Habitat Restoration
at Indiana Dunes National Park

Spring is the time for rejuvenation, rebirth and restoration here at Indiana Dunes. Join a panel of natural resource specialists who are working on a variety of projects in the national park to rehabilitate our wetlands, woods, and dunes. We will discuss the partnerships that make these restoration projects possible; hear about new methods of restoring ecosystems; and discuss why it is so important to heal the land. As managers of the complex ecosystems of Indiana Dunes National Park, the National Park Service works with partners and the local communities to care for and restore these diverse

landscapes. Learn how we are working with the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi to protect, restore, and enhance wild rice (mnomen) with Dr. Jennifer Kanine. Jennifer works as the Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi and has years of experience in restoration.

Laura Brennan and Desiree Thompson Robertson will focus on recent restoration projects in the national park. Laura has worked at Indiana Dunes National Park for 18 years, currently as a biologist in the Natural Resources team, and has also worked as a part of the parks interpretive and fire management teams. She has been highly involved in the invasive plant control and native plant augmentation efforts in oak savanna, wetland, open dune complex and prairie habitats park-wide. Laura holds a degree in Biology from Valparaiso University.

CHAT RECORD

Upcoming Programs

Dunes Learning Center is part of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), made up of environmental education centers throughout the country. Since most programs are virtual right now, you can join great virtual workshops from many different places! Check out the many program offerings in the ANCA Program Exchange by clicking the button at right!

Dunes Learning Center events are supported by our 2021 Corporate Event Sponsors, including ArcelorMittal-Cleveland Cliffs, Franklin Pest Solutions, Friends of Indiana Dunes, Keramida Inc., Lakeshore Public Media, Mark J. Mihalo Family Dentistry, NIPSCO, J.F. Pelkey - Attorney at Law, Pratt Industries, and Wickcraft Boardwalks.