2018 was a remarkable year in the history of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, a year in which we were honored to receive both the Indiana Governor’s Award of Environmental Excellence and the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) National Excellence Award. Reprinted below is an article published in the Chesterton Tribune about the Governor’s Award, followed by an LTA release about its award which includes, at the end, a link to a wonderful three-minute award video that was broadcast at the event.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust and the Indiana Governor’s Award of Environmental Excellence
The Shirley Heinze Land Trust was honored with the Indiana Governor’s Award of Environmental Excellence in 2018 for its work in the Land Use/Conservation category, specifically for the Little Calumet River Corridor project.
Award Details
Presented by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the Governor’s Award recognizes Indiana leaders who have implemented innovative environmental practices with measurable results. The award is open to all Indiana facilities, state and local governments, individuals, and technical assistance organizations.
Project Achievements
The Little Calumet River Corridor project:
- Restored historically abundant wetlands that once performed vital hydrological and ecological functions.
- Achieved Indiana Bicentennial Nature Trust Conservation Area designation with support from over 30 partner agencies and organizations.
- Helped mitigate habitat fragmentation and advance a broader conservation vision.
- Improved water quality and stormwater management for the community.
- Reopened a significant portion of the 12-mile waterway for public recreation – the first time in over 30 years paddlers could freely use it.
Broader Impact
This work exemplifies Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s mission to preserve and restore natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana, and to engage people in conservation. The project not only enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem health but also strengthened the community access to and enjoyment of natural resources.
The National Land Trust Excellence Award
In 2018, Shirley Heinze Land Trust was honored with the Land Trust Alliance’s National Land Trust Excellence Award at Rally 2018: The National Land Conservation Conference in Pittsburgh. This peer-nominated award recognized the Trust’s innovation, dedication, and impact in protecting land and water, serving large populations, and conserving a wide spectrum of biodiversity.
The award celebrated Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s work in:
- Conservation priorities such as agricultural land, forests, and wildlife habitat.
- Community engagement through volunteer programs, public access, and educational events.
- Collaboration with partners like Ducks Unlimited and the Chesterton Art Center to expand conservation and public connection.
Legacy and Recognition
The Land Trust Alliance’s Excellence Award was a significant milestone for SHLT, highlighting its role as a leading land trust in Indiana and its contributions to the broader conservation community. While the Alliance has since retired the award program, its legacy continues to inspire Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s mission and outreach.
For more details, you can view the award video on the Land Trust Alliance’s YouTube channel.