



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.



Submit your native plant garden for the Bringing Nature Home Award today!
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!
Bringing Nature Home Award
Applications Due August 20th
Bringing Nature Home Award
Applications Due August 20th
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!
Shirley Heinze is hosting free, public, family-friendly arts events in 2022!
Nature in the Arts
Shirley Heinze is hosting free, public, family-friendly arts events in 2022!
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.
Take a look at all of the events we're hosting (above), and visit the Nature in the Arts page to see our upcoming virtual events.
Through our new initiative, Activating Green Spaces, we aim to provide environmental education and outdoor experiences for underrepresented communities in Gary, IN.
Activating Green Spaces
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.
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.
We're striving for equity in the outdoors.
Through our new initiative, Activating Green Spaces, we aim to provide environmental education and outdoor experiences for underrepresented communities in Gary, IN.
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.
We're striving for equity in the outdoors.
Through our new initiative, Activating Green Spaces, we aim to provide environmental education and outdoor experiences for underrepresented communities in Gary, IN.
Activating Green Spaces

This season the marsh has blessed us with a bumper crop of this easy-to-collect seed, and staff would like to harvest as much of it as possible.

Join us on the first and third Monday of every month as we work on a variety of projects at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve to improve and beautify the preserve.

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.
Experience one of the rarest habitats in the world at Lydick Bog! Join local naturalists Steve Sass and Amanda Smith of Indiana Nature to learn all about the bog.

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







