Shirley Heinze Land Trust preserves and protects natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana, engaging people in nature and conservation.
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Preserve
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Restore
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Engage
Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, more than 2,800 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of our nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy. We invite you to explore our upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to donate, and see how you can help us protect northwestern Indiana’s natural areas, bringing people and nature a little closer in the process.
We invite you to join us at the William Urschel Pavilion on Saturday May 20, 2023. Donations towards the Spring Benefit support the land conservation work of Shirley Heinze Land Trust!
We invite you to join us at the William Urschel Pavilion on Saturday May 20, 2022. Donations towards the Spring Benefit support the land conservation work of Shirley Heinze Land Trust!
On Saturday March 25th, join our free Water Quality Monitoring Training Program and learn how to test local water quality in the Little Calumet River-Galien watershed. By becoming a water quality volunteer, you will play a crucial role in helping to collect waterway data in Northwestern
This hike is no joke! In addition to learning about the history of Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, we'll discover the many ways nature tricks us. From mimicry of poisonous species to opossums playing dead, come see why nature isn't always what it seems.
We will meet at 10 am Central Time under the pavilion
Join us for drop-in volunteering at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve! No prior experience or training required: everyone is welcome to help us restore and beautify the preserve!
Join us for drop-in volunteering at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve! No prior experience or training required: everyone is welcome to help us restore and beautify the preserve!
Frogs are important indicator species and an invaluable part of the wetland habitats of Lydick Bog. Hop on over to learn more about these amazing creatures!
Shirley Heinze Land Trust had ten high school and college students participate this year with our Student Experiences in Conservation program. These experiences covered a wide variety of topics including water quality, wildlife monitoring, climate resiliency, interpretive programming, and environmental...
Porter County Soil and Water Conservation District: Partnerships Make an Impact
Porter County Soil and Water Conservation District: Partnerships Make an Impact
By the people and for the people is how the Porter County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) came to be. Hundreds of Porter County landowners successfully petitioned the State of Indiana for its creation and in 1952 the SWCD was established as a sub-division of state government. From the start,...
Tom Murphy, a Northwest Indiana farmer, partners with Shirley Heinze Land Trust on the Agricultural Land Program, developed with local farmers and agricultural organizations in order to surface resources and planning guidance to preserve NWI farmland for generations to come. Murphy has been instrumental...
From globally rare dune and swale in Gary to lovely moraine forests near Valparaiso, to one of the last remaining bogs in Indiana near South Bend, there is likely to be one of our nature preserves near your community, where you have the chance to experience the natural wonders of one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.
The generosity of individuals is the foundation of our support. Whether a few dollars, a few hundred, or more, your donations enable us to uphold our commitment to forever protect and restore lands and waters throughout northwestern Indiana. Discover the ways that you can donate money or land to support the enduring mission of Shirley Heinze Land Trust.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Whether you’d like to spend a few hours in nature by helping to maintain our trails and preserves, or assist with workshops and workdays that bring people closer to nature, or contribute behind the scenes to help Shirley Heinze Land Trust run smoothly, we need your help.
You may find us out in the field, maintaining our preserves, or at a meeting with conservation partners, or connecting with people in communities across northwestern Indiana. You may also find us in our offices, located on the edge of Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, just north of Valparaiso. Contact us today to say hello, learn more about what we do, and find out how you can help Shirley Heinze Land Trust protect natural places for generations to come.
