Stewardship Workdays
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Join us to get outdoors, get some exercise, learn new skills, meet new people and do some volunteer stewardship!
Workdays may be planned for any day of the week. This will enable us to accommodate the availability of more volunteers, and allow for activities that may pop up. (e.g., a mild winter and early spring cause invasive plants to start growing sooner). Pop-up workdays are scheduled when volunteers are available to come. This allows us to be flexible with weather and preserve needs. This information will be shared on social media and through our volunteer newsletter, so make sure you are signed up! To participate, please register in advance by contacting us at volunteer@heinzetrust.org or by calling us at 219-242-8558. For day of event information, call Eric at (219) 916-7625. |
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Clover @ Coulter Nature Preserve
Saturday, July 13
9am-Noon
John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve
Portage
Sweet Clover was brought to North America from Europe as a agricultural crop for fodder and honey production, but its aggressive growth habit degrades our prairies by crowding out our native sun-loving wildflowers. We have been restoring the unique oak savanna, sand prairie, and interdunal wetland habitats at Coulter Nature Preserve, but this pesky plant continues to plague the preserve. Join the Stewardship Staff as we remove the clover to create space for our native species of grasses and forbs. As you're working, you'll have the opportunity to ask the staff questions about the preserve, the unique habitat types represented at Coulter Nature Preserve, what native species are good to grow in your backyard, and learn from the people taking care of our highest quality natural areas.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To confirm that we are working and to RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Meadowbrook Mondays
Mondays, July 15 - Sept 16
9am-Noon
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve
Valparaiso
Our summertime series of Volunteer Workdays at Meadowbrook Preserve include projects for everyone's interests - dividing and transplanting native wildflowers and grasses, restoring the original Girl Scouts Butterfly Garden, transforming former fire pits into Story Gardens, weeding & mulching the Rain Garden, constructing small boardwalks from salvaged lumber, creating a meditation labyrinth, clearing weeds away from our signs on 700N for greater visibility, removing invasive species (vinca, oriental bittersweet, and more), as well as painting, cleaning, and organizing the Northern Lights lodge and transforming it into a community space for workshops, meetings, and classes. All skill levels are welcome!
When we're done, we will hike one of our trails, loosen up our sore muscles, look for interesting birds, butterflies and plants, and enrich our community with personal connections.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Trail Maintenance, Tree Removal, & Mulch Spreading
Saturday, July 20
9am-Noon
Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve
Chesterton
A beautiful upland peninsula, begging for inquiry and wonderment, juts into a recess of the Little Calumet River near the entrance of the Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve off 450E in Chesterton. Recently, two large trees have fallen on and around the peninsula that prevent entrance into such enchantment. Our Stewardship Staff will be chainsawing sections of the tree, chipping branches, and spreading mulch around the peninsula to create an inviting place of respite for shinrin-yoku (aka forest bathing), bird watching, and nature observation. We will also be removing invasive plant species along the trail and moving mulch to low areas to mitigate soggy spots.
If you have a chainsaw and are comfortable using it, or if you'd like to help spread mulch, or if you'd like to help remove invasive plant species (like multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle) along the trail, we'd love to have you join us as we improve the ambience of this unique preserve!
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Sign Installation for Self-Guided Preserve Tour
Saturday, July 27
9am-Noon
Barker Woods
Michigan City
Have you ever hiked at Barker Woods and wondered what the numbered posts are for and why there are gaps in the numerical order? When Shirley Heinze Land Trust was housed at Barker Woods, a self-guided preserve tour pamphlet was available to guide visitors around the looped trail and showcase points of interest in the old-growth forest. Since then, some of those markers have been broken or deteriorated.
We have updated the tour pamphlet and are ready to install new sign posts. Get a sneak peek and help install them at this fun workday. We'll hike the entire trail as we replace the posts, and you'll get the chance to chat with our knowledgeable about the distinctive natural features of Barker Woods.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Invasive Species & Litter Removal
Wednesday, July 31
8am - 11am Central (9am - 12pm Eastern)
Lydick Bog
South Bend
Although Lydick Bog is not currently open to the public, you can get a sneak peek of the current trail and help prepare for its upcoming dedication by removing invasive plant species (like multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle) and litter that's along the trail from the previous dump site on the property. The preserve is in the early stages of our restoration efforts, so we need your help to make these improvements! After we work for a bit, we will hike around Lydick Bog to see the varied habitats and unique plant species.
