Hammond Academy of Science and Technology students will be given an award for the native landscaping they planned and executed in their new school grounds. BP and Wildlife Habitat Council will receive awards for funding and partnership in the project. The Beverly Shores Environmental Restoration Group planted a demonstration native plant garden on Broadway which will be honored. Safe Harbor After School Program at Joy School in Michigan City earned an award for their native plant garden and the educational activities surrounding the planting.
Each of these entities has used native plants with the effect of bringing back ecosystems that human development has greatly reduced. The ecosystems of pre-European settlement were built on a foundation of native plants which provided food and shelter for butterflies, birds, amphibians, reptiles and more.
The Friends of Shirley Heinze are dedicated to supporting the Heinze Trust’s mission by promoting the development of natural “corridors” throughout Northwest Indiana and encouraging homeowners, parks, schools, developers, and other entities to plant native species.
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