Save the Dunes

08/06/2026

Spring at Indiana Dunes National Park is a season of renewal—where restored wetlands breathe life back into the landscape and every rustle in the grasses hints at a story unfolding. Among these vibrant marshes, a young chick reaches toward its parent, a quiet moment that reflects the deep connection between healthy habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.

Through years of restoration—re‑establishing native plants, protecting sensitive nesting grounds, and healing long‑altered waterways—the dunes have become a place where scenes like this can return and thrive. Each new season offers a reminder that when we care for the land, the land responds with beauty, resilience, and hope.



Photo credit: Paul Kemiel

Image description: Adult crane and chick standing in a lush wetland, surrounded by tall green grasses and reeds. The chick stretches forward to touch the adult’s beak, creating a tender moment of interaction in a restored natural habitat.

05/06/2026

We’re excited to share a new project Save the Dunes will be implementing over the next year and a half through generous funding from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Coastal Program! Stay tuned for community engagement events covering topics under the project, “Nature Uncovered”, including guided walks, educational events, beach clean ups, and more! Make sure to sign up for our newsletters, and check out our website for more information on upcoming events! https://tinyurl.com/mp86czz

04/06/2026

Northwest Indiana Green Drinks
Q***r Inclusion in Conservation Education
CJ Greco, Leadership Team & Programs Manager
Out in Nature & Lincoln Park Zoo

04/06/2026

The Chesterton Art Center is debuting its summer exhibition featuring works from the Indiana Dunes National Park artist-in-residence program. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

04/06/2026

It was another great turnout at West Beach for our annual Dunes Dash 5K 2026! Thanks to all of our sponsors, runners, staff, board, and volunteers for making this event such a success!

03/06/2026

Welcome to this week’s “What’s Blooming Report”! This week we are highlighting the Pinhook Bog Trail System, which features two very different habitats. The Upland Trail highlights a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine formed about 15,000 years ago. The Bog Trail leads to a bog in a depression in the moraine created when a large piece of ice broke off the melting glacier. The bog features an incredible habitat with unique plants. Currently, we are seeing blooms on pitcher plants, Virginia iris, sundew, and more! Want to check out the blooms at the bog? Indiana Dunes National Park ranger-led hikes are happening every Sunday beginning at 9:30 AM from June 7th through June 28th. Parking is pretty limited, so plan ahead and arrive early. The trail and bog can be muddy and wet, so wear appropriate shoes. Dogs are not allowed on the bog trail to protect the habitat.

Thanks for continuing to help us promote the amazing biodiversity and dedicated work of Indiana Dunes National Park volunteers through this collaborative initiative!

02/06/2026

Our June Newsletter is here! Check out what's new with Save the Dunes, and learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved!

Email from Save the Dunes What's New at Save the Dunes? June 2026 Newsletter Dramatic sunset over Dunbar Beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Photo by Robert Szubryt June ushers in the busy seaso

02/06/2026

Join Save the Dunes and the La PorteCounty Master Gardeners for an afternoon of hands-on learning & fun at our "Container Gardening with Natives Workshop"!

Do you live in an apartment, condo, or other living space without access to traditional gardening? Interested in bringing native plants into your outdoor space in a unique way? This workshop is for you! Participants will learn from Save the Dunes staff and master gardeners on planting practices, overwintering, and the importance of natives in increasing pollinator habitat and bringing beauty to your space!

This event is FREE and open to the public, made possible by generous funding from the Health Foundation of La Porte. Space is limited, with priority given to those without access to traditional gardening plots.

Please register : https://savedunes.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/27837

01/06/2026

01/06/2026