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) […]
45 Stories for 45 Years: A Priest, a Book, and Some Botanists Read More »
This article was originally written by Thaddeus Lipinski and published on February 17, 2025, by the South Bend Tribune. It’s 8:45 p.m. on a warm spring night at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve, seven miles west of South Bend. As darkness creeps over the pond, a concealed orchestra comes to life, and the bog begins to
Indiana’s Disappearing Frogs Read More »
We are excited to shares news of a 73-acre addition to Meadowbrook Nature Preserve and Conservation Center, located north of Valparaiso. The property contains SHLT’s organizational headquarters and serves as a regional conservation destination with over 300 protected acres, more than four miles of trails for passive recreation, and exceptional facilities that support educational programming.
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve Expanding by 73 Acres! Read More »
We are excited to announce a 93.78-acre addition to Lydick Bog Nature Preserve in north St. Joseph County. The new acquisition brings the total protected acreage at the property to 271 acres. Planning is underway for new trail access for visitors and residents. We are thrilled to expand Lydick Bog Nature Preserve. This is a
Lydick Bog Nature Preserve Expanding by 93 Acres! Read More »
In July of 2021, Shirley Heinze’s stewardship staff and volunteers from Cleveland Cliffs began felling trees and clearing brush to create a new trail at the front of Meadowbrook Nature Preserve. It was just one aspect of a master plan guided by a vision that included making Meadowbrook more accessible to those protected by the
Volunteers Make Way at Meadowbrook Read More »
Humans aren’t alone in adopting new routines during the winter months; the natural world falls into its own seasonal rhythm during this time of year. In this Creature Feature, we’ll explore the unique ways that three native species adapt to the cold. Shirley Heinze Land Trust nature preserves exist in a variety of habitats that
Winter Creature Feature Read More »
Nature in the Arts celebrated its third year with events at Meadowbrook, St. Francis, Ivanhoe South, and Lydick Bog Nature Preserves. Each event offered family-friendly activities and hiking opportunities that focused on the unique features of each site. Nature in the Arts at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve was a highlight this year, continuing our partnerships
The Value of Connecting to Nature through Art Read More »
November Marsh By Dale K. Nichols (Board Member) Dear friends of Shirley Heinze Land Trust: This is the ninth in a series of “snapshots” featuring our Beverly Shores/Great Marsh preserve that I began writing in March of this year. I hope you have enjoyed reading them, and that you have learned a bit about our
Shirley Heinze Snapshot 9: The Great Marsh, November 1, 2023 Read More »
Earlier this month, our community experienced the joy and wonder of nature through two engaging events organized by Shirley Heinze Land Trust. These events not only provided fun and education but also celebrated our ongoing efforts to preserve and appreciate our local natural habitats. Embracing the Great Outdoors at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve On November
Appreciation Days Were Fun for All! Read More »
Fall Asters By Dale K. Nichols (Board Member) Dear friends of Shirley Heinze Land Trust: This is the eighth in a series of “snapshots” featuring our Beverly Shores/Great Marsh preserve. As we near the end of the growing season, the fall asters are in bloom. Though perhaps not as showy from a distance as many
Shirley Heinze Snapshot 8: The Great Marsh, October 3, 2023 Read More »
