Latest news with #KrisKrouse
Chicago Tribune
18-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Grant will help students access Ivanhoe nature preserve
A somewhat hidden nature preserve on Gary's West side is set to become an educational beacon, thanks to grants and perseverance. Indiana American Water Monday afternoon awarded the Shirley Heinze Land Trust a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant to turn its Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, 750 Colfax St., into a place where students and passersby alike can come and take in its wonder. The money gives the nonprofit the final boost it needed to trigger the $977,000 READI 1.0 grant it was awarded under former Governor Eric Holcomb. The trust, which started snagging some 250 unused lots in the area from tax sales after it started in 1981, ended up with 53 acres of pristine dune and swale habitat, Trust Executive Director Kris Krouse said during an announcement at the site. It will now use the $1,177,000 from the READI 1.0, Indiana American Water and a $50,000 Legacy Foundation grant to build a sidewalk to the site from West Side Leadership Academy as well as add a bathroom and improve a bridge over a creek on the property. 'We want to engage students with environmental initiatives,' he said. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he remembers being taken to Deep River to learn about the Monarch butterfly, so having a project at home will be an investment that will strengthen the city's connection to the environment. Indiana State Senator Mark Spencer, D-Gary, echoed Melton's sentiment. 'As a 33-year veteran educator at West Side, I'm excited for young people to have this wonderful, natural space,' he said. 'The Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been a quiet, powerful force whose work isn't just saving lands, but giving stories to neighborhood and industry. 'We're not breaking ground — we're planting hope.' Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis said the Ivanhoe project might not be the biggest in the scheme of the $50 million Northwest Indiana received, but it may have the most impact, while Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe added that when people invest in public space, it's not just about beauty, but equity and resilience as well. When Indiana American Water NWI District Manager Justin Mount got word that he had money to award, the first person he called was NWI Forum Environmental Affairs Director Kay Nelson for suggestions. She immediately told him Ivanhoe South would be the place because the land itself helps recharge aquifers in the area. 'A sidewalk sounds like such simple amenity, but it provides safe transport to 53 acres of dune and swale, and other rich ecological opportunities,' Nelson said. 'You hear the birds, the Spring peepers (frogs), and you see the mayflowers. When Justin made that call to me, and to find out (Ivanhoe) got that match was really an awesome thing.' The Indiana American Water award was the biggest award American Water gave out to the 12 states it covers, Mount added.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘This Is a Jewel in Our Own Community,' Residents Say as Preserve Gets $400K Upgrade
A Gary nature preserve will soon be getting a facelift. Tucked behind what may seem like one of the city's many wooded areas is the Ivanhoe South Preserve, a sanctuary of wetland, unique plant life, and a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat just off Seventh Avenue and Colfax Street. Despite its vast landmass, the preserve sits as a jewel rarely visited by those in its surrounding backed by $400,000 in funding, the preserve will receive major upgrades. Improvements range from a sidewalk linking the park to West Side Leadership Academy, half a mile away, to educational signs, an expanded parking lot, boardwalks, and a new gathering space.'I've always wondered what they were doing because I sometimes see folks parked over there,' said Jared Benard, who lives two blocks from the preserve and attended Monday's announcement. 'They said they have hikes. I'd like to participate in one … I think it's a good thing that they're preserving this area.' The land, originally set to be a subdivision that was never developed, was purchased in parcels by The Shirley Heinze Land Trust, which was founded in 1981. Since that time the land trust has pieced together 250 lots to create the 53-acre preserve. Although the preserve has been open to the public for years, leadership at Shirley Heinze trust were looking for ways to make it more accessible as an asset for the neighborhood and the entire city. 'We're committed to connecting people to nature, and a few years ago we found a perfect opportunity to pursue funding through the Northwest Indiana Forum and the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative,' said Kris Krouse, executive director of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 'Our goal was to connect neighbors and students from West Side Leadership Academy by building a sidewalk from Ivanhoe South to the high school.' After securing the READI grant, the land trust needed $200,000 in matching funds, which it secured with a $50,000 award from the Legacy Foundation's John S. and James L. Knight donor-advised fund and $150,000 from American Water Charitable Foundation's Water and Environmental Grant program, a philanthropic nonprofit established by American Water. Mayor Eddie Melton praised the collaborative partnerships and recalled his own experiences learning about nature in the region. 'I remember going on field trips to Deep River, and they would teach us about the monarch butterfly and everything about Northwest Indiana from a natural perspective,' he said. 'So I'm extremely excited; this investment will strengthen our city's connection to the environment and improve the quality of life for our residents.' State Senator Mark Spencer, a 33-year educator, highlighted the opportunities on the horizon for students, particularly those right around the corner at West Side. 'I am excited about the opportunity for our young people to engage in all that's being offered in this wonderful natural forest, especially the biology classes,' he said. 'Ivanhoe South stands as a sanctuary between neighborhood and industry and it's now becoming even more, it's a classroom without walls.' Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe highlighted disparities in access to green space, especially in communities like Gary. 'Not all people and not all neighborhoods have the same access to nature and maintained green space especially in those that are underserved,' she said. According to Jeff Berglund of Berglund Construction, the project is expected to start in the coming weeks and will be completed by September. Barbara Freeman, a resident and board member of the land trust, brought her friend Ethel Fields, who had never visited the preserve.'I love it,' Fields said as Freeman guided her through the trail. 'We're so used to seeing abandoned areas,' Freeman said. 'We have to promote this. This is a jewel in our own community.' The post 'This Is a Jewel in Our Own Community,' Residents Say as Preserve Gets $400K Upgrade appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2025 Water and Environment Grantee: The Shirley Heinze Land Trust
