Welcome Land Preservation Director Tom Swinford

A warm welcome to Tom Swinford, our new Land Preservation Director! Tom may be a familiar face to some, having had a long career in conservation in Indiana. He has worked at the state, federal and non-profit level in protecting, restoring, and growing support for our natural places. Tom is honored and energized to join Sycamore’s wonderful staff, board, and community in protecting our beautiful and important landscapes.

Tom Swinford, Land Preservation Director

Tom grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His passion for nature and preservation started early thanks to family, travel, city parks, and great teachers. He received his BS in Biology degree from Purdue Fort Wayne where he had opportunities to work in water quality and stream insects.

Upon graduation, Tom jumped right into a series of field positions with DNR Nature Preserves performing habitat restoration from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River. Next came a stint with the National Park Service at the Indiana Dunes where his love of botany blossomed. He coauthored a publication on dragonflies and damselflies, starting a lifelong interest.

Tom found his home in DNR Nature Preserves, spending 29 years of his career there before retiring in 2021. In that time Tom went from Central Region Ecologist to becoming Assistant Director with responsibilities for 50,000 acres and 8 field offices and staff. He received highest honors including the Lieber Recognition of Excellence in 2000, and the State Award of Excellence in 2010. Working with DNR Nature Preserves’ outstanding leadership, team, and mission was a wonderful time of great personal and professional growth.  In 2022 Tom assumed Director of Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy where he enjoyed success in fundraising for habitat restoration.

Tom has interests in community, education, photography, and a lifetime of basement jam bands. He lives in Indianapolis in a Craftsman bungalow with his wife Brittany and chihuahua, Beasley.