Our education program, Return to Nature Indiana, is dedicated to developing an understanding of the vital importance of natural resource conservation in our state.   It is designed to connect students to the beauty and importance of nature and to help them develop meaningful stewardship responsibilities toward vital natural resources.  Our classroom message is that humans are part of the environment and that the conservation and wise utilization of such resources is much more critical than preservation.  Through the use of quality taxidermy and game calls, this program is both entertaining and educational for young audiences and their teachers.                      

Between the fall of 2005 and spring of 2008, our education program has reached over 23,000 students in 200 schools across central and southern Indiana.  

Return to Nature Indiana is provided in schools free of charge.  For information on getting our program in your school, please e-mail us at Jennifer@hoosierheritageyouthfoundation.org.   

“This outreach effort clearly can help students learn about the need for conservation of our natural resources while linking this knowledge to Indiana's well-regarded academic standards.  The Foundation's timing is fortuitous as technology and growth continue to affect the environment, and young people become further removed from their connection to the land.  The Indiana Department of Education applauds the Foundation's efforts to assist students in connecting the living world to the key educational concepts embedded in our state's science standards.  Thank you again for the Hoosier Heritage Youth Foundation's ongoing work to support Indiana's students and schools.”

Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction

Department of Education

State of Indiana

“I can’t thank you enough for providing our schools with the opportunity to experience the HHYF’s program, Return to Nature.  I had planned to simply sit in on a few minutes of Mike Roberts’ presentation, but my interest was quickly drawn in and held for the entirety of the presentation.  The materials were beautifully presented and Mr. Roberts’ delivery of information kept everyone involved.  I don’t recall the last time I have observed students in grades 3 through 6 sitting so quietly and attentively for an hour and a half.  Not only did this program align with Indiana’s Academic Standards, but it was brought to our students in a very real, honest, understandable, and personal manner.  I would heartily recommend this program to other schools without reservation.” 

Jack Cartwright, Dubois Elementary and Celestine Elementary Principal

“Mr. Roberts did an outstanding job by keeping the students attention for the entire one and half hours.  He was very well educated in his area and did a marvelous job integrating various subject matters.  He had fantastic visuals and was extremely well prepared.  Our students, as well as teachers, walked away learning valuable lessons in dealing with wildlife and the great outdoors.  Our teachers thoroughly enjoyed how educational and fun the program was for them and their students.  They highly recommended the program to anyone wanting to learn about wildlife and the great outdoors.  As an educator, I believe in reaching out to students in a way that is fun and exciting.  I feel the HHYF has found a way to do just that.  This program ties together many different subjects and offers something new and fun for students to get excited about.  I would love to see this program being offered to other students in our public schools across Indiana.” 

Jamie Hudson - Bedford Middle School Teacher

“The HHYF conservation education program will provide current and future generations a connection with Indiana's great outdoors.  The teaching of respect for our natural resources, as well as the use of strong stewardship practices, makes this a program very worthy of the state's support.  Thank you for all that you have done.” 

Rebecca S. Skillman - Lieutenant Governor of Indiana and

Kyle Hupfer - Director of Department of Natural Resources

“I am writing in regards to the HHYF.  We have had the educational component of this program, Return to Nature, led by Mr. Mike Roberts.  The students and teachers have thoroughly enjoyed this program. They have learned more about the importance of resource conservation, beauty of the natural environment, and need for responsible stewardship through this program.   Mr. Roberts is an outstanding presenter and gave our students, teachers, and staff better understanding of the "great outdoors."  It is great anytime our students can learn Indiana Academic Standards through a unique program that is enjoyable.  This program coincides with Standard 4 of the fourth grade Indiana Academic Science Standards - The Living Environment.  More specifically, standards 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, and 4.4.6 are introduced or reviewed sometime during his program.”  

Tad Powless - Oakdale Elementary Principal