Overview: since 1981, the shirley heinze land trust (shlt) 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, with most of shlts nature preserves open to the public for exploration and enjoyment. Working together, the shlt, the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s partners for fish and wildlife program (PFW), and the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s coastal program (CP) will identify strategic habitat restoration projects that advance the mutual goals of each organization. Shlt will assist with outreach to private landowners through social media, in-person gatherings, and informational handouts. The organization will also handle administrative tasks and provide reimbursement to landowners for eligible expenses associated with the restorations. The great lakes restoration initiative (glri) funding has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the partners for fish and wildlife (PFW) program in northern indiana, driving critical conservation efforts within the great lakes watershed. By leveraging this funding, the PFW program has successfully initiated habitat restoration projects that support native fish and wildlife populations while also addressing the challenges posed by invasive species and habitat degradation. These efforts have fostered improved water quality and species abundance, contributing to the ecological health of the great lakes. Through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, the program has been able to implement sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also promote community engagement and economic resilience in the region. The positive impacts of glri funding underscore the importance of collaborative conservation initiatives in preserving this vital freshwater ecosystem. The shirley heinze land trust (shlt), along with the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s partners for fish and wildlife program (PFW) and the U.S. Fish and wildlife service s coastal program (CP), has embarked on a cooperative agreement to enhance support for voluntary conservation with private landowners and other entities. Since its inception in 1981, shlt has championed the conservation of the regions valuable wetlands, forests, and grasslands through various watershed-focused initiatives. This agreement aims to deepen that commitment by collaboratively restoring critical habitats that will benefit both the environment and local communities. Focused on restoring and enhancing habitats for migratory birds, pollinators, federally threatened and endangered species, and other federal trust species, this partnership will target wetland and upland complexes in northwest indiana. By prioritizing project sites that expand publicly accessible conservation areas and private land transitioning out of agricultural production, the initiative aims to create a robust ecological network that not only supports wildlife but improves the overall health of surrounding communities.