Major improvements to the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve are underway this summer following a $150,000 Water and Environmental Grant to Shirley Heinze Land Trust from the American Water Charitable Foundation. The trust, Indiana American Water (INAW), Gary officials, and other guests gathered to celebrate the occasion with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, May 12.
Positioned just south of the Gary International Airport and a little over a block away from the West Side Leadership Academy, the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve is a 53-acre sanctuary that features rare dune-and-swale ecosystems. The grant, along with funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Legacy Foundation, fully funds the Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary. The initiative will enhance walkability, safety, and improve connectivity to the community and the West Side Leadership Academy.
“Ivanhoe South is remarkably untouched by development and surrounded by Gary’s industry and neighborhoods,” said Kris Krouse, Shirley Heinze Land Trust executive director. “It offers a unique glimpse of the Region’s natural heritage. We are grateful for this phenomenal support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to make Ivanhoe South a community asset to be proud of, improve the overall community of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to the surrounding community.”
The $150,000 award is the American Water Charitable Foundation’s single largest grant this year across 12 states. INAW team members, who live and work in the Region, were thrilled to see the investment.
“This is a big deal, it’s important to protect our resources and understand the ecology of our community,” Justin Mount, Northwest Indiana district manager for INAW. “The preserve supports a wide range of plant and animal species, including many that are rare and endangered. Swales act like sponges that filter rainwater and runoff before it reaches Lake Michigan, improving water quality. More importantly, as we sit here close to the schools, kids have a chance to enjoy and learn from the preserve.”
One of the key improvements on the way is a sidewalk linking the West Side Leadership Academy to the preserve. The increased ease of access, combined with other improvements, will provide countless learning opportunities.
“I’m extremely excited about connecting our students to this beautiful location,” Eddie Melton, mayor of the City of Gary, said. “We’re grateful for all the support from so many generous organizations. This investment will strengthen our city’s connection to the environment, and improve the quality of life for our residents. With this groundbreaking, we’re ready to take the next step and breathe new life into the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve.”
Other items in the project include interpretive signage, a boardwalk, a parking lot, and a gathering space. Construction is set to start in just a few weeks, and Berglund Construction aims to finish the work early this fall.
“We’re thrilled to be here, our company’s core focus is to partner with our clients to improve and transform communities through the innovative construction and restoration of the built environment,” Jeff Berglund, president building division & chief growth officer for Berglund Construction. “As a resident of Northwest Indiana, when I think of ways of making the Region a better place to live, work and play -preserving, enhancing, and getting better access to our natural environment is right at the top of the list.”
The INAW team expressed pride in the American Water Charitable Foundation’s investment.
“INAW shares the Foundation’s mission, to demonstrate our commitment to being a good neighbor, citizen, and to contribute to communities where company employees live, work, and operate,” Mount said. “I’m pleased that we were able to attract this funding right here to Gary and Northwest Indiana. As a proud member of this community, I am filled with pride knowing that this support will enable future generations to cultivate a profound understanding and appreciation of our vital natural resources.”
To learn more about Indiana American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation, please visit amwater.com/inaw. For more information about the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit heinzetrust.org.
