Got Nature? Blog

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: This fall marks the conclusion of the fourth consecutive year of the American Citizen Planner – Indiana program. Launched during the pandemic in 2020, the program has successfully been offered statewide twice a year and has trained more than 250 community leaders. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, such as elected officials, professional planners, members of plan commissions, boards of zoning appeals, surveyors, engineers, and engaged citizens interested in local planning issues.

Tailored for Indiana’s planning statutes by the Purdue Land Use Team, the program has evolved to include new modules on Environmental Planning and Community Engagement, Enhancing Equity in Planning, and features invited guest speakers, alongside 28 online content modules. The core curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for planning including ethics, decision making, a wide range of comprehensive planning and zoning topics, and engaging the public in the planning process. Registration for the 16-week virtual program opens each February and July, with Purdue Extension educators meeting with participants online four times throughout the course to facilitate discussions and interactive scenarios.

Feedback from participants underscores the program’s positive impact on their communities. A recent long-term follow-up survey revealed that many have utilized their newfound knowledge to update codes and ordinances, incorporate natural resource planning, and about 75% indicated they would share insights with their peers. One participant noted, “As a member of the town council in a community of about 230, this course has greatly enhanced my understanding of the planning process in our county. I feel much better equipped to evaluate zoning requests and look forward to leveraging planning to further develop our community!” Those who complete all course requirements are eligible to take the comprehensive exam and earn a course certificate.

The American Citizen Planner – Indiana program is available in your community. Follow Extension’s social media for registration updates and reach out to your local ANR educator to request an in-person workshop.

Resources:
Implementation Examples of Smart Growth Strategies in Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Conservation Through Community Leadership, The Education Store
Climate Change and Sustainable Development, The Education Store
Climate Change: Are you preparing for it?, The Education Store
Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces: Creating Healthy Communities, The Education Store
One Water Approach to Water Resources Management, The Education Store
Community Soundscape Planning Guide: Controlling Noise & Protecting Natural & Cultural Sonic Spaces, The Education Store
Agricultural Best Management Practices, The Education Store
Urban Best Management & Low Impact Development Practices, The Education Store
Rainscaping Education Program, Purdue Extension
Conservation Through Community Leadership, Sustainable Communities Extension Program (SCEP)
Community Planning Playlist, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Rainscaping and Rain Gardens, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Conservation through Community Leadership, Purdue Extension You Tube Channel
Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces Program, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tipping Point Planner, Purdue Agriculture YouTube Channel
Indiana Creek Watershed Project – Keys to Success, Partnerships and People, Purdue Extension You Tube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan Walker, Community Development regional Educator
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant/Purdue Extension

Kara Salazar, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development and Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant/Purdue Extension