What's New

The Indian River Lakes Conservancy (IRLC) announced today that Executive Director Heidi Sourwine will be stepping down in May to take a new position as Associate Director at Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. IRLC’s Board of Directors is actively working on a transition plan and will announce interim leadership shortly.
Sourwine has served the Indian River Lakes Conservancy for nearly seven years, first as Program Coordinator and later as Communications and Engagement Coordinator, before becoming Executive Director. During her time, IRLC expanded its impact across the region, working to inspire stronger connections between people, land, and water.

Highlights of her leadership include:
• Expanding education programs with programs like the Elizabeth May Duvall Foundation Nature Grows Kids Camp and Project WHIRL, a teen environmental leadership initiative focused on the future of conservation and water quality.
• Opening new public trails at Red Lake Preserve and Ferrone Woods Preserve, offering greater access to nature and inspiring more people to connect with the land.
• Growing the Lake Leaders network to empower local advocates in protecting the health of the Indian River Lakes.
• Growing community involvement in stewardship projects across IRLC preserves, creating more opportunities for people of all ages to care for the land firsthand.
• Raising greater awareness about the importance of conservation and water protection, and helping more people find their voice as advocates for the natural places that make our region special.
• Helping secure grant funding to expand conservation efforts, enhance access to public lands, and ensure the long-term health of our lakes, forests, and wetlands.

Reflecting on her time at IRLC, Sourwine said, “It has been one of the great joys of my life to help strengthen the connection between people and the incredible land and water of the Indian River Lakes region. I believe deeply that protecting these places is about more than landscapes—it’s about protecting opportunities for the next generation to explore, connect, and fall in love with nature. Our children are not just the future; they are part of the now of this work. I am so grateful to have been part of this community and this mission, and I look forward to cheering on IRLC’s continued success.”

IRLC Board Chair Brooke Wills-Thomas said, “On behalf of the entire Board and the Indian River Lakes community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Heidi for her leadership, her passion for conservation, and her dedication to building a stronger, more connected future. We wish her the very best in her new role and know she will continue to make a difference. The Board is committed to a smooth transition and will share additional updates in the coming weeks.”