Celebrating Conservation Leadership: Jane Santucci Awarded Conservationist of the Year

Ouabache Land Conservancy is proud to announce that the 2026 Marion T. Jackson Conservationist of the Year Award has been awarded to Jane Santucci.

This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding work in promoting conservation of our natural areas.

It is named in honor of its first recipient, former OLC board member, Dr. Marion T. Jackson, who passed away in 2019. Marion served as a Life Science professor at Indiana State University for 37 years and mentored many students who went on to become conservationists. He spent summers working for the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He authored several books on Indiana's natural heritage and biodiversity and held leadership roles in numerous conservation organizations, including the Indiana Academy of Science.

Jane’s dedication, leadership, and passion for connecting people to place continue to leave a lasting impact on conservation efforts across our region.
Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor!