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Volunteer Opportunities
Discover the difference your helping hands can make.
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Join Us

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has protected more than 4,000 acres across six counties in northwestern Indiana, from endangered dune and swale in Lake County to the kettle lakes of St. Joseph County. Whether you're interested in volunteer opportunities to help us remove invasive species, lead hikes or assist in fundraising activities, we would love to have your help!

Stewardship

If your ideal day at the office involves a healthy dose of fresh air, join our Stewardship team's efforts to restore and maintain Shirley Heinze Land Trust's many nature preserves.

Education & Outreach

Bring your passions for people and nature together to help us create and deliver programs that engage people in the conservation work that Shirley Heinze Land Trust does.

Fundraising

From donor outreach to helping to make our Spring Benefit a success, your efforts can play a vital role in this critical area of the organization.

Marketing

Help us tell Shirley Heinze Land Trust's story! If you have a way with words, a knack for social media, or a photographer's eye, we would love to have you join us.

Administrative Operations

If you’re looking to help us in the comfort of your home or our office, your administrative skills, data management, or clerical abilities will help us keep the organization running smoothly.

Adopt-A-Trail

Love the outdoors? Help keep our trails safe, clean, and thriving by adopting a trail! Commit to six months of maintaining and monitoring a preserve, visiting at least once a month to clear debris, report issues, and support conservation efforts. Your dedication helps protect these natural spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Want more details? Download the full program guide or apply to be a volunteer today!

Adopt
Steward

Become a Preserve Steward

Take on an important role with Shirley Heinze Land Trust by becoming a Preserve Steward! As a Preserve Steward, you’ll adopt one of our nature preserves, acting as the eyes, ears, and ambassador for the land.

To be eligible, you must have completed at least 6 months as an Adopt-A-Trail volunteer and be very familiar with the preserve. Your commitment includes at least one year of consistent visits to your designated preserve, where you'll assist with restoration projects, trail maintenance, and building relationships with visitors and neighbors.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

Looking for a hands-on way to support conservation? Join us for an upcoming volunteer event! Whether you're removing invasive species, monitoring water quality, or helping with a fundraising campaign, your time makes a difference.

Seed Collection @ Beverly Shores Great Marsh

Come walk through the Great Marsh and help us collect native seeds for our restoration efforts. What to Bring: Long pants and sturdy shoes or rubber boots are recommended. Gloves (and long sleeves) are highly recommended, as stems and surrounding vegetation are highly scabrous and can potentially hurt skin. We encourage you to bring your […]

Free
Find out more
Beverly Shores Project Area, Beverly Dr & Wells Rd
Beverly Shores, IN 46360 United States
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Woody Wednesday @ Meadowbrook

This time of year, we turn our attention to removing species with woody stems. Multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and autumn olive are the big four we're contending with. Invasive species removal is a great way to get an intimate look at the preserve while helping to ensure that native plants and wildlife can […]

Free
Find out more
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, 109 W. 700 North
Valparaiso, IN 46385 United States
+ Google Map

Woody Wednesday @ Meadowbrook

This time of year, we turn our attention to removing species with woody stems. Multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and autumn olive are the big four we're contending with. Invasive species removal is a great way to get an intimate look at the preserve while helping to ensure that native plants and wildlife can […]

Free
Find out more
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, 109 W. 700 North
Valparaiso, IN 46385 United States
+ Google Map

Woody Wednesday @ Lydick Bog

This time of year we turn our attention to removing species with woody stems.  Multiflora Rose, bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and autumn olive are the big four we’re contending with.  Invasive species removal is a great way to get an intimate look at the preserve while helping to ensure that native plants and wildlife can […]

Free
Find out more
Lydick Bog Nature Preserve, 25898 US-20
South Bend, IN 46628 United States
+ Google Map

Woody Wednesday @ Meadowbrook

This time of year we turn our attention to removing species with woody stems.  Multiflora Rose, bush honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and autumn olive are the big four we’re contending with.  Invasive species removal is a great way to get an intimate look at the preserve while helping to ensure that native plants and wildlife can […]

Free
Find out more
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, 109 W. 700 North
Valparaiso, IN 46385 United States
+ Google Map
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Ready to Join Us?
Report Completed Hours
Take five minutes and complete a volunteer application, email us at volunteer@heinzetrust.org, or call us at (219) 242-8558.
Volunteer Guide

Want to Learn More?

Download our Volunteer Opportunities Brochure and learn about all of the opportunities you have to make a difference.