Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s newest acquisition is a 38-acre property along the Little Calumet River. The river, a tributary of Lake Michigan, bisects the preserve, within which are some old oxbows and a variety of wetland habitats. Floodplain comprises much of the property, but it also contains upland woods and areas dominated by shrubs and sedges. It is a haven for wildlife and a prime fishing spot for anglers out for trout and salmon.

The original 30-acre portion of the preserve was acquired through a grant from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, supplemented by individual donations from Heinze Trust supporters. An 8-acre addition was subsequently purchased after a dedicated fundraising drive.

The Little Calumet Wetlands currently has no public improvements, but SHLT intends to develop its recreational potential by making it accessible for a variety of uses, including canoeing, hiking, birding, fishing, nature study, photography, and environmental education.