Meet in the gravel parking lot to sign in. From there, we'll hike through the old agricultural field into the forest. We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water and granola bars, but we encourage you to bring your reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear waterproof boots if you have them as some areas may be muddy. Long pants and sleeves are suggested to protect against ticks, mosquitos, and poison ivy.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Clean Water Ambassadors Wanted
Save the Dunes is looking for Clean Water Ambassadors to promote clean waterways in Northwest Indiana. Volunteers will receive free training, distribute septic system outreach and education materials, encourage participation in a yard sign campaign during Septic Smart Week (Sept 16-20), and participate in check-ins and follow-up meetings. No experience is necessary and there is a $500 stipend for program participation and completion. Participants must live in an identified septic system neighborhood in Northwest Indiana; contact Save the Dunes to see if you qualify. Call 219-879-3564 x 122, or email cleanwaterambassador@savedunes.org
Saturday, July 13
9am-Noon
John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve
Portage
Sweet Clover was brought to North America from Europe as a agricultural crop for fodder and honey production, but its aggressive growth habit degrades our prairies by crowding out our native sun-loving wildflowers. We have been restoring the unique oak savanna, sand prairie, and interdunal wetland habitats at Coulter Nature Preserve, but this pesky plant continues to plague the preserve. Join the Stewardship Staff as we remove the clover to create space for our native species of grasses and forbs. As you're working, you'll have the opportunity to ask the staff questions about the preserve, the unique habitat types represented at Coulter Nature Preserve, what native species are good to grow in your backyard, and learn from the people taking care of our highest quality natural areas.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To confirm that we are working and to RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Meadowbrook Mondays
Mondays, July 15 - Sept 16
9am-Noon
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve
Valparaiso
Our summertime series of Volunteer Workdays at Meadowbrook Preserve include projects for everyone's interests - dividing and transplanting native wildflowers and grasses, restoring the original Girl Scouts Butterfly Garden, transforming former fire pits into Story Gardens, weeding & mulching the Rain Garden, constructing small boardwalks from salvaged lumber, creating a meditation labyrinth, clearing weeds away from our signs on 700N for greater visibility, removing invasive species (vinca, oriental bittersweet, and more), as well as painting, cleaning, and organizing the Northern Lights lodge and transforming it into a community space for workshops, meetings, and classes. All skill levels are welcome!
When we're done, we will hike one of our trails, loosen up our sore muscles, look for interesting birds, butterflies and plants, and enrich our community with personal connections.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Trail Maintenance, Tree Removal, & Mulch Spreading
Saturday, July 20
9am-Noon
Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve
Chesterton
A beautiful upland peninsula, begging for inquiry and wonderment, juts into a recess of the Little Calumet River near the entrance of the Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve off 450E in Chesterton. Recently, two large trees have fallen on and around the peninsula that prevent entrance into such enchantment. Our Stewardship Staff will be chainsawing sections of the tree, chipping branches, and spreading mulch around the peninsula to create an inviting place of respite for shinrin-yoku (aka forest bathing), bird watching, and nature observation. We will also be removing invasive plant species along the trail and moving mulch to low areas to mitigate soggy spots.
If you have a chainsaw and are comfortable using it, or if you'd like to help spread mulch, or if you'd like to help remove invasive plant species (like multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle) along the trail, we'd love to have you join us as we improve the ambience of this unique preserve!
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Sign Installation for Self-Guided Preserve Tour
Saturday, July 27
9am-Noon
Barker Woods
Michigan City
Have you ever hiked at Barker Woods and wondered what the numbered posts are for and why there are gaps in the numerical order? When Shirley Heinze Land Trust was housed at Barker Woods, a self-guided preserve tour pamphlet was available to guide visitors around the looped trail and showcase points of interest in the old-growth forest. Since then, some of those markers have been broken or deteriorated.
We have updated the tour pamphlet and are ready to install new sign posts. Get a sneak peek and help install them at this fun workday. We'll hike the entire trail as we replace the posts, and you'll get the chance to chat with our knowledgeable about the distinctive natural features of Barker Woods.
We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water, although we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and come prepared with protective footwear, long pants, long sleeves, hats and sunscreen. There is poison ivy, mosquitoes and ticks, but we will have bug spray and TecNu on hand for protection.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Invasive Species & Litter Removal
Wednesday, July 31
8am - 11am Central (9am - 12pm Eastern)
Lydick Bog
South Bend
Although Lydick Bog is not currently open to the public, you can get a sneak peek of the current trail and help prepare for its upcoming dedication by removing invasive plant species (like multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle) and litter that's along the trail from the previous dump site on the property. The preserve is in the early stages of our restoration efforts, so we need your help to make these improvements! After we work for a bit, we will hike around Lydick Bog to see the varied habitats and unique plant species.
