From preparing for extreme storms to training the next generation of sustainability leaders, the IU Environmental Resilience Institute has been collaborating with organizations across Fort Wayne and Allen County since day one, connecting community stakeholders to essential capacity, resources, and knowledge.
Together, we are working to accelerate the adoption of climate solutions that bolster community resilience and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.
Through ERI’s Resilience Cohort, Fort Wayne conducted its first community greenhouse gas inventory, data that is informing emissions reduction strategies.
View the report
To guide the city’s climate action and adaptation plan, Fort Wayne evaluated its preparedness using ERI’s Hoosier Resilience Index Readiness Assessment.
Explore the resource
Fort Wayne partnered with ERI to assess the health of its tree canopy and create a roadmap for adding trees to protect against climate impacts, such as flooding and extreme heat.
Read about the cohortAs part of the most comprehensive statewide survey on environmental attitudes every conducted, ERI-affiliated researchers captured a snapshot of what Fort Wayne residents are doing and what policies they support to address climate change.
ERI-affiliated researchers are leading a collaboration between social scientists and biologists to study farmer decision making and the presence of soil microbes that help plants tolerate drought.
Through paid professional development workshops, ERI and IU partners are connecting K-12 teachers to age-appropriate curriculum on climate and environmental science.
Urban green infrastructure, such as trees, rain gardens, and bioswales, plays an important role in boosting community resilience by preventing flooding, filtering water, and cooling neighborhood streets. Mapping tools, such as the Indiana Green City Mapper, can help communities identify areas that would benefit from these green assets.
As a McKinney Climate Fellow with Fort Wayne City Utilities, Hannah Walker helped manage the City Utilities Grease Cooperative, a program that works with local restaurants to reduce sewer line maintenance costs and provide a sustainable energy source for water treatment.
The experience opened her eyes to the leading role that local government can play in boosting energy efficiency and facilitating positive change in people's lives.
After graduation, Walker returned to Allen County to work as the town manger of Huntertown. Now, she’s applying her sustainability knowledge and skills to lead the community.
“Working with Fort Wayne City Utilities taught me that there are a lot of people out there who are ready for change and ready for sustainability work," Walker said.
