Save the Dunes says it has officially transferred ownership of several conservation properties to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, including Sebert Forks preserve and Trail Creek Fen preserve in Michigan City, Stockwell Woods and adjacent land in Long Beach, and other smaller properties in Gary and Lake Station. Save the Dunes said this strategic transfer allows it to focus its resources on supporting Indiana Dunes National Park and advancing its advocacy and community outreach work, while Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) utilizes its expertise and experience to continue the stewardship and preservation of these natural areas.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to continue our conservation efforts at additional locations, and to have the trust given by Save the Dunes to do so,” said Kris Krouse, Executive Director of Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “Our organizations are committed to preserving the land in northwestern Indiana, and this partnership will allow both organizations to unite efforts in beneficial and impactful ways.”
“Shirley Heinze Land Trust has long been a trusted conservation partner, and we couldn’t be more excited to see these five properties placed in their care,” said Betsy Maher, Executive Director of Save the Dunes. “This partnership ensures these landscapes will be permanently protected and thoughtfully stewarded for generations to come.” These locations will join several others in northwest Indiana preserved by SHLT, such as Lydick Bog in South Bend, Ambler Flatwoods in Michigan City, Meadowbrook in Valparaiso, and Cressmoor Prairie in Hobart.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust says it has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana since 1981 and today about 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of them open to the public to explore and enjoy.
