and Camp Atterbury. Through indoor and outdoor sessions, attendees were immersed in the history and ecology of southern Indiana and witnessed the Partnership’s mission in action.
Previous site visits included Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape in Arizona, Camp Ripley Sentinel Landscape in Minnesota, and Avon Park Sentinel Landscape in Florida.
Connection was a recurring theme that stood out to participants during this program. A visit to a sustainably managed working farm emphasized the interconnected nature of the partnership’s interests: a thriving rural economy that protects military land and provides ecosystem services. Participants also drew connections between sentinel landscape projects and outcomes, such as prescribed fire practices and improved habitat for endangered and threatened bird species.
On a more personal level, participants left with a resounding sense of human connection. The passion, commitment, and mutual support demonstrated by the partners was palpable, and experiencing the fruits of their investments first-hand was a memorable and appreciated experience.
Thank you to EcoLogic for heling make this event possible, along with Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape LCC partners and Naval Weapons Station Crane.
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