Meet IndyStar environment reporter Sophie Hartley
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Meet IndyStar environment reporter Sophie Hartley
Sophie Hartley is an environment and natural resources reporter for the Indianapolis Star. She grew up with an incredible local paper and loves to walk and listen to audiobooks. Hartley: “I have a deeply held (and irrational) belief that I could survive in the wilderness for a really long time. Still, I would love to be on the cast of “Alone” “I can name all of the U.S. presidents in order,” Hartley says. “My grandmother makes the world’s best ginger cookies,” she adds. “I’ve never had anything that comes close,” she says of her favorite comfort food.
What’s your job title?
Environment and natural resources reporter, thanks to the support of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
When did you join IndyStar?
I joined the newsroom in May 2025.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
While reporting on the environment, I get to witness the different ways that people interact with the natural world. I’ve interviewed hunters, bug experts, arborists and home gardeners. Learning how different people are attuned to unique aspects of the environment has helped me discover so much about the planet — and appreciate it more.
Why journalism?
I grew up with an incredible local paper. At first, I only cared about it because I wanted a puppy: I would comb through the classifieds every Sunday looking for one (my parents were not on board). But as I got older, I started to realize that reading the local paper connected me to my community in a way that I wasn’t able to find elsewhere.
What’s your favorite Indy area restaurant or hidden gem?
I like to walk down Woodlawn Avenue in Fountain Square and try to ID the trees — there are some massive trunks on that street growing precariously close to homes and buildings.
What do you do to unwind from a job that can be stressful?
I usually unwind by walking and listening to audiobooks.
What are you reading or streaming?
I’m working my way through the Pulitzer Prize winners for fiction — “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry, “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson and “American Pastoral” by Philip Roth have been highlights so far.
If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one?
I have a deeply held (and irrational) belief that I could survive in the wilderness for a really long time. I have no evidence to support this. Still, I would love to be on the cast of “Alone,” the show where they throw you into the wilderness until you tap out.
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Cats. One of my cats is a criminal, but I still adore them both.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can name all of the U.S. presidents in order.
What’s your bucket-list vacation destination?
I have been trying to go backpacking at Isle Royale for 10 years. Someday!
What’s your favorite comfort food?
My grandmother makes the world’s best ginger cookies. I’ve never had anything that comes close.