Waxi Taxi Highlights the Shirley Heinze Land Trust: Protecting Northwest Indiana's Natural Treasures

Waxi Taxi Highlights the Shirley Heinze Land Trust: Protecting Northwest Indiana's Natural Treasures
Giving back to our community has always been a core value at Waxi Taxi. Since day one, Jeny Burkhart has not only instilled this in our company but also lives this mission daily to give back to the community. Last weekend, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust held its annual Spring Benefit in Valparaiso, and Jeny was happy to support this event. As a long-time supporter of the organization, current Advisory Council Member, and former Board Member, she always takes an active role in this impactful group in Northwest Indiana. This year, Jeny prepared custom-made centerpieces for over 60 tables to bring nature and ambience to this year’s benefit.
We wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. If you’re not familiar with this organization, allow us to introduce you. For over 40 years, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust has quietly protected forests, wetlands, prairies, and other natural areas across Northwest Indiana.
A Woman on A Mission:
The organization is named after Dr. Shirley Heinze, a psychologist and resident of Ogden Dunes, Indiana. Dr. Heinze devoted her free time to enjoying and studying nature, actively participating in the fight to save the Indiana Dunes, and encouraging others to do the same. Sadly, Dr. Heinze died in 1978 at the age of 51 from lymphoma. After her death, her longtime friends Robert and Bette Lou Seidner honored her memory by creating a conservation organization. They donated $30,000 to start the Shirley Heinze Land Trust in 1981. This began an organization that would grow to protect thousands of acres of natural land.
What Does the Shirley Heinze Land Trust Do?
The organization's mission is clear: to preserve and restore natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana and to engage people in nature and conservation. Over the years, the trust has grown significantly. Approximately 3,400 acres across Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected today.
The trust doesn't just buy land and leave it alone. Many of the preserves were severely degraded when first acquired, and the Heinze Trust has engaged in a wide range of restoration activities to restore them to ecological viability. This means they work hard to bring damaged natural areas back to health.
Open to All:
One of the best things about the Shirley Heinze Land Trust is that most of their nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy. This gives people a chance to experience nature firsthand and learn about the importance of conservation.
The trust also runs many educational programs. As a Northwest Indiana Environmental Education partnership partner, they facilitate field trips and provide environmental education programming to over 3,000 3rd-5th grade students. They also host guided hikes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities yearly.
Looking Forward
As Northwest Indiana continues to develop, the work of organizations like the Shirley Heinze Land Trust becomes even more critical. By protecting natural areas now, they ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from these special places.
In the words of the trust itself, Dr. Heinze's "life and legacy are a quiet inspiration for us – that one person can have a lasting impact." Through the continued efforts of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, that impact grows with each acre protected and each person who discovers the natural wonders of Northwest Indiana.
You can visit their website
here to learn more.









