S.A.V.E. the Dunes: A Personal Vision from our Executive Director

S.A.V.E. the Dunes: Our Work Today, Our Vision Ahead

A personal vision statement from our Executive Director

In 2022, when Betsy Maher was navigating the application process for the role of Executive Director of Save the Dunes, she drafted a vision statement for how Save the Dunes, a 70+ year old legacy grassroots advocacy organization, could meet the 21st century head-on.

This personal vision statement was influenced by our long-standing mission to protect and preserve the Indiana Dunes for future generations to enjoy. It captured an essential guiding framework that, four years later, continues to guide our organization as we sail forward with purpose, dedication, and a stiff breeze at our backs. Inspired by our organization’s name and founding rallying cry, each letter represents a core element of our work today and vision ahead.

S.A.V.E. : Support, Advocate, Voice, and Engage.

Support our National and State Parks

After years of advocacy, much of the Indiana Dunes are now under the protection of the National and State Parks. This makes these parks our most important partners. Our support will manifest in many forms, whether that be partnering on grants, collaborating on restoration projects, or raising awareness about the parks and their needs. No single organization can save the dunes on its own, but when we work together with our parks and other local partners, we amplify impact and strengthen our collective ability to protect and restore this precious landscape.

Advocate for greater protections for the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan watershed

Establishing the Indiana Dunes as a national park was an important step, but there is still much work to be done to protect the dunes and surrounding natural areas from the many threats they continue to face. The Indiana Dunes are one of the most fragmented landscapes in our nation, and many ecosystems within it still require restoration to thrive. Local industrial and residential pollution creates ongoing threats to these unique ecosystems as well as the health of residents in Northwest Indiana. Additionally, climate change has altered weather patterns in the region, impacting the ability of local flora and fauna to flourish without human intervention.

Save the Dunes will continue to be the leading advocate of the dunes at the local, state, and federal levels until these threats are addressed. We will also continue to train advocates – including the next generation of conservation leaders – to champion the dunes’ ongoing protection.

Be the Voice of the dunes

Nature cannot speak for itself, so we will speak for it. Our staff of experts will help others understand what is happening in the dunes and why it matters. This will range from celebrating the small victories of a recent restoration project to explaining the implications of a major environmental event. We will create opportunities for people to connect with the dunes and nearby natural areas through our communications, programs, and community engagement efforts. Whether we are reaching new audiences or engaging our most dedicated supporters, Save the Dunes will help others understand what makes the dunes special – and the struggles and successes that happen on the southern shores of Lake Michigan each day.

Engage with our community

The Indiana Dunes are a beautiful and majestic destination that we want all audiences to enjoy. Unfortunately, these environmental wonders have not been historically accessible to everyone, which is why we are committed to breaking down barriers to those who have not been able – or did not know how – to access the dunes. We will support the National Park’s accessibility efforts and work closely with local communities to better understand and remove these barriers.

Organizations that share these goals will become even more important partners in the years to come. By celebrating unique perspectives and lived experiences, we strive to make the dunes a place that is welcoming to all.

This vision reflects Betsy’s commitment to advancing Save the Dunes’ mission, strengthening partnerships, advocating for lasting protections, elevating the story of the dunes, and engaging communities to build a more accessible future for this landscape. Together, with our partners and supporters, we will ensure the preservation of the Indiana Dunes and the southern shores of Lake Michigan for generations to come.

To hear more from our Executive Director, watch the January 2026 episode of Northwest Indiana Green Drinks below.