Welcome new Regional Specialist, Ronda Spaulding!

The State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) welcomes Ronda Spaulding as a new Regional Specialist for Northwest Indiana. She began work on September 5, 2023, for the state-wide Indiana Invasives Initiative project. The counties she will cover include St. Joseph, Starke, Pulaski, Marshall, Fulton, Cass, and Carroll.

Spaulding is a long-time, devoted gardener and nature lover. She and her family have embarked in recent years on restoring their property’s woodland and wetland in northern Indiana. Restoration is slow, but she has witnessed first-hand the visible benefits of every effort. She was awarded the northwest region Weed Wrangler Award at the 2023 Indiana Invasive Species Conference for the progress made thus far. Understanding the importance of providing space for native plants and controlling invasive species on our private and public lands has developed into a strong commitment to undoing years of poor planting choices and land management decisions.

Her experience includes many years with a growing not-for-profit, serving in various roles coordinating program services, assisting administration, and participating in development.  She volunteers with several other organizations in the community and enjoys helping others.  She is looking forward to working for the Indiana Invasives Initiative and collaborating with community partners to develop strong Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) that will help conserve land for future generations.

Stephanie Schuck, Executive Director of SICIM, which sponsors the state-wide Indiana Invasives Initiative, is honored to have Spaulding on board. She is one of seven Regional Specialists now working throughout the state. Schuck notes, “Ronda has an enthusiasm that is infectious. She has practical experience as a landowner with invasive species management and has worked extensively in the non-profit world. She can bring people together and has a deep understanding of the importance of protecting and restoring Indiana’s natural areas. We are so lucky to have her and look forward to the work she will accomplish.”

The SICIM board and staff will continue to strengthen the young CISMAs and be the catalyst to help get new ones started. Building local CISMA teams helps increase the awareness of the harm invasive species bring to our natural landscapes.

Download the press release here.