The Barker House and Barker Woods figure prominently in the history of Shirley Heinze Land Trust and, together, are a testament to the spirit of not-for-profit conservation efforts in northwestern Indiana. Each has its own interesting story, but, first, here are a few words about the home’s original owner, Marjory Clark Barker, and her daughter,
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No one has been more committed to Shirley Heinze Land Trust than our dear friend and Life Board Member, Myrna Newgent. The following article about her appeared in the Spring 2026 Annual Report Edition of the Porter County Community Foundation newsletter. It is a fitting tribute to a wonderful and talented woman who has been
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This story, by author and Long Beach resident David Hoppe, was written in the fall of 2019 and first appeared in his book, Letters from Michiana: Reflections along Lake Michigan’s Southern Shore. In March of 2026, when Shirley Heinze Land Trust acquired Stockwell Woods from Save the Dunes, David recited the story as part of
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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
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Poems by Dale Nichols The Return of the Sandhill Cranes Against a crisp blue sky Where the sun and the wind have arisen I harken their voice in the distance Tiny specks I just barely envision Legions in v-formations Parading from wing to wing Back at last from fall migrations As harbingers of spring Loudly
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This year, Shirley Heinze Land Trust is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and we’ve launched a series called “45 Stories for 45 Years.” Throughout 2026, we are sharing stories about our organization, the people who make our work possible, and the land we protect. On Friday, May 1, Evie Kirkwood (Shirley Heinze Land Trust Board President)
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My name is Sharon Kenning, and I’ve lived in Northwest Indiana all my life, starting out in the Miller area of Gary, Lowell, and the last 46 years in rural Valparaiso. My husband and I have 10 acres of mostly wooded property and some old farm fields. I have always enjoyed wildflowers, gardening, traveling, and
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