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, and Marshall 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.
The Bringing Nature Home Award recognizes the efforts of those who are creating healthier habitats for pollinators, wildlife, and people.
Submit your native plant garden for the Bringing Nature Home Award today!
Explore our neighboring nature preserves who are partners in conservation. Learn about rare plants and migrating birds from hikes led by regional experts. Tickets are $25 each. Spots fill up quickly, so sign up today!
Take a Walk With Shirley
Take a look at all of the events we're hosting (left), and visit the Nature in the Arts page to see our upcoming virtual events.
We hope to see you this summer!
Explore our neighboring nature preserves who are partners in conservation. Learn about rare plants and migrating birds from hikes led by regional experts. Tickets are $25 each. Spots fill up quickly, so sign up today!
Take a Walk With Shirley
Through our new initiative, Activating Green Spaces, we aim to provide environmental education and outdoor experiences for underrepresented communities in Gary, IN.
Explore our neighboring nature preserves who are partners in conservation. Learn about rare plants and migrating birds from hikes led by regional experts. Tickets are $25 each. Spots fill up quickly, so sign up today!
Take a Walk With Shirley
Thanks to NIPSCO for providing grant funding for this project, and to our partners Brown Faces Green Spaces, Aetna Manor Revitalization Program, Gary Community School Corporation, West Side Leadership Academy, and the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, INC.
Learn about these beautiful and beneficial insects with local moth enthusiast Chris Joll and Shirley Heinze staff at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve. You'll get an up-close look at moths and other nighttime critters!
Channel your inner artist with our Nature in the Arts series! Visit us at Ambler to walk in the woods and create a personalized field guide of your observations.
Create nature-inspired art with us! We are excited to partner with the Art Barn School of Art in leading a nature collage workshop, while the Chesterton Art Center shows you how to make your own magic through a DIY nature wand.
Support Shirley Heinze Land Trust in preserving natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana by attending our annual Walks With Shirley and Friends hiking series. These guided hikes are held at a variety of outstanding habitats across northwestern Indiana. Attendees will gain a wealth of knowledge
Watch plein air painters in action as they draw inspiration from their surroundings at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve. Channel your inner artist with an art activity for all ages, led by the Art Barn School of Art.
