A huge milestone was reached with the donation of 80 acres of land by the late Collis C. Hooks. This generous contribution brings the total acreage preserved by the Trust to an impressive 3,500 acres, further strengthening our mission to preserve and restore natural lands and waters across northwestern Indiana and engage people in nature in conservation.
This land donation will provide crucial support for the restoration of local ecosystems, the protection of wildlife habitats, and the preservation of open spaces for future generations. Plans for the future management of the property include ongoing stewardship efforts to maintain its ecological health, with a focus on sustainable practices.
Additionally, we intend to explore opportunities for future public access to the site, providing local residents with an enriching experience in nature while ensuring that the land is carefully managed for ecological sustainability.
We are incredibly grateful to Collis for this generous donation, the years of work he put into restoring and stewarding his property and his amazing foresight to ensure that the property was preserved in perpetuity for the benefit of the region. We hope to honor Collis through our efforts to continue his work on the land.
Collis was a dedicated member of our Legacy Circle Program, a group of individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the natural lands and waters of northwestern Indiana by including Shirley Heinze Land Trust in their estate plans. His legacy and dedication to conservation will continue to inspire our work for years to come.
To learn more about how you can become a part of our Legacy Circle and make a lasting impact on the preservation of natural lands in our region, please reach out at (219)242-8558.