Who we are

Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN)
Indiana has joined the national movement to get children outdoors through the Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN). ICAN builds collaborative efforts to encourage children spending time in the natural environment. The project is an initiative of the Environmental Education Association of Indiana (EEAI), a group of outdoor and environmental educators from around the state. ICAN encourages government, businesses, nonprofits, academia, individuals, and families to impact a societal change that allows more time to be spent outdoors.

Mission:  Our mission is to foster the connection of children, families and communities to the natural environment so they can receive the physical, emotional and intellectual benefits of spending time outdoors, while building a lifelong love of nature.

We do this by:
    ·         Raising awareness of the many benefits of connecting children with nature;
    ·         Promoting unstructured play and time outdoors for children and adults;
    ·         Engaging a diverse network of people and facilitate collaborations.

Celebrating Sarah

ICAN started as a grassroots effort of Sarah Carney Kempfer in 2012. Sarah was inspired by Richard Louv’s Children and Nature Network and wanted to bring this to Indiana. Partnering with the Environmental Education Association of Indiana, today ICAN continues to get children outside. 

Sarah with Richard Louv

While another state now benefits from Sarah's dedication and enthusiasm, we owe her a debt of gratitude for helping move Indiana forward.

Steering Committee
The Indiana Children and Nature Network is currently led by a steering committee of passionate volunteers. 
New members are welcomed to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise to help us move ICAN forward.  Volunteers from other parts of the state are welcome!

Ann Niednagel - ICAN Coordinator
ann.niednagel@gmail.com

Claire Lane - Nature Play Days Coordinator, Website
​Hamilton County SWCD Urban Conservationist
claire.lane@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
​
Michele Schilten
Indianapolis Zoo, Director of Education
schilten@indyzoo.com

John Garner

Don Sheppard

Stephanie Schuck - ICANPLAY30 Pledge
Marian University EcoLab, Restoration Ecologist
sschuck@marian.edu

Nancy Stark
Conner Prairie, Education Director
stark@connerprairie.org

Melissa Moran- Volunteer Coordinator
The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, Community Outreach Coordinator
melissa.moran@tnc.org
​
Mindy Murdock
​Zionville Parks and Recreation
​mmurdock@zionsville-in.gov