Annual Report 2023

October 1, 2022-September 30, 2023

2023 in a Nutshell

8,898 total participants
Fellows 15
Community Education 121
Summer Camp 450
School Year Onsite 3,246
School Year Outreach 5,066

Thanks to you, from the ribbon cutting in 1998 to today, more than 175,000 students have explored Indiana Dunes National Park to connect with nature and appreciate their responsibility for caring for it. We were thrilled to celebrate 25 years, and your support for environmental education to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature last year!

Post-Graduate Environmental Education Fellowships

Sponsored Fellowships support a one year position for recent college graduates to build their skills in environmental education, communication, conservation and leadership. Dunes Learning Center is grateful for the generous support of corporate sponsors for this impactful program. Fellowships kickstart careers with extensive training to lead outdoor learning adventures that focus on the natural and human-created environment students live in, cross multiple academic subjects with an emphasis on science, and promote active, responsible citizenship. In both school year and summer camp feedback, teachers and parents consistently tell us that no other program compares in terms of our knowledgeable, inclusive and supportive team. This is truly a reflection of the high-quality Fellowship experience at Dunes Learning Center.

New Vision and Strategy

The 2024-2030 Strategic Plan builds upon 25 years of growth and success. Through data-driven decision making, we will advance environmental education to help ensure diverse and equitable experiences within the ecological and social fabric of the Southern Lake Michigan region. With this blueprint for success, Dunes Learning Center looks forward to continuing our legacy and investment in the stewards of tomorrow.

25 Years of Frog in the Bog

This 3-day, 2-night immersive program takes students on a living history “Walk Through Time” at historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm to reflect on the different people drawn to the area over 10,000 years and an ecosystem hike through Cowles Bog to investigate succession in the dunes. In between they enjoy team building activities, family-style meals, campfire with s’mores and so much more. Learning activities are linked to Indiana's new integrated STEM standards with a focus on real-world problem solving using inquiry-based learning that give students the opportunity to ask questions, collect data and test their hypotheses.

Thank you to the many generous supporters who contributed to Dunes Learning Center between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. Your donations make outdoor learning in Indiana Dunes National Park possible for all students, and we are tremendously grateful for your support.

A Dunes Affair

Dunes Learning Center, along with nearly 300 benefactors, celebrated its 25th anniversary Gala with a spirited evening of food, friends, and fun at Sand Creek Country Club. In addition to the annual live and silent auctions, the evening was made even more special by Dunes Learning Center Fellows who contributed beautiful handmade auction items.

Science teacher Peg Zerega accepted the annual Green Apple Award in honor of the 6th grade team at Francis W. Parker School. The 6th grade students and teachers at Francis Parker have attended programs at Dunes Learning Center for 25 years to start the school year off by learning about scientific inquiry through outdoor education. 

Also this year, as part of the 25th anniversary celebration, a new award was created. Named in honor of the legacy and spirit of Dunes Learning Center founders, The Founders’ Award recognizes exceptional service to the organization. The Founders award was presented to both Geof Benson and Paul Labovitz, in honor and celebration of their service to Dunes Learning Center.

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