Shirley Heinze Land Trust is expanding its Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso by 73 acres.
The conversation group already protects 300 acres of land at the nature preserve at 109 W 700 N, Valparaiso, which includes more than four miles of trails, woods, educational facilities and its headquarters.
“Meadowbrook is part of the greater Moraine Forest Conservation Area, an area that has long been a conservation priority for us,” said Executive Director Kristopher Krouse. “The 73-acre addition has been a part of a family farm for over 100 years and contains working agricultural land, emergent marsh wetlands and upland forest. Acquisition of the property supports many of the goals we have prioritized through strategic planning, including agricultural land preservation, stewardship, public access, and public engagement.”
The Shirley Heinze Land Trusted secured public funding to acquire the land from a neighboring farmer.
“The Meadowbrook expansion is a good example of partners and funders coming together to create a lasting impact for local conservation," Krouse said. “Funding to support this acquisition project came from the Porter County Commissioners and Porter County Council and the State of Indiana’s Next Level Conservation Trust Program.”
Meadowbrook includes woods, wetlands, prairie and three small streams that wend through ravines.
“The Porter County Commissioners and Council Members are pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor,” said Porter County Commissioner Barb Regnitz. “We congratulate Shirley Heinze Land Trust on their continued innovation and vision in local conservation. Porter County residents can count themselves lucky to have such a vital resource in our community.”
A popular spot for hiking and birding, the nature preserve is home to migratory birds, bats and wildflowers that blossom every spring.
“The Porter County Commissioners and Council Members are pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor,” said Porter County Commissioner Barb Regnitz. “We congratulate Shirley Heinze Land Trust on their continued innovation and vision in local conservation. Porter County residents can count themselves lucky to have such a vital resource in our community.”
The Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been working to restore agricultural land at Meadowbrook into the moraine forest that was originally there before settlers clear-cut it.
“We’re thrilled to learn of this exciting expansion, made possible through collaboration and strategic investments by Shirley Heinze Land Trust and its partners at the State and local levels,” said Executive Director of Indiana Land Protection Alliance Andrea Huntington. “We commend SHLT on their conservation leadership and extend our immense gratitude to state and county elected officials and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for their support of this important project.”
The nonprofit has been raising funds for reforestation and a new amphitheater.
“SHLT is committed to increasing the impact of its work by engaging community members, other nonprofits, educational institutions, and community groups,” said Shirley Heinze Land Trust Deputy Director Bridget Harrison. “A match campaign to design and install a community amphitheater at Meadowbrook is underway through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program. All donations will be matched $1:$1 up to $50K. Make your contribution by visiting patronicity.com/amphitheater.”
The Shirley Heinze Land Trust hosts a variety of programming at Meadowbrook.
“Make plans to attend our Nature in the Arts program, ‘Weaving Through Waterways,’ on Saturday, August 17, at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve from 10 am to 1 pm,” said Mari Patis, SHLT’s Programs Coordinator. “In partnership with the Art Barn School of Art and Chesterton Art Center, learn how to weave projects like coasters, turtles, and wall decor, and explore the preserve through guided hikes. Artists from the Duneland Plein Air Painters will be demonstrating their art process. Food will be available for purchase from Mixtura Food Truck. RSVP at heinzetrust.org/events.”
For more information, visit www.heinzetrust.org or call (219) 242-8558.
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