An on-line petition has been posted in support of the Chellberg Farm at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Meanwhile, the Save the Dunes Council has announced two new partners to sponsor the picnic and tour of Chellberg scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

The Hoosier Chapter of Sierra Club and the Porter Chapter of the Izaak Walton League have both agreed to sponsor the picnic and tour along with Save the Dunes.

People can show their support for Chellberg by signing an on-line petition at www.savedunes.org

“We are having a good response and think the community can help find solutions to the current problems at the farm,” Erin Crofton, a resource specialist with Save the Dunes, said in a statement released on Friday.

The tour of the farm will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the parking lot for Chellberg. People are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and beverages will be provided.

Save the Dunes invited National Lakeshore Superintendent Constantine Dillon but he declined the invitation, the statement said. A park service volunteer will be on hand to lead the tour.

For more information, see www.savedunes.org

 or call Tom Anderson or Eric Crofton at (219) 879-3937.

Chellberg is currently without a farmer, after long-time farmer Jim Smiddy retired and was not replaced due to fiscal concerns. The animals were sold early this spring. Crops have not been planted this season nor the historical vegetable garden. Visitors may still walk the site. Dillon has indicated his willingness to work with volunteers to find a way to resume operations at Chellberg.

Posted 6/15/2009