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WTDA President Ruby Certified as Environmental Habitat Steward Through Indiana Wildlife Federation’s Inaugural Class

(Indianapolis, IN January 2010) – Warren Township Development Association (WTDA) President Jennifer Ruby received certification as an Environmental Habitat Steward from the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF).

IWF’s inaugural Environmental Habitat Steward Certification Program was held over the weekends of December 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th, 2009. The program covers concepts related to habitat management and how these concepts can be incorporated into urban, suburban, and rural environments. By focusing on concepts of habitat management, planners can apply environmental principles to their traditional methods based on needs of particular projects. This allows them to adapt to ever-evolving practices and encourage creative environmental design. The primary goal of this training is to increase the environmental awareness of planners and encourage the preservation, enhancement, and restoration of our natural habitats. The participants must pass an exam held on the afternoon of the last day. The course is made possibly by a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

In addition to the stand alone certification, the course provides twenty-six (26) certification maintenance credits for the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation. Ruby received her AICP in 2000.

IWF’s Habitat Programs Director Ben Reinhart, says, “IWF is always trying to encourage the preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat in our developing areas and being able to work with development professionals such as local and regional planners is a great way for us to do that. We want people to gain a greater understanding of our natural resources and also show that wildlife habitat can be attractive and provide many benefits to the surrounding community.” Ruby adds, “I’d like more people to live and work on the eastside. This program shows how many kinds of development can co-exist within a beautiful environment, natural or man-made with wildlife in mind”.

Future Environmental Habitat Steward Certification Program Training Dates are:

Training #2: Jan. 9-10 and 16-17, Ft. Harrison State Park, Indianapolis, IN

Training #3: Feb. 6-7 and 20-21, Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, IN

Training #4: Apr. 10-11 and 17-18, Bass Pro Shops, Portage, IN

About WTDA:
WTDA is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote and sustain orderly socio-economic growth offering the highest possible quality of life for those who live and work in Warren Township. More at: www.warrenpride.org.

About IWF:
IWF is a statewide, non-profit organization of individuals and over 50 Indiana conservation clubs and organizations dedicated to the wise use of our state’s natural resources, to promote the conservation, sound management, and sustainable use of Indiana’s wildlife and wildlife habitat through education, advocacy and action. More at: www.indianawildlife.org.

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Media Contacts: 
Jennifer Ruby
WTDA
Jennifer@warrenpride.org
(317) 332-3757

Travis Stoelting
IWF
stoelting@indianawildlife.org
(317) 875-9453

Ben Reinhart
IWF
breinhart3@gmail.com
(765) 650-8254