2017 Educational Hike Series 

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Explore the beauty of the Calumet Region and beyond and support Shirley Heinze Land Trust in working to preserve natural lands in Northwest Indiana by attending our educational hikes. Attendees are treated to a wealth of knowledge from a variety of expert hike leaders, in groups of 15 or less. Hikes are held at a variety of outstanding nature preserves located across Northwest Indiana, Northeast Illinois and Southwest Michigan. 
​This year we are offering the following three paid hikes:

Saturday, April 22, 2017
Spring Bird Migration at Seidner Dune and Swale Nature Preserve
​Hammond, Indiana
8 am - 11 am

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​Join Matt Kalwasinski to explore the Seidner Dune and Swale Nature Preserve for early spring migrants, such as shorebirds, waterfowl, and some of the first passerines. 

​This 43-acre property is a dedicated state nature preserve and protects globally rare dune-and-swale topography and floodplain marsh along the Grand Calumet River. Natural communities here include black oak savanna, sand prairie, sedge meadows, cattail marsh, and buttonbush swamp.

​During the trip, we will view the nearby Grand Calumet Tern Site (DNR), and, if time allows, we will explore some of the Beemsterboer Tract that also borders the Grand Calumet River. Matt birds extensively in Northwest Indiana and has led birding trips for the Indiana Audubon Society; including tours during the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival.

Saturday, May 20, ​2017
Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers at
​Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve
​Michigan City, Indiana
​9 am - 12 pm

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This 390-acre property is a dedicated state nature preserve located in Springfield Township and Michigan City.  

The flatwoods ecosystem harbors relict populations of several plant species that are typical of more northern latitudes.  Ambler is largely forested, with a rich herbaceous flora.  The dense, thick woods provide habitat for at least 15 state-listed plant species and 40 plants considered rare in the Chicago Region.  

​Scott Namestnik, Botanist with Orbis Environmental Consulting, will lead us on a walk through this preserve and show us some of the late season spring ephemeral wildflowers.

Saturday,  July 15, ​2017
Native Pollinators at Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve
​Hobart, Indiana
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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​This 41 acre property is a dedicated state nature preserve located in Hobart.

One of the rarest ecosystems in the state, the black-soil prairie at Cressmoor is an extremely high quality landscape.  It harbors at least ten state-listed species of rare plants and five threatened species of prairie remnant-dependent insects.  

​Jim Louderman, Entomologist with the Field Museum, will show us some of the pollinating insects to be found here and explain their importance in the ecology of the prairie.

Registration Information

There is a limit of 15 participants for each hike.

The fee is $25 fee per person for each hike.  

Registration and payment must be made in advance by calling us at 219-242-8558 or by sending an email to Sarah Barnes at sbarnes@heinzetrust.org. 
 
Payment may be made by phone with a credit card, or you may make arrangements to send a check.

Participants will receive a reminder via email prior to each hike with directions to the site along with any other instructions. 
 
Hikes are conducted rain or shine, except during thunderstorms.

Recommendations for hikers

  • Bring drinking water, binoculars and/or hand lenses, and field guides.
  • Be prepared for sun (or rain) and insects.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can handle muddy going.
  • Please be on time.  Hikes will begin promptly at the time indicated.​