Well-known local artist and podcaster Suzy Vance first met Executive Director Kris Krouse in his early days at Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Seventeen years later, in her series Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living, Suzy interviewed Kris about his journey and path from college to leading one of the strongest voices for conservation in the region. We thank Suzy for her long-time support of Shirley Heinze and for allowing us to share the podcast along with a few of her personal observations that follow.
“I first became aware of Shirley Heinze Land Trust when a neighbor of mine in Beverly Shores asked us to help raise money for the organization. I was busy consulting with medical entrepreneurs and small local businesses, having just moved from Chicago. I shied away from that commitment but agreed to attend the annual fundraiser being held at Tryon Farm.
“The night of the event, it poured buckets and buckets of rain. Nevertheless, as is common with this organization, we pressed on. It was that night that I met Kristopher Krouse for the first time. He was the new, and some have said, ‘wet behind the ears’ Executive Director of the organization. After all, he was only 25 in 2005. Then someone said they thought it would be great if I would help ‘connect him with people in Michigan City.’
“I responded by inviting Kris to attend a Rotary Club meeting in Michigan City and even urged him to become a member. This was the beginning of my relationship with Kris and my commitment to Shirley Heinze Land Trust.
“This young man has inspired many over the years with his wealth of knowledge, his willingness to learn, and his demand for commitment from others and growth of what we commonly call ‘Shirley.’
“My interview with Kris back in June of 2022 follows. I hope you enjoy it half as much as I did working with Kris to create it!” – Suzy Vance