The Trust is one of a few grantmakers in Arizona and Indiana that partners with organizations working on behalf of the environment. From the broad reaches of the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the unique Brown County Hills in Indiana, Trust grants range from hands-on restoration and conservation efforts to environmental education for youth and adults alike.

To ensure that the Trust's grantmaking is meeting its mission, staff studied the efforts of environmental organizations in each state. We wanted to understand each state's environmental issues and needs, and to take inventory of the environmental community. These issues came up for consideration:

- Environmental education
- Stewardship (and use) of public and private lands
- Fragmentation and loss of native habitat
- Growth and urban sprawl
- Water consumption (Arizona)
- Water quality (Indiana)

The Trust decided to focus on an area that most agree requires attention in both states - environmental education. An evaluation of environmental education in Arizona and Indiana culminated in meetings with environmental educators and nonprofit professionals in each state. Historically, the approach to environmental education is academic, with a focus on classroom lecturing and teaching. Outside experiential programs can help strengthen both individual and community environmental awareness, and they can also assist teachers in their formal environmental instruction. However, there remains a gap between teaching environmental education and providing hands-on experiences with nature that encourage both an intellectual and emotional connection. Furthermore, the study of the science of nature often does not recognize the link between the well-being of nature and that of human cultures and economies. The Trust is encouraged by the existing activity in education, but there are considerable opportunities to address environmental issues on a much larger scale and perhaps instill a lasting environmental ethic within our communities.

To provide more clarity to the Trust's program, our Environmental Funding Criteria are now in place. Although primarily interested in programs benefiting the metropolitan areas of Indianapolis and Phoenix, the Trust looks at projects that may have statewide impact or address critical issues that would provide unique models for broader application.

Nina Mason Pulliam was a lover of animals and nature, and much of our past funding targeted conservation and access to some very special places, allowing for the critical linkage of people to the environment. In Indiana, the Brown County Hills are a treasure offering not only recreation, but also an important sanctuary for many rare plants and animals. The Brown County Hills Project is an example of applying science and collaboration towards successful conservation. The Trust provided funding to support community education and landowner outreach efforts to conserve and enhance the natural environment of the region. The Grand Canyon is known worldwide as a "must see" destination for many who visit Arizona. Beyond its famous vistas, the Canyon also plays host to many threatened species, and the vulnerable water that carved this special place. In order to improve access for visitors, the Trust partnered with the Grand Canyon National Park Foundation to create the Greenway Trail System. This remarkable trail system along the Canyon's south rim is also designed for people with disabilities. This trail brings people closer to nature, and it combines the economies of conservation and recreation with education.