Press Release by Shirley Heinze Land Trust:
Valparaiso, IN—Save the Dunes 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. This strategic transfer allows Save the Dunes to focus its resources on supporting Indiana Dunes National Park and advancing its advocacy and community outreach work, while SHLT utilizes its expertise and experience to continue the stewardship and preservation of these significant 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.”
With this collaboration, SHLT is able to expand its reach into new communities like Long Beach. Invasive species management is often a monumental task for conservationists to undertake, and this development allows SHLT staff and volunteers to aid Save the Dunes with invasive species management among other critical tasks for land and native species preservation.
“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 northwestern Indiana preserved by SHLT, such as Lydick Bog in South Bend, Ambler Flatwoods in Michigan City, Meadowbrook in Valparaiso, and Cressmoor Prairie in Hobart.