Long known for purchasing biologically important lands for future generations, The Nature Conservancy wants to harness the power of the digital world to re-connect kids with nature. The Conservancy enlisted Laughlin Constable, Milwaukee, to help create the website for the Children of Indiana Nature Park, one of the signature projects of the state’s bicentennial celebration.
Laughlin Constable has created the website, www.ILoveMyLand.org, to bridge the electronics versus outdoor activities divide. Students in grades K-12 from all over Indiana will be able to be part of Hoosier history and claim a bicentennial Nature IN-Deed to their very own spot in the park. The interactive Children of Indiana Nature Park website allows students to obtain a deed with a specific location on a property adjacent to Cope Environmental Center near Centerville, Ind.
The Children of Indiana Nature Park (Park) is a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Education and Cope Environmental Center. It was formally dedicated on June 18 by Indiana First Lady Karen Pence, a school teacher for more than 25 years and the state’s official Bicentennial Ambassador. Mrs. Pence and the project partners presented signed Nature IN-Deeds to children, each identifying a unique place in the Park.
Besides being able to physically visit the park, a student can use the website to zoom in and see his or her parcel virtually. The website also offers activities and online experiences focused on helping Hoosiers learn from, engage with and be inspired by the state’s natural beauty. The Nature Conservancy hopes to distribute approximately 1 million deeds to students through schools, libraries or other community outlets.
“The website is critical to the success of the Children of Indiana Nature Park,” said Mary McConnell, the Conservancy’s Indiana State Director. “We’ve been impressed with Laughlin Constable’s capabilities and website design experience. I’m confident the website they’ve created will encourage every Hoosier student to get outside and start exploring nature.”
“Children of Indiana Nature Park is a creative way to engage young people via digital platforms they enjoy and to build the next generation of conservation leaders who will protect our undeveloped lands and water,” said Mat Lignel, CEO of Laughlin Constable. “What better way to establish a connection to nature and inspire a lifetime of engagement with our natural world than by providing every student in Indiana their own piece of nature!”
The Children of Indiana Nature Park is one of several projects funded by the Bicentennial Nature Trust (BNT), a $30 million public investment that was leveraged through public/private partnerships to more than $70 million. The BNT program is aimed at expanding trails, conservation areas and recreation sites to help celebrate Indiana’s 200 years of statehood in 2016. The state parks system was created during Indiana’s centennial celebration in 1916, and BNT projects will provide a similar legacy for future generations of Hoosiers.
Company:
Laughlin Constable
207 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
