NICHES Welcomes Our New Executive Director!

NICHES Land Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Shannon Stanis.

As a dedicated environmentalist, Shannon brings energy and passion to the position of Executive Director.  Having worked in a non-profit organization focused on local conservation issues, Shannon’s experience will help to effect a smooth transition into NICHES.   

Most recently Shannon was the Watershed Coordinator at the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation.  Shannon has a Master of Science in Forestry and Natural Resource Management from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and Psychology from the University of Illinois.

Shannon will lead NICHES’ dedicated staff of specialists to work closely with the organization’s board, many volunteers, and supporters in carrying out the mission of NICHES “to protect, restore, and sustain Northern Indiana’s ecosystems by providing habitat for native species and offering natural places for the education, appreciation and enjoyment of current and future generations.”

NICHES was founded in 1995 by citizens interested in the preservation of natural areas.  Since then, the land trust has grown to include 47 properties totaling more than 4,000 acres of protected land, distributed over 13 counties in north central Indiana.  Many of the areas are open to the public for hiking and exploration.  More can be learned about NICHES’ properties and opportunities to serve in conservation efforts at its website, NICHESLandTrust.org.

Please join us in welcoming Shannon to NICHES.  We are excited about the future under Shannon’s leadership as NICHES continues to grow and protect the environment in our service area.

(Photo Credit: Alan McConnell)