The Lowe Tract was an inholding in the Hoosier National Forest, which spans nine counties in south-central Indiana. An inholding is privately owned land within the boundaries of a publicly protected area.
When the property went up for auction, it was at great risk of being subdivided as a housing development. Thanks to the hard work of many partners, CILTI was able to protect these eighty acres forever.
Michael is the grand-nephew of Philip Meltzer, who worked with CILTI to protect Meltzer Woods in Shelby County. He grew up exploring the old growth forest with his great-uncle and went on to study forestry.
The former DNR forester now serves as coordinator for the Southern Indiana Sentinel Landscape with the Conservation Law Center.
Though it lies outside Sentinel Landscapes’ jurisdiction, when Michael heard about the Lowe Tract from Indiana Karst Conservancy, he responded enthusiastically. Because of the land’s potential as a wildlife corridor and reforestation opportunity, he wanted to help however he could.
It was Michael who referred IKC to CILTI staff, and the rest is history.
It’s a full-circle moment: The boy who once stood amazed under the canopy of Meltzer Woods now does whatever he can to save nature.
Who knows which nature preserve will inspire the next youthful nature-lover to take up a conservation career? It’s a never-ending cycle of regeneration, much like the forest itself.
