The Woman Behind the Watershed
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Lyn Crighton Celebrates 18 Years at The Watershed Foundation!
A Lifelong Connection to the Lakes
Born and raised in Kosciusko County, Lyn Crighton has always been connected to the water. Her mother, Becky Hartman, recalls, “Lyn was out on the sandbar when she was just two months old!”
Growing up, Lyn spent weekends at her grandparents’ lakefront property and, as a teenager, helped her parents search for a home on Lake Tippecanoe—where her lifelong love for lakes began. Today, she still calls Lake Tippecanoe home.
Lyn Crighton’s Career in Conservation
In 1990, Lyn began attending Indiana University, where she would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Environmental Science and Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science- Water Resources and International Environmental Policy.
As Lyn was earning her Master’s, she completed a summer internship in Lake Oswego, Oregon. There she served as the Lake Manager for Lake Oswego.
During this time, Lyn traveled and hiked throughout the Pacific Northwest.
While Lyn was attending graduate school at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), she worked for the Indiana Clean Lakes Program, where she sampled lakes around the state and supported Indiana’s volunteer monitoring program.
The next summer, Lyn worked for USGS and the National Park Service, developing a monitoring program for the inland lakes of the Great Lakes National Parks.
Her fieldwork included sampling the lake on Isle Royale, an island located on Lake Superior!
Lyn started at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1998 and worked as the Hoosier Riverwatch statewide coordinator for nearly a decade.
Lyn joined The Watershed Foundation as Executive Director in 2007.
In 2010, Lyn co-founded Clear Choices Clean Water (CCCW), an award-winning program designed to increase awareness about the choices we make and the impacts they have on our streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Today, she continues to lead TWF as its Executive Director!
Leading The Watershed Foundation
When Lyn joined TWF 18 years ago, she came home to the lakes that inspired her education and career. She brought her fiery passion for protecting the lakes and a wealth of scientific knowledge and experience.
Under Lyn’s direction, TWF has evolved into an organization known for collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact in the watershed. Her experience and expertise have defined the organization. She finds joy in working with all of the amazing people who love our lakes and support TWF, from our staff to our Board to our partners.
When she’s not advocating for lakes she loves, she’s likely found out on them—water skiing at sunrise, kayaking, paddle boarding, or soaking up the sun with friends and family.
Those who have worked alongside Lyn describe her as passionate, knowledgeable, and inspiring—a dynamic leader. For nearly two decades, Lyn has protected our watershed and influenced an enthusiastic community to share her vision.
“Thank you, Lyn, for choosing to dedicate your professional life to the upper Tippecanoe River watershed. Your expertise in lake and stream management, coupled with your leadership skills and friendliness, is leaving a positive impact on our water quality.”
Aggie Sweeney, Board Member 2022-Present
“Lyn is very knowledgeable. She has a gift for generating enthusiasm when she speaks. And she makes people enthusiastic about doing the right thing for the lakes.”
Chuck Brinkman, TWF Board Member 2006-2017, Emeritus Board Member
“I remember how excited I was when I first heard that Lyn was going to be the new director. As TWF has grown and evolved, she’s always been the main cheerleader, moving everyone forward. What a treasure! Over the twenty years that we lived and worked in the watershed, Lyn was my good friend, teacher, and solid supporter.”
Jane Loomis, TWF Board Member 2007-2014
“Lyn has facilitated the growth of TWF from a volunteer-run organization to a hugely successful non-profit with a professional staff and mature board, which now completes about 30 projects each year. Lyn has led with enthusiasm, professionalism, and grace for 18 years. It has been a pleasure to work with her to help her reach TWF’s goals.”
Natalie Fierek, TWF Board Member 2010-2024, Emeritus Board Member
Join us in celebrating 18 years!
