Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary

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Chesterton, IN
Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary

To transform an old town dump into a wildlife habitat for Migratory birds. To provide a quiet place within the town to relax. Most of our area is wetland.

Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary is being developed by Porterco Conservation Trust, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. We are transforming a former town dump into a bird sanctuary and public park area, all within Chesterton's city limit. We have approximately 40 acres, including Griffin Lake. We are staffed primarily by volunteers, with help from various local entities and private con

tributions.. Our website is ..www.westchesterbird.org. Questions and contributions should be directed to this site. Our street address is 1050 s. 11th St, Chesterton, In.

08/25/2026

A huge thank you to the dozen volunteer helpers we had on Saturday, August 22 to continue our efforts to clear the storm damage from the 8/11 derecho. Several chain saw operators and several branch gatherers made a big difference. We were able to reopen access to the south trail, among other things.

Another chain saw gang and helpers gang are needed on Saturday, August 29 starting at 9am. Please join us if you can. We still have more fallen trees and branches to clear.

08/21/2026

Hi Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary fans! We could sure use your help this Saturday, August 22, cleaning up the sanctuary from the recent crazy derecho storm. If you have a chain saw or a saws-all and can lend a hand cutting up debris from fallen branches and trees, please join us this Saturday, August 22, starting at 9am. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/15/2026

The Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary very much needs your help! On Saturday, August 22 starting at 9am, we are forming a “chain saw gang” and support team to attack all the storm damage we experienced in the August 11 storm that hit Chesterton. Please bring a chain saw if you have one.

See the pictures in this post to get an idea of the extent of the damage. We have trees with branches torn off, trees toppled and lying on the ground—some blocking the trails, and branches of various sizes scattered here and there. We also have lots of small branches that can be gathered into piles. Please come out if you can to support our beloved bird sanctuary!

07/19/2026

Here’s a photo by Paul Kemiel official national lakeshore photographer at the Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary under a Canadian wildfire sky!

07/17/2026

A belated but heartfelt thank you to the Young Women’s Group from the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints from Chicago Heights, IL for coming out to volunteer at the Sanctuary on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

06/03/2026

It's time to enhance your garden for 2026, and here to help is a friend of The Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary with a sale of locally grown plants. The Vale of Paradise Garden Club is holding a plant sale!
WHEN: Saturday, June 6 from 9am to 2pm.
LOCATION: 102 Washington Street (The Valparaiso Woman's Association Mansion) in Valparaiso, IN.

You'll find native plants, perennials, special dahlias, cannas, and magic lilies at great prices!

04/20/2026

Local Brownie Troop #35796 helped plant the "Pick-a-Bouquet" at the Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary (WMBS) on Sunday, April 19. Under the leadership of Julianne, they did a great job of helping us do what we do to serve the Chesterton community. Thank you, Brownies!

01/11/2026

Thank you to Paul Kemiel for some lovely pix of the Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary near sunset. Here's one of them. Click on the image to see the full shot. We'll post others in the future.

01/08/2026

A HUGE thank you to Chuck and his staff at Chesterton Feed and Garden Center for a donation from the Clean-a-Feeder event benefiting the bird Sanctuary! Chesterton Feed and Garden is always very giving to us in so many ways. 😍😍😍

12/09/2025

These pictures represent a community contribution to our bird sanctuary’s holiday decorations. We don’t know who did this but we thank you and bless you for your efforts. Happy Holidays!

Address

1050 S 11th Street
Chesterton, IN
46304

Website

http://www.westchesterbird.org/

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