Lydick Bog (Photo provided)
In South Bend, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) joined Shirley Heinze Land Trust and local partners this spring to celebrate the expansion of Lydick Bog Nature Preserve – one of the last remaining sphagnum bog habitats in the state. The expansion added 93 acres of protected land. Lydick Bog, owned and managed by Shirley Heinze Land Trust, is a state-dedicated nature preserve, protecting a number of unique plant species, like large cranberry. Marsh and kettle hole wetlands – glacier-carved depressions that collect water from the surrounding hills – are also permanently protected. Mixed upland forests and oak and hickory savannas inhabit the woodlands.
“Indiana is proud to partner with Shirley Heinze Land Trust to celebrate the expansion of land permanently protected at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This protection reflects our commitment to preserving Indiana’s most unique natural places for all Hoosiers to enjoy.”
“Lydick Bog is one of the true natural treasures of northern Indiana, and this expansion allows us to protect more of its landscape while inviting people to enjoy the preserve,” said Kris Krouse, executive director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “We’re grateful for the partnerships that made this possible, and we are excited to welcome the community to enjoy the new trail and natural space.”
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources purchased a conservation easement at this site totaling $250,000 for 93 acres with funding from the Next Level Conservation Trust. DNR previously acquired a conservation easement over an adjacent 176 acres in 2019. These conservation easements permanently protect the land for conservation, a news release said. The ribbon cutting ceremony recognized the many partners and funders who made the 93-acre addition to the protected property and trail enhancements possible.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust has made public access to this area a priority. “This expansion is a wonderful demonstration of how an ecological asset can be made into a community asset for the public to enjoy,” Krouse said.
The St. Joseph County Council and Commissioners contributed to the acquisition funding of the project, and the St. Joseph Community Foundation provided funding for the trail system expansion. Shirley Heinze Land Trust says it will continue its stewardship of Lydick Bog by restoring habitats, protecting its biodiversity, and creating meaningful ways for community members to connect with this rare natural area.
For a list of free public programs, visit heinzetrust.org/events . Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, more than 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 to explore and enjoy.
