Shirley Hines Land Trust to invest in Ivanho South preserve; Gary council hears project details

At the April 15 meeting of the Gary Common Council, representatives of the Shirley Hines Land Trust described planned improvements to Ivanho South, a roughly 50-acre preserve near Kofax Avenue.

Marcela Gregory, a Shirley Hines board member and Gary resident, introduced Chris Krauss, the trust's executive director, who said the organization will invest about $1 million to make the preserve more accessible. Krauss said the project includes a parking lot north of the railroad tracks, boardwalks to protect sensitive dune-and-swale habitat, a sidewalk connection to Westside Leadership Academy, a small community shelter and fencing to deter ongoing illegal dumping along the railroad corridor.

Krauss said the property represents some of the region's remaining rare dune-and-swale habitat; the trust has permanently preserved about 50 acres within Ivanho South and will conduct neighborhood engagement as construction approaches. He said funding was secured in part through a Northwest Indiana Forum grant program.

The trust plans a public groundbreaking on May 12 at 3 p.m.; construction is expected to begin in early June and the trust anticipates a dedication ceremony in the fall after the work is complete. Krauss thanked Councilman Hallebertton and city officials including Christopher Harris and the mayor's office for coordination.

Council members asked clarifying questions and applauded the land trust for making a previously inaccessible preserve more usable for residents; staff said they will coordinate final construction timing and neighborhood notices.