Green Heron Pond is located in the Miller neighborhood of Gary. This diverse site
features a range of habitats from interdunal wetland to high dune. Black oak savanna
and woodland grades into mesic oak forest, providing habitat for Wild Columbine,
Puccoon, Bloodroot and Trilliums. The dominant wetland feature is a permanent pond
which supports a variety of wildlife including fish, frogs, turtles, muskrats, waterfowl
and songbirds. Smaller, seasonal ponds also occur at this site.
Restoration needs at Green Heron Pond include invasive plant control and maintenance
of savanna structure and flora.
From US 20 or US 12 in the Miller neighborhood of Gary, take Lake Street north about
3/4 mile, past the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's Paul H. Douglas Center for
Environmental Education (the Douglas Center). Turn right onto Birch Ave. at the
top of the hill. Turn left onto Henry Street (not Henry Lane) just before the parking
lot and athletic field for Wirt High School. Park at the north end of Henry Street