Friends of Shirley Heinze

Another Avenue of Support

Are you a former Heinze Trust Board (or staff) member who misses being involved in land preservation or fundraising activities with like-minded friends? Perhaps you’re a long-time supporter and friend of Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) who would like to deepen your involvement by serving on committees, taking part in land stewardship activities, or helping to stage our gala summer fundraising banquet. Or maybe you don’t know much about the Heinze Trust but share its objectives and want to be more than a passive observer, perhaps by participating in education and outreach programs. If any of these descriptions fits you, then you are a prime candidate for membership in Friends of Shirley Heinze, or FOSH, an arm of the Heinze Trust that seeks to encourage and coordinate much-needed volunteer support.

We established FOSH because we were concerned that former board members, after completing their limit of two 3-year terms, would drift away. We do not want to lose all of their knowledge and commitment, and we needed to find a way to keep these important people involved. Stepped-up recruitment efforts have increased the size and diversity of our board, and this regular membership turnover generates new energy and ideas. But we also recognize that retaining the experience of old hands is no less important. What about all those folks who sympathize with the Heinze Trust’s mission and may already help out in diverse ways but have not served on the board? We want to benefit from their talents and skills as well, and we invite them to join us under the FOSH umbrella. Indeed, getting involved with FOSH would be great preparation for future board membership.

FOSH was officially launched in 2011 at a wine-and-wildflower party at the woodland home of Peg and Don Mohar. Peg and Warren Buckler volunteered to help get FOSH off the ground by acting as co-chairs of the group. Peg has served as executive director and board member of the Heinze Trust. She and Don have since moved from the area. Warren is a former board member, president, and treasurer. The goal is to offer enticing opportunities that will draw volunteers to the Heinze Trust’s preserves and offices.  Warren suggested that members might form “adopt-a-preserve” groups that would help with the care and maintenance of Shirley Heinze properties in their communities. FOSH wants volunteer activities to be fun as well as productive. You can help make it so by signing up today. Just call the office (219-242-8558) for more information.

And, hey, who knows, another social occasion may be in the offing. You won’t want to miss it!

-- Warren Buckler

Meadowbrook Native Garden

The Friends of Shirley Heinze installed a native garden at our headquarters in Valparaiso in 2013.

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