The Northern Indiana Public Service Company is donating $50,000 to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) to purchase 30 acres on the Little Calumet River, adjacent to Brummitt Elementary School in Westchester Township.

The acquisition will make fishing, boating, hiking, and educational opportunities available for the public, according to a statement released by the NiSource Charitable Trust Foundation.

The donation will be formally made on June 27 at SHLT’s sixth annual Summer Gala, “A Taste of Provence,” at International Friendship Gardens.

“We are grateful for NIPSCO’s long-standing commitment to land conservation in Northwest Indiana and the relationship we’ve developed with them over the years,” SHLT Executive Director Kris Krouse said in a statement released on Tuesday. “This acquisition sets a precedent for SHLT’s land acquisition program by acquiring a parcel that has numerous recreational opportunities for residents in Northwest Indiana in addition to the natural value we strive to protect.”

“We are committed to helping organizations that are working to improve the quality of life in our region,” NIPSCO CEO Eileen O’Neill Odum. “Our commitment of $50,000 toward this Little Calumet Wetlands Project is an excellent opportunity to preserve a piece of the natural habitat that makes this region special and to make it available for public enjoyment.”

SHLT’s goal is to match the gift during the paddle auction at the Summer Gala, to allow it to purchase the wooded wetlands complex in Westchester Township for $100,000.

The evening will begin with a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by a Provencal-style dinner served by the Sahara restaurant of Michigan City.

An outdoor silent auction will feature a selection of local artwork, visual and performing arts tickets and memberships, fine wine and dining packages, garden and nursery items, and an assortment of French gifts and culinary items. A live auction will feature one-of-a-kind getaway packages and outdoor adventure packages.

Individual tickets are $95, with $65 of that amount tax deductible. Individual and corporate sponsors can reserve a table for $1,000. Call SHLT at (219) 879-4725 for reservations or for information about making a pledge toward the Little Calumet Wetlands Project. Visit www.heinzetrust.org

Corporate sponsors of the event include NIPSCO, American Licorice Company, General Insurance Services, Horizon Bank, JF New & Associates Inc., Lakeside Wealth Management, MonoSol LLC, Soil Solutions, and ArcelorMittal.

Posted 6/24/2009