GENERAL INFORMATION

CHECK OUT THE FERNS WORKSHOP ON JULY 22-23!

Unless otherwise indicated, all hikes have a maximum of 20 participants (in addition to hike leaders); this allows all participants to see special features close up. Hikes are conducted rain or shine, except during thunderstorms. Times noted are hiking times and do not include meeting and driving time. We advise hikers to bring drinking water, binoculars and/or hand lenses, to be prepared for sun (or rain) and insects, and to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle muddy going and very wet ground. Participants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. If your check is not returned, you have been enrolled. Directions and meeting locations will be mailed to participants one week before each hike. SEND YOUR CHECK AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE  FIRST HIKE YOU PLAN TO ATTEND!

The hikes are $30.00 per person, and sign up is required.  Unless otherwise noted, group size is limited to 20.  If you have questions or are interested in signing up, feel free to contact the Shirley Heinze Land Trust office at (219) 879-4725 or by e-mail at land@heinzetrust.org.

#1 — Spring Woods - Chesterton, Indiana

Saturday, April 30, 2011 - 9:00 a.m.  to 12:00 p.m.  

We are pleased to be the guests of Hugh and Eva Hopkins and have the opportunity to visit a mature beech and maple forest on their property on the Valparaiso Moraine in Porter county. The forest is rich in native spring flora. Our hostess, who cultivates many native plants, will give us a tour of her wildflower garden.

#2 — Boreal Flatwoods — Michigan City, Indiana

Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Botanist Scott Namestnick of J. F. New leads a hike through Ambler Flatwoods, the largest Shirley Heinze preserve (over 350 acres). A dedicated state nature preserve, the property's rich woodlands contain many rare and unusual botanical treasures among its known flora of nearly 400 species. The spring bird migration should be near its peak, so bring binaculars along. Our leader is also an excellent birder.

#3 - Recovered Sand Prairie - Portage, Indiana

Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve was badly damaged by sand mining decades ago, but it has recovered in surpising fashion. Habitat was created for several rare species, and the disturbed areas were recolonized almost exclusively by native plants. This Shirley Heinze property supports over 400 species of plants (including a remarkable 19 state-listed species) and a good variety of fauna. Myrna Newgent, Barbara Plampin, and Terry Bonace are our leaders.

SPECIAL FREE EVENT

Canoe/Kayak Trip and Hike at Coulter

Burns Waterway in Portage, Indiana

Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.

Our paddlers will depart from Portage Lakefront Park at 10 a.m. and follow the Burns Waterway to John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve, where we will have a guided hike, eat lunch, and then return to Portage Lakefront Park by canoe/kayak. Though this trip is free, sign up is required, and attendance will be limited to 30 people. Please indicate on your application if you will be bringing your own canoe/kayak.

#4 — Coastal Plains Wetlands

Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area

Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00

Tom Post, Regional Ecologist with the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves, will lead us through Coastal Plain Ponds Nature Preserve in the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. This recently dedicated state nature preserve features many plants usually found east of us on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. We also expect to see some showy stands of meadow beauty (Rhexia virginica), a gorgeous, bright-pink native wildflower.

FREE HIKES

Details for these hikes will be published at a later date.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Community Hike at Little Calumet Wetlands in Chesterton, Indiana.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Donor Appreciation Hike and Luncheon at Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve in Michigan City, Indiana.

2011 HIKE PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM