Shirley Heinze Land Trust to Host Annual Appreciation Hike at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve in Valparaiso

Event Information

Shirley Heinze Land Trust will host its annual Appreciation Hike at 2pm on Saturday, September 14th, 2019, at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, located at 109 West 700 North in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The 154-acre preserve, situated within the Valparaiso moraine, offers four miles of hiking trails. It features woods, wetlands, streams, prairie pockets, and former agricultural land which is being reforested.

Hike participants should meet at the trailhead, located adjacent to the parking lot. The hike will go on, rain or shine (except in the case of a thunderstorm). Long pants, sturdy shoes, sun hat, and insect repellent are recommended.  

Following the hike, guests will enjoy an assortment of refreshments in the Meadowbrook lodge. A short program about the work of the organization will follow. Those who wish to attend the program only should plan to arrive at 3pm.

Anyone interested in learning more about Shirley Heinze Land Trust is welcome. RSVPs are requested to Bonnie Hawksworth at bhawksworth@heinzetrust.org or by calling 219-242-8558. An online RSVP form is also available at www.heinzetrust.org.

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has protected, restored and maintained northwestern Indiana’s rich and significant natural communities, including tallgrass prairie, high dune, oak savanna, boreal flatwoods, dune-and-swale, woodlands, marshes, swamps, ponds, fens, bogs, and riparian habitat. More than 2,400 acres in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph Counties have been preserved for the public’s benefit. Shirley Heinze nature preserves feature significant scenic and ecological value, and most are open to the public for hiking and enjoying nature. Six of its properties have been dedicated to the people of Indiana as state nature preserves. The organization also works to educate people of all ages to appreciate the importance of land conservation, and to experience the natural wonders of this unique region. Its work is accomplished through a partnership of volunteers, donors, and professionals.

For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit www.heinzetrust.org, call (219) 242-8558, or access its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust.