Conservation Committee Chair, Lora Kemp, and Winding Waters Group member, Julia Lowe traveled to the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois for the 2026 Heartwood Forest Council. Held at the Dixon Springs State Park, the Forest Council highlighted different forest preservation and conservation issues. Guest speakers included Kay Rippelmeyer, an author in the area who spoke on her book, Civilian Conservation Corps in Southern Illinois 1933-1942; Sam LaBudde, famous activist who helped save dolphins from the tuna industry helped to stop the illegal trade of endangered species like tigers and elephant ivory through Taiwan and more.
From Michigan, Will C. De Man spoke on the origins of our National Parks highlighting how the history of our National Parks can change protecting public lands into the future. Katie Bilodeau, attorney from Wilderness Watch spoke on Wilderness Area issues hosting a breakout session. Mark Donham, John Wallace, Katie Bilodeau, and Lora Kemp sat on a panel to update Forest Council guests on forest litigation around the Region.
The discussion included the win in the Hoosier National Forest Houston South Area, where Judge Pratt decided in favor to stop the Houston South project which would have affected the quality of water for every citizen in Bloomington, IN. Lora Kemp also discussed the impact of equipment used in logging called a feller buncher, and the devastating impacts it has on the soil, plants, and forest ecosystems.
From field trips along the Trail of Tears to Bell Smith Springs Natural Bridge in the Shawnee National Forest to the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area, the weekend rounded out with some breathtaking views and nature walks.
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter sponsored the Heartwood Council which supported the Heartwood Youth Program. Attendees got to explore Dixon Springs, learn rock climbing skills, wrote letters to help protect Indiana bobcats, and researched plants and creatures found in the local streams.
Lora Kemp
Vice Chair
Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter