Shirley Heinze Land Trust likes to refer to three of our properties as “Conservation Destinations” because of the major access improvements we have made to them to support engagement with local communities. The following article, which appeared in the Indiana Land Protection Alliance publication, State of the Lands 2026, features those properties and improvements. Shirley Heinze is a proud member of the ILPA, and we greatly appreciate all it does to support the broader land conservation community in the state of Indiana. Subheadings have been added for readability.
For Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT), conservation has always been about “land and.” Land and creating spaces where all people belong. Land and a deep, inspired relationship to our home here in northwestern Indiana. With the recent completion of major access improvements at Ivanhoe South, Meadowbrook, and Lydick Bog Nature Preserves, SHLT has invested in years of community engagement and vision. The result is places that support ecological integrity and community life.
Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve – Gary, Indiana
At Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve in Gary, access improvements were shaped directly by the needs and voices of the surrounding community. Located adjacent to West Side Leadership Academy and within a historically under-served neighborhood, the preserve holds a rare remnant dune and swale ecosystem, alongside enormous potential for community impact. Through conversations with residents, educators, and partners, it became clear that physical barriers, such as the lack of a safe walking route and limited gathering space, were preventing people from fully experiencing what was right in their backyard.
By installing sidewalks connecting the school to the preserve, expanding the parking area, and creating accessible trail features, SHLT helped transform Ivanhoe South into a shared space. Boardwalks now cross the swales safely, lighting improves comfort and sense of safety, and a pavilion provides a place for students, families, and neighbors to gather. These improvements built trust and grew support by demonstrating SHLT’s commitment to inclusion, access, and long-term partnership. Today, Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve is better equipped to function as a hub for environmental education, outdoor learning, and community programming.
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve – Valparaiso, Indiana
A similar community-driven approach guided recent improvements at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso. As Meadowbrook grew into one of SHLT’s most visited preserves, visitors expressed a desire for clearer navigation, gathering spaces, and opportunities to engage more deeply through programming. In response, SHLT invested in redesigned trail maps with intuitive loop systems, a new trailhead kiosk, and the addition of an amphitheater that nestles within the natural landscape.
Since its completion, the Meadowbrook Amphitheater has become a focal point for community life. Events ranging from family-friendly wildlife programs to live music and seasonal nature experiences have drawn hundreds of visitors. These gatherings have reinforced Meadowbrook as a welcoming place for all people. Importantly, the amphitheater has expanded SHLT’s ability to collaborate with educators, artists, musicians, and partner organizations, strengthening the organization’s role as a conservation leader and a community convener.
Lydick Bog Nature Preserve – South Bend, Indiana
At Lydick Bog in St. Joseph County, improvements centered on balancing access with preservation. As one of the rarest wetland types in Indiana, the bog’s fragile ecosystem required careful planning. Visitors and supporters shared a desire to experience the landscape firsthand while ensuring it remained protected for future generations. The completion of the elevated boardwalk achieved that balance, allowing visitors to explore kettle lakes, wildflowers, and unique plants without disturbing sensitive habitats.
The addition of a pavilion further supports educational use, providing space for school groups, families, and volunteers to gather and learn. Our neighbors also played a role in restoration efforts, helping to plant native species and reseed areas impacted by construction. These shared stewardship efforts have deepened community ownership of Lydick Bog, reinforcing the idea that conservation is a collective responsibility.
Engaging Community with Conservation
Together, these projects have reshaped both SHLT’s approach and how communities engage with conservation. Beyond land protection, the organization’s focus has expanded to include designing spaces that encourage learning, recreation, and connection. Improved accessibility has increased visitation, strengthened partnerships with schools and local organizations, and made it possible to offer more inclusive programming across all three preserves.
Most importantly, these investments have created places where people feel a sense of belonging, where nature is not unreachable, but integrated into daily life. By listening to community voices and responding with thoughtful, inclusive design, SHLT has demonstrated that conservation succeeds best when people are part of the story. Ivanhoe South, Meadowbrook, and Lydick Bog now stand as living examples of how access improvements can protect natural resources while uplifting the communities they serve.