In Lake County, Shirley Heinze Land Trust recently held a ribbon-cutting at Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, on Colfax Street in Gary. “We are grateful for everyone who made this project possible, including Northwest Indiana Forum’s Ignite the Region Strategy and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development (READI) grant, Legacy Foundation’s John S. and James L. Knight Donor Advised Fund, and the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said Kris Krouse, Executive Director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “Students at West Side Leadership Academy will have opportunities to experience their education in new and creative ways for additional enrichment. We’re also excited to provide community members with an improved way to experience this globally rare dune and swale habitat right here in their hometown.” Attendees got to see the new pavilion, parking area, and boardwalks and a sidewalk connecting West Side Leadership Academy to Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve for ongoing educational purposes. Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust says it has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, about 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public. Here is a link for more information — https://heinzetrust.org/ .
Shirley Heinze Land Trust Dedication Event, Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve
Nov 7, 2025 | 9:16 AM







