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A Successful 2025 Great Lakes Day for
Save the Dunes!

The Indiana team with Congressman Rudy Yakym

March 2025

Save the Dunes is a proud governing member of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition (HOW), a group of organizations dedicated to securing a sustainable Great Lakes restoration plan and the federal funding to implement it.

Each year in March, more than 100 Great Lakes advocates head to Washington, D.C. for Great Lakes Day to elevate the HOW Coalition’s policy priorities, and to tell the story of restoration success, drinking water investment needs, and the importance of conservation action.

Save the Dunes is the Indiana state lead, in charge of assembling a lobbying team to attend Great Lakes Day. “Federal investments to restore and protect the Great Lakes are producing results, but serious threats remain,” said Laura Rubin, Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, which organizes the two-day event.

Each year during the first week in March, we celebrate the wonder and resource of the Great Lakes by ascending on Washington D.C. to lobby for clean water and congressional support for ongoing funding for programs such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

Save the Dunes has established a close relationship with Northwest Indiana Representative Frank J. Mrvan. During our DC visit we discussed the recent changes to the Indiana Dunes National Park (including staffing cuts) and the importance of continuing to fund the conservation projects to combat invasive species and restore local habitats. 

We loved ending Great Lakes Day on a high note, celebrating the support from Indiana Congressman Mrvan and Senator Young for the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Bill of 2025 allocating funds to clean up toxic pollution, restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce farm and city runoff pollution, and prevent and manage invasive species.

All in all, it was a very successful visit to our nation’s capitol to advocate for the Great Lakes. We are so grateful for the opportunity to speak up for Lake Michigan, and we can’t wait to return next year!

Save the Dunes staff Em Racine shares her perspective on the importance of GLRI to Congressman Mrvan

Shutdown Impacts at Indiana Dunes

The federal government is currently experiencing a shutdown, which means that many government operations, including staffing at national parks, are extremely limited. At Indiana Dunes National Park, this has direct impacts on park services and visitor support.

During the shutdown, you can expect:

  • National park staffing will be minimal – only enough to maintain health, safety, and resource protection
  • Roads, trails, and beaches will remain accessible to the public
  • All national park education and volunteer programs are canceled during the shutdown
  • The Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor’s Center will remain open
  • Other park buildings and restrooms are not guaranteed to be open
  • The Indiana Dunes State Park will remain open during the shutdown

If you do visit the park, your actions matter more than ever. For more detailed tips and guidance for visiting responsibly while staff and services are limited, please check out our blog.

Read Our Blog to Learn More

The Indiana Dunes Need You

The Indiana Dunes are facing growing challenges that threaten their health and future. At Save the Dunes, we’re working to support and protect the park during this critical time—but we can’t do it alone.

Donate Today to Help Defend the Dunes

Your support powers local action to protect this national treasure now, and for future generations to come.

Donate Today
Purchase Your National Park Pass
from Save the Dunes!

Save the Dunes is now selling National Park Passes! Your Pass allows you to access any and all Indiana Dunes National Park beaches, trailheads, and parking lots while enjoying the beauty of the Indiana Dunes and beyond. 10% of funds from passes purchased through Save the Dunes will go directly to supporting our mission.

Email or call us at 219-879-3564 to schedule a time to purchase your pass at our office at 444 Barker Road, Michigan City. Or come see us at any of our in-person events! 

Pass Options:

  • 7-Day Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $25
  • Annual Indiana Dunes National Park Pass — $45
  • Annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass — $80
Email Us

Or click anywhere else to continue to our website

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 today thanks to our matching donors, Mark J. Mihalo D.D.S. Family Dentistry; CLH, CPA’s & Consultants; and Nancy Moldenhauer & Sharlene Livesay.  

Will you join their generosity by supporting Save the Dunes this Giving Tuesday?

Help us reach our goal of $8,500 by donating today!

Donate Today