$150,000 Grant Helps Launch Major Improvements to the Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana GARY, Ind., May 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Indiana American Water is proud to share that the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), provided Shirley Heinze Land Trust with a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant. This funding will catalyze major improvements, positioning Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana, as a premier destination to learn about the disappearing dune and swale landscapes inland along Lake Michigan's south shore. "Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation on our Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary," said Kris Krouse, Executive Director, Shirley Heinze Land Trust. "This project will create walkability, safety, a gathering space, engagement programming, and a fund to ensure the improvements made are lasting at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat. We are grateful for this phenomenal support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to make Ivanhoe South a community asset to be proud of, improve overall community of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to the surrounding community." The Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve stands as a 53-acre sanctuary of rare dune-and-swale ecosystems, miraculously untouched by significant development. Nestled between Gary's bustling industrial zones and residential neighborhoods, this precious remnant offers a glimpse into the unique environmental heritage of the region. "We are deeply honored by the generous investment from the American Water Charitable Foundation to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. As a proud member of this community, I am filled with pride knowing that this support will enable future generations to cultivate a profound understanding and appreciation of our vital natural resources. This is especially significant for Gary, given our rich heritage and unique location along the shores of Lake Michigan," said Justin Mount, Northwest Indiana District Manager, Indiana American Water. The grant, combined with READI 1.0 funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will be used to enhance walkability, safety, and create a gathering space at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve. Additionally, it will support engagement programming and improve connectivity to the nearby West Side Leadership Academy, allowing students to walk to the preserve and learn about the region's ecology. A celebratory kickoff took place at Ivanhoe South today and included City of Gary Mayor, Eddie Melton, Gary Common Council member Dwayne Haliburton (2nd Dist.), Gary Common Council member Lori Latham (1st Dist.), leaders from Indiana American Water, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and other invited guests. The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. "The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations providing meaningful impact across Indiana," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "Funding for Water and Environment grants supports projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation." Learn more on how this grant will help improve the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve by visiting our YouTube channel. View Indiana American Water's community impact, here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit About Indiana American Water Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About Shirley Heinze Land Trust Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 3,600 acres across Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy. For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Joel ReuterExternal Affairs ManagerIndiana American WaterOffice: (317) 885-2434Email: Bridget HarrisonDeputy DirectorShirley Heinze Land TrustOffice: (219) 242-8558Email: bharrison@
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Indiana American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2025 Water and Environment Grantee: The Shirley Heinze Land Trust
GARY, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Indiana American Water is proud to share that the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), provided Shirley Heinze Land Trust with a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant. This funding will catalyze major improvements, positioning Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana, as a premier destination to learn about the disappearing dune and swale landscapes inland along Lake Michigan's south shore. This funding will catalyze major improvements, positioning Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana, as a premier destination to learn about the disappearing dune and swale landscapes inland along Lake Michigan's south shore. Share 'Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation on our Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary,' said Kris Krouse, Executive Director, Shirley Heinze Land Trust. 'This project will create walkability, safety, a gathering space, engagement programming, and a fund to ensure the improvements made are lasting at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat. We are grateful for this phenomenal support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to make Ivanhoe South a community asset to be proud of, improve overall community of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to the surrounding community.' The Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve stands as a 53-acre sanctuary of rare dune-and-swale ecosystems, miraculously untouched by significant development. Nestled between Gary's bustling industrial zones and residential neighborhoods, this precious remnant offers a glimpse into the unique environmental heritage of the region. "We are deeply honored by the generous investment from the American Water Charitable Foundation to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. As a proud member of this community, I am filled with pride knowing that this support will enable future generations to cultivate a profound understanding and appreciation of our vital natural resources. This is especially significant for Gary, given our rich heritage and unique location along the shores of Lake Michigan," said Justin Mount, Northwest Indiana District Manager, Indiana American Water. The grant, combined with READI 1.0 funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will be used to enhance walkability, safety, and create a gathering space at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve. Additionally, it will support engagement programming and improve connectivity to the nearby West Side Leadership Academy, allowing students to walk to the preserve and learn about the region's ecology. A celebratory kickoff took place at Ivanhoe South today and included City of Gary Mayor, Eddie Melton, Gary Common Council member Dwayne Haliburton (2 nd Dist.), Gary Common Council member Lori Latham (1 st Dist.), leaders from Indiana American Water, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and other invited guests. The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. 'The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations providing meaningful impact across Indiana,' said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. 'Funding for Water and Environment grants supports projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation.' Learn more on how this grant will help improve the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve by visiting our YouTube channel. View Indiana American Water's community impact, here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit About Indiana American Water Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About Shirley Heinze Land Trust Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 3,600 acres across Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy. For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit
