Scott Russell Sanders with OLC Board member Phil Cox
TERRE HAUTE, IN — Acclaimed author and conservationist Scott Russell Sanders delivered a powerful keynote address at the annual Ouabache Land Conservancy (OLC) celebration, urging attendees to embrace their roles as stewards of the environment. The Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Indiana University and fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences spoke on themes of law, hope, and conservation, drawing from his extensive literary work.
Sanders, whose latest books include The Way of Imagination—a reflection on healing and renewal—and Small Marvels, a novel in stories, captivated the audience with his thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a "good ancestor." He acknowledged the dire state of the environment, citing record-breaking global temperatures, widespread wildfires, and the alarming loss of biodiversity. Yet, he emphasized the resilience of nature and the importance of grassroots efforts, sharing his personal experiences volunteering with Sycamore Land Trust to restore native plant species.
“The fancy name for what land trusts and their volunteers do is ecological restoration. The informal name is rewilding. I like the latter term because it reminds us that we are only assistants to nature in healing abused lands and waters,” Sanders said.
Through his characteristic blend of wisdom, storytelling, and deep reverence for the natural world, Sanders encouraged listeners not to be discouraged by the vast scale of environmental challenges. He reminded them that every small act of conservation—from planting milkweed for butterflies to restoring wetlands for wildlife—contributes to a greater legacy of sustainability.
The audience, made up of conservationists, landowners, and environmental advocates, was left inspired by Sanders' call to action. As OLC continues its mission of preserving and protecting Indiana’s natural landscapes, his words served as both a reminder of the challenges ahead and a beacon of hope for the future.
Scott Russell Sanders' legacy as both a writer and conservationist remains deeply rooted in the values of honest work, unselfishness, and devotion to community—qualities that resonate profoundly with the mission of Ouabache Land Conservancy.