Conservation Conversation

with Mary Vandervord, President and CEO of Heartland Conservancy

It's not every day that we have the opportunity to listen to someone who is truly shaping our local environment for the better. On that note, our latest meeting was truly a breath of fresh air. We had the distinct pleasure of hosting Mary Vandervord, President and CEO of Heartland Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving, enriching, and protecting the natural resources of the heartland region.

Mary, leading the Heartland Conservancy, champions a vision of environmental sustainability and responsible land use. With over 30 years of experience, the organization's initiatives have included land protection, watershed planning, trail creation, and community building – all designed to foster a harmonious coexistence of the human and natural world.

During her presentation, Mary delved into the story of how one person's effort to save land from urbanization turned into Heartland Conservancy, which mission is to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of our region. She underscored the importance of preserving natural spaces not only for the wildlife that inhabit them, but also for the benefit of local communities, improving our quality of life, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy these spaces too.

Mary also touched on some of the significant projects that the Heartland Conservancy is currently undertaking. One of the noteworthy efforts is their continued work on protecting key natural and farmland areas from urban sprawl and development, thereby ensuring the sustainability of our region's farming and wildlife habitats.

🐸 The Chorus Frog is endangered in our area. The call, which lasts a little over a second, is a rapid series of metallic clicks that rise in pitch: crrreeeeek! Imagine pushing your thumb down the teeth of a stiff comb. Have you heard them?

The work done by Mary and her team at Heartland Conservancy is a stark reminder of the critical role we all play in safeguarding our environment. As members of the Rotary Club of the Riverbend, it inspires us to think about how we can support these initiatives, be it through volunteer work, fundraising, or by spreading awareness of the importance of conserving our local environment.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mary Vandervord for taking the time to share her passion and the work of the Heartland Conservancy. The conversation was not only inspiring but also served as a gentle reminder of our duty to the beautiful world that surrounds us. Follow Heartland Conservancy on Facebook.

Mary Vandervord, CEO of Heartland Conservancy, and Monica Bristow, President of Riverbend Rotary Club, at Rotary meeting discussing environmental conservation and community engagement.

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