This amazing flatwoods ecosystem harbors relict populations of several plant species that are typical of more northern latitudes. The 208-acre preserve is largely forested, with a rich herbaceous flora. In early spring, vernal pools and rivulets cover a great portion of the property. The dense, thick woods provide habitat for at least 15 state listed plant species such as White Pine, Paper Birch and three Club Moss species It also has 40 species considered very rare in the Chicago Region (as determined by Swink & Wilhelm in Plants of the Chicago Region). The preserve as a whole has a very high floristic quality index.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has an opportunity to purchase a 40-acre parcel addition to our 310 acre Ambler Flatwoods State Dedicated Nature Preserve at the northeast corner of Highway 212 and Tryon Rd. in Michigan City (Please see map below.) We have entered into a purchase agreement with the seller to acquire this key parcel for $225,000. The Nature Conservancy, our partners in this and many other projects, has generously committed to provide half the funds necessary for the purchase. But we need your help to save this precious land now! There is a pending offer on this land from a developer contingent upon us securing funds prior to the expiration of our purchase agreement on July 15, 2010. If we cannot secure the required funds by this date, it is highly likely the property, which is zoned for light industry, will fall into the hands of developers and be lost forever.

This acquisition is important, because it

• Protects boreal flatwoods habitat that has been substantially reduced due to drainage and development in the Southern Lake Michigan watershed,
• Protects 40 acres adjacent to an existing state dedicated nature preserve, which protects wetlands, water quality, plant and animal species, and improves water quality,
• Increases the public visibility of the boreal flatwoods complex, specifically a five mile trail which will be fully developed and made available to students, researchers, and the general public,
• Provides habitat for reptiles (e.g. the rare Blanding’s turtle), amphibians, birds, and mammals that are located on this property and on adjacent parcels and,
• Enhances opportunities for hiking, birding, nature study, and photography.

Project Description: The 40 acre parcel is comprised of the following habitat types: second-growth forest, boreal flatwoods, forest openings, oak woodland and, sedge meadow wetlands.

With the acquisition of this 40 acre parcel and planned restoration and infrastructure projects, we will accomplish the following:

• Purchase of a parcel that has been identified as “high priority” through a strategic conservation planning effort conducted to protect the boreal flatwoods complex in Northwest Indiana,
• Restoration of portions of the property that were previously converted to agricultural fields,
• Removal of invasive species from an ecosystem that is considered rare in the State of Indiana,
• Enhancement of water quality in the watershed through the protection of White Ditch, a key tributary to Lake Michigan,
• Creation of a buffer corridor to further protect adjacent high-quality natural areas,
• Increase the public awareness of the boreal flatwoods complex and the value it brings to the community and,
• Development of a 5 mile trail made available to students, researchers, and the general public for educational and recreational purposes.

Your gift at one of the levels below are greatly appreciated! Financial support at all of these levels will be required to make this key land acquisition a reality by July 15, 2010. Thank you in advance for helping us to preserve and restore our precious natural areas for future generations in Northwest Indiana.

• $10,000
• $5,000
• $2,500
• $1,000
• $500
• $250

Please click on our Paypal link above to make a contribution towards this acquisition, or if you prefer, you may also make a contribution by mail or phone:

Shirley Heinze Land Trust
444 Barker Rd.
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 879-4725
E-mail: development@heinzetrust.org
Contact Kris Krouse, Executive Director if you have any additional questions at 219-879-4725 or via e-mail at land@heinzetrust.org

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Take I-94 to US 20 (exit 40). Take US 20 west toward Michigan City. Get off exit ramp, go under I-94, take first right onto County Road 600W (Meer Road). The southern trailhead parking lot is on the right (east) side of the road, about 0.3 mile north of County Road 800 N (Tryon Road). To access the northern trailhead parking lot, continue north on Meer Road to County Road 900 N (Freyer Road.). Turn right (east) onto Freyer Road. The parking lot is on the south side of the road, about 0.3 mile down.

From Michigan City, take US 20 east to the interchange with US 35 and State Highway 212. Do not exit. Rather, continue north as the road becomes Hwy 212. Turn onto Tryon Road or Freyer Road and follow directions above.