What's New
We are thrilled to announce Heidi Sourwine as the new Executive Director of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy! Heidi’s commitment to our community and the cherished lands and waters of the Indian River Lakes region is evident in everything she does. Her background, passion, and vision make her the perfect person to lead IRLC into this next chapter.
Growing up on a farm near the Indian River Lakes, Heidi’s love for nature took root early. She spent countless hours exploring the outdoors, collecting frogs, and kayaking the very waters she now works tirelessly to protect. Her background in environmental sociology from St. Lawrence University gives her a unique perspective on how the environment and human lives are interconnected—a perspective she brings to IRLC with both expertise and empathy.
Heidi reflects, “I think we are all born environmentalists. If we are lucky, we find opportunities to cultivate that innate connection as we move through life.” This connection to nature is something Heidi believes is deeply important—not just for the environment itself, but for our own well-being. “We all live such busy and chaotic lives. Life is hard, and nature has a way of grounding us. Being outdoors, surrounded by the calm and peace of the natural world, helps us through struggles and reminds us of what really matters. It’s one of the things that makes life worth living.”
Now, as the mother of a five-year-old, Heidi is even more motivated to ensure this region remains a place of natural beauty and opportunity. “It’s so meaningful to me to know my daughter is growing up in this special area. I want her to have the same opportunities I had—to explore, play, and develop a love for the outdoors. The work we’re doing at IRLC is about more than conservation; it’s about making sure the north country is a positive part of our collective identity, now and for the generations to come.”
Heidi is especially excited about IRLC’s latest project: expanding the Red Lake Preserve. “With an opportunity to grow the preserve and add another beautiful, adjacent piece of land, we’re looking forward to preserving even more of the Red Lake shoreline by 2025,” she shares. As Executive Director, she aims to see this project through and bring IRLC’s community along for the journey.
But Red Lake is just the beginning. Heidi sees so much opportunity ahead for IRLC. “There are many more properties that need to be conserved, and people are reaching out to us, letting us know they want to protect their land too. It’s exciting to know that so much good work can still be done, and I’m determined to make sure IRLC continues to grow and meet these opportunities.”
In addition to conservation, Heidi is passionate about IRLC’s environmental education programs and their ability to transform young lives. “Our scholarship programs and initiatives like Project WHIRL are helping bridge the gap for kids at a time when they might not know their next step. Coming from a place with such beautiful outdoor recreation, it only makes sense to nurture our young people into professions available here and in environmental fields. I’m proud to carry the torch forward for these programs and continue making a difference in the lives of our next generation.”
Join us in celebrating Heidi Sourwine, whose leadership, passion, and commitment truly embody the “I” in IRLC! You can make a donation to support IRLC’s initiatives or become an IRLC member here.