INDIANA— The Indiana environmental community is mourning the loss of Andy Mahler, a pivotal figure in the regional and national forest movements. Mahler passed away peacefully in his bed early Saturday morning after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer last year.
June 21, 1951 — August 30, 2025
A beloved founder of the regional nonprofit Heartwood, Mahler was known for his significant contributions to creating some of the most environmentally friendly legislation in the country regarding public lands. Heartwood released a statement noting Mahler’s peaceful passing and the “tremendous outpourings of posts with tributes and stories of how Andy inspired so many to live a life seeking the greatest harmony with the wild and natural world.”
Mahler’s legacy will be further honored with a posthumous Sagamore of the Wabash award, a high honor in Indiana, which has yet to be formally announced. He had already been named a Kentucky Colonel.
For those who wish to remember Andy Mahler, a photo album of his life is available, courtesy of Steven Higgs and Protect Our Woods. You can view it here: Andy Mahler, Vintage Family Photographs. Additionally, video clips of Mahler can be found in a film teaser discussing the “incredibly hard work” of environmental activism. You can watch the video here: Video Teaser.
The environmental community will continue to advocate for the forests as Mahler would have wanted, ensuring his legacy and work are not forgotten.
