2022 Paul H. Douglas Memorial Award Winner

Paul Labovitz

Paul Labovitz and his larger-than-life personality came to us when the Indiana Dunes needed him the most. Both internal and external relationships under the previous superintendent were strained at best. Some of our surrounding communities had little connection to their federal neighbor and others eyed the park with suspicion and distrust. To say that Paul inherited a broken Indiana Dunes may be an overstatement. However, what Paul did inherit was an Indiana Dunes that had yet to seize its full potential within the community and for the community.

Looking back at early articles introducing the region to Paul, the same words pop up time and time again – communicator, collaborator, and strong skills in consensus building. These words could not be truer. Immediately, Paul strengthened relationships between Indiana Dunes and its stakeholders. He repaired damage from soured partnerships and helped rebuild trust with the National Park Service. Moreover, he did all of this just in time to ready our region for the big renaming of Indiana Dunes as a National Park.

Today, Paul includes the region in the creation and implementation of the vision for the Indiana Dunes. Tourism is thriving more than ever, and our communities better understand the value and benefits of the park. Paul and his team have made the park more accessible and welcoming not only for locals, but as a destination across the nation. Our region can stand tall knowing we have as many – if not more – visitors to the Indiana Dunes than Yosemite.

Therefore, we are honored to award this years’ Paul H. Douglas Memorial Award to Paul Labovitz – the communicator, the collaborator, the consensus-builder. Paul has fostered numerous partnerships across the region, bringing so many together to protect and steward the dunes for years to come. We’re so grateful for his passion, humor, and positive energy in collaborative circles. But most importantly, we are so grateful for his leadership that has helped our communities recognize the Indiana dunes as a true centerpiece of Northwest Indiana.

Cyber Monday Sale!

Today Only – to celebrate Cyber Monday, we are giving you a free Hydro Flask bottle with any purchase over $50 from our online shop!

This is the perfect opportunity to sport our merch, support our mission, and cross some names off your shopping list! 

Every order placed today, 11/27/23, over $50 will automatically include a free 21 oz Standard Mouth Hydro Flask bottle with the Save the Dunes logo engraved on one side – a $35 value gifted to you for supporting Save the Dunes! The color will be either Snapper (dark fuchsia) or Starfish (yellow/orange), chosen at random. 

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Happy #GivingTuesday!

Today is all about Getting Involved and Giving to the organizations you hold near and dear to your heart. We hope you will consider making Save the Dunes one of the organizations you support this year!

Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $7,500 thanks to our matching donors, Mark J. Mihalo D.D.S. Family Dentistry; CLH, CPA’s & Consultants; and Nancy Moldenhauer & Sharlene Livesay. We are eternally grateful for their generosity! Will you join them in supporting Save the Dunes this Giving Tuesday?

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 by donating today!