Shirley Heinze Land Trust recently held its 40th Anniversary Spring Benefit. The week-long event was presented from May 24 through May 29, 2021, with daily video stories that celebrated the organization’s achievements and highlighted exciting new initiatives to promote climate resiliency, establish conservation destinations at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso and Lydick Bog Nature Preserve in St. Joseph County, and connect communities to nature throughout northwestern Indiana. The program was shared with participants through email, social media, and on the organization’s website. The videos remain available for viewing at https://heinzetrust.org/spring-benefit-landing-page.
A special challenge gift was generously donated by six donors: Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Cleveland-Cliffs, CAPTRUST, Dale and Nancy Nichols, Leslie Shad and Joe Brennan, and Mary Ann Tittle. Additional event sponsors included 1st Source Bank, Konrady Plastics, Kuraray, and Horizon Bank. Funds raised support the Land Trust’s mission to preserve and restore natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana, and to engage people in nature and conservation.
Executive Director Kris Krouse said, “For four decades, our supporters have helped Shirley Heinze Land Trust grow and evolve from a humble all-volunteer organization to a staff-driven, nationally recognized land trust. Despite the unique challenges of the past year, we are making significant progress advancing conservation goals for the broader community, and look forward to the next forty years of our story.”
Board President Larry Stanton said, “Thanks to the support of our contributors and the great work of our staff, Shirley Heinze is poised to do great things in the coming years.”
Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has preserved more than 2,700 acres of precious natural lands, wetlands, and waters across northwestern Indiana communities; engaged thousands of residents and visitors in local nature and conservation through outreach and educational programming; and provided countless opportunities for all ages to experience, explore, and feel inspired by nature.
For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit www.heinzetrust.org, call (219) 242-8558, or access its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust.