1. Become a member. [more]
2. Provide monetary support. [more]
3. Volunteer your services. [more]
4. Save land. [more]
5. Gain new knowledge. [more]
6. Take action. [more]
7. Leave no child inside. [more]
8. Reduce your impact. [more]
9. Leave a legacy. [more]
10. Tell a friend. [more]

As a member you are notified first when new issues arise that require your action. Our membership base is particularly important when we speak on issues that impact the Indiana Dunes and the Lake Michigan Watershed in Northwest Indiana.

Members receive our quarterly newsletter, e-mail alerts and member rates on meetings and social gatherings. Join on-line now or download a membership application.

Your valuable donations help Save the Dunes build its capacity to achieve its vital mission. Consider making a tax-deductible donation today either on-line or by downloading this form. Donations may also be made through automatic monthly contributions through your bank. Matching gifts and generous corporate gifts are also welcome that will help meet your corporate goals.

Volunteers are vital to our success. A variety of exciting and fulfilling opportunities are offered ranging from stream monitoring to greenhouse stewardship to event planning. Please contact us at 219-879-3564 if you are interested in becoming a Save the Dunes volunteer or fill out and mail our Volunteer Application.

Some of the most biodiverse habitats in the United States can be found right here in Northwest Indiana, including, but not limited to:

• Globally rare dune and swale
• Threatened fens and sedge meadows
• High quality wet prairies
• Important riparian areas that protect the dunes as well as Lake Michigan

Add to the more than 600 acres owned or managed by Save the Dunes by donating or selling your property or by advising Save the Dunes on available land. In addition, if you live adjacent to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, we may be able to work with you to donate or sell your property to the National Park. For more information, contact the Manager of Land Programs at 219-879-3564.

Opportunities abound to learn how you can save the dunes. Past programs have focused on topics such as how native landscaping can improve water quality, and the benefits of low-impact development; and interpretative hikes that highlight native flora and fauna are scheduled throughout the year. Periodically check our events calendar to learn about programs planned.

Consistent with its long-storied history and objectives, Save the Dunes counts on its members, supporters and the public to take action on a variety of issues that can impact the Indiana Dunes. Through this website, e-mail and Facebook alerts, we will let you know when an issue arises and what you can do to help. More importantly, your actions will help leave a legacy of clean air, water and protected natural areas for future generations.

New issues are also brought to our attention by our supporters and members, so be sure to contact us at 219-879-3937 if you see an issue that is impacting the dunes.

With today’s emphasis on video-gaming and internet surfing, we need to work even harder to help children increase their awareness of nature. Save the Dunes supports Chicago Wilderness in its efforts to get children outdoors. See the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and help build dunes stewards of the future by encouraging children to explore nature.

Also support Save the Dunes’ “Leave No Child Inside” initiatives where children can explore the wonders of the dunes, and develop and take pride in fun projects designed exclusively for their age group.

If you are interested in participating in the Leave No Child Inside program or would like more information please contact Erin Crofton at (219) 879-3564 or by email at erin@savedunes.org.

Reducing your impact on the environment can have double benefits. Why? Because the Indiana Dunes are a unique national treasure and Lake Michigan provides drinking water to more than 6 million people. Useful tips and action items can be found in our widely acclaimed Watershed Management Plans for Salt Creek and Dunes Creek, for example:

• Make sure your septic system is functioning properly.
• Don’t dump waste oil and other household hazardous waste down storm drains.
• Minimize your use of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Landscape with native vegetation that more effectively filters pollution.
• Pick up your pet waste.

There are also many opportunities detailed in these plans for reducing impacts on a broader scale by implementing best management practices such as stream buffers and rain gardens.

Please let your legal advisor know that you support our important work and obtain information on our Tree of Life Planned Giving Program. Your gifts are 100 percent tax-deductible and may help you achieve other financial goals such as reducing taxes and probate costs, and creating a stream of retirement income.

Help raise awareness about this special place we call the Indiana Dunes and that the dunes are never really saved. Tell others about the work of Save the Dunes by forwarding our e-mail alerts and action requests, bring your friends and family members to our events and activities, and help recruit new members. Eternal vigilance is key to saving the dunes, but it can’t be done by a few select people.