The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore recently expanded by 2.5 acres, thanks to a contribution from the Shirley