Conservation Success Stories: Valpo Parks

Environmental Success Stories: Valpo Parks

Welcome to our Environmental Success Stories Series!

We’re excited to share a new project Save the Dunes will be implementing over the next year through generous funding from the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coatition Through this funding, Save the Dunes will gathers stories from constituents across Northwest Indiana to highlight the importance of Great Lakes restoration, wetlands protection, PFAS regulations, plastic pollution reduction, and other water policies. These stories will help demonstrate how these investments and protections benefit local communities and why their continued support is essential to protecting the NWI region.

We’re excited to share these stories with you and showcase the voices of constituents actively protecting and restoring Northwest Indiana natural areas!

Read about a Conservation Success Story!

Testimonial from Valpo Parks Director Tristan Leonhard:

We’d love to share what we’ve been working on out at Creekside Trails, as it’s a great example of how local habitat investment directly impacts our community and public space.

Over the past two winters, we’ve planted 50 acres of diverse native prairie—25 acres in winter 2024/2025 and another 25 acres in winter 2025/2026. This native plant restoration provides critical bird habitat, and we’re already seeing local wildlife like wild turkeys utilizing the area. The project integrates right into the broader Creekside Trails system, which features over 13 total miles of multiuse, soft-surface trails. We have around 4 to 5 paths leading out into the newly restored prairie area, giving the public a front-row seat for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

Sincerely,

Tristan Leonhard

Director, Valpo Parks

Valpo Parks Project Photos

Local habitat investment directly impacts our NWI communities and public spaces!

Photo Credit: Valpo Parks

Thank you, Tristan and Valpo Parks for your commitment to designing meaningful spaces, creating impactful experiences, and promoting healthy lifestyles for all residents and visitors!

Share your own Success Story with us!

We are looking for anglers, local business owners, farmers, faith groups, first responders, and other community members willing to share how

PFAS (forever chemicals) regulations
Wetlands Protections
Plastic Pollution Reduction
Invasive species and habitat restoration

impacts their professional lives and local communities.

If you’re interested in sharing your story, please reach out to harshini@savedunes.org. These stories will help show our elected leaders in Congress why supporting investments in Great Lakes restoration, wetlands protection, and clean water policies are important!