Having lived in vastly different climates across the United States, my perspective on the ecosystems around me has deepened my appreciation for the health and beauty of the air, soil, water, and biodiversity. Gorgeous vistas and severe climate crises were frequent experiences in Colorado and Maine, but both states enticed me away from screens and onto trails and mountains.

But, I missed Indiana’s flat horizons for their beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I missed the sound of cicadas, crickets, and family. However, my homeland’s wetlands are routinely threatened, and its soil quality eroded by horizon-to-horizon monoculture farming. Strengthening spring winds and deteriorating climate stability motivates me to cherish natural beauty. It took moving back to Indiana as an adult to realize how much more natural beauty there is to see, how many more trails and parks there are to explore.

I strive to share this natural beauty with others and make choices that improve the health of the environment. So, in the summer of 2024, I started my tour of Indiana’s 24 State Parks in 24 months with a photojournalist series to document my experiences. Take a look at the series so far and follow along.