American Water Charitable Foundation celebrates grant award to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Indiana American Water announced that the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), provided Shirley Heinze Land Trust with a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant.

This funding will catalyze major improvements, positioning Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana, as a premier destination to learn about the disappearing dune and swale landscapes inland along Lake Michigan’s south shore.

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 4,000 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of the nature preserves are open to the public.

 “Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation on our Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary,” said Kris Krouse, Executive Director, Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “This project will create walkability, safety, a gathering space, engagement programming, and a fund to ensure the improvements made are lasting at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat. 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 overall community of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to the surrounding community.”

The Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve stands as a 53-acre sanctuary of rare dune-and-swale ecosystems, miraculously untouched by significant development. Nestled between Gary’s bustling industrial zones and residential neighborhoods, this precious remnant offers a glimpse into the unique environmental heritage of the region.

"We are deeply honored by the generous investment from the American Water Charitable Foundation to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 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. This is especially significant for Gary, given our rich heritage and unique location along the shores of Lake Michigan," said Justin Mount, Northwest Indiana District Manager, Indiana American Water.

The grant, combined with READI 1.0 funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will be used to enhance walkability, safety, and create a gathering space at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve. Additionally, it will support engagement programming and improve connectivity to the nearby West Side Leadership Academy, allowing students to walk to the preserve and learn about the region's ecology.

A celebratory kickoff took place at Ivanhoe South and included City of Gary Mayor, Eddie Melton, Gary Common Council member Dwayne Haliburton (2nd Dist.), Gary Common Council member Lori Latham (1st Dist.), leaders from Indiana American Water, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and other invited guests.