Meet in the gravel parking lot to sign in. From there, we'll hike through the old agricultural field into the forest. We will provide all the necessary equipment and gear, as well as granola bars and water and granola bars, but we encourage you to bring your reusable water bottle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear waterproof boots if you have them as some areas may be muddy. Long pants and sleeves are suggested to protect against ticks, mosquitos, and poison ivy.
To RSVP, please call the office at 219-242-8558 or email Christine at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org. For information about last minute cancellations, please check Facebook.
Clean Water Ambassadors Wanted
Save the Dunes is looking for Clean Water Ambassadors to promote clean waterways in Northwest Indiana. Volunteers will receive free training, distribute septic system outreach and education materials, encourage participation in a yard sign campaign during Septic Smart Week (Sept 16-20), and participate in check-ins and follow-up meetings. No experience is necessary and there is a $500 stipend for program participation and completion. Participants must live in an identified septic system neighborhood in Northwest Indiana; contact Save the Dunes to see if you qualify. Call 219-879-3564 x 122, or email cleanwaterambassador@savedunes.org
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Native Garden Helper
Shirley Heinze Land Trust is in search for volunteers to help maintain the native garden outside our offices at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso. Tools can be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. There are no set dates or times for this project. Volunteers are welcome to come as it fits in their schedule; we just ask you to let us know when you are coming by calling the office at 219-242-8558 or emailing volunteer@heinzetrust.org.
Adopt-a-Trail Program
This program is designed for volunteers to help maintain the 17 miles of hiking trails on Shirley Heinze Land Trust nature preserves. Individuals, families, or groups agree to maintain a section of trail at one of the preserves. Scouts, fraternities, sororities, and school groups are encouraged to participate. Volunteers are asked to make a 6-month commitment and may engage in the following activities:
Preserve Steward
Volunteers are available to apply for the Preserve Steward program after completing 6 months of Adopt-a-Trail. Preserve Stewards assume oversight responsibility for a specific Shirley Heinze Land Trust preserve. We need preserve stewards at all of our preserves, but currently these have the biggest need: Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve in Gary, Gordon and Faith Greiner, and Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserves in Hobart, John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve in Portage, and the Little Calumet River Project Area in Chesterton.
Stewards may engage in some of the following activities:
If you are interested in any of these opportunities or have questions, please contact us at volunteer@heinzetrust.org or 219-242-8558.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust is in search for volunteers to help maintain the native garden outside our offices at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso. Tools can be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. There are no set dates or times for this project. Volunteers are welcome to come as it fits in their schedule; we just ask you to let us know when you are coming by calling the office at 219-242-8558 or emailing volunteer@heinzetrust.org.
Adopt-a-Trail Program
This program is designed for volunteers to help maintain the 17 miles of hiking trails on Shirley Heinze Land Trust nature preserves. Individuals, families, or groups agree to maintain a section of trail at one of the preserves. Scouts, fraternities, sororities, and school groups are encouraged to participate. Volunteers are asked to make a 6-month commitment and may engage in the following activities:
- Walk the trail at least once a month
- Provide staff with routine updates on the current conditions and needs of the trail
- Pick up litter and debris
- Help maintain boardwalks, bridges, and benches
- Trim grass, brush, and low-hanging limbs
Preserve Steward
Volunteers are available to apply for the Preserve Steward program after completing 6 months of Adopt-a-Trail. Preserve Stewards assume oversight responsibility for a specific Shirley Heinze Land Trust preserve. We need preserve stewards at all of our preserves, but currently these have the biggest need: Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve in Gary, Gordon and Faith Greiner, and Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserves in Hobart, John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve in Portage, and the Little Calumet River Project Area in Chesterton.
Stewards may engage in some of the following activities:
- Visit and monitor sites
- Help maintain trails and parking lots
- Assist with ecological management (requires training)
- Remove invasive species
- Monitor and report native species, interesting plants, birds, frogs, etc.
- Collect and distribute native seeds, plant trees, etc.
- Participate in workdays, events, and training opportunities associated with the preserve
If you are interested in any of these opportunities or have questions, please contact us at volunteer@heinzetrust.org or 219-242-8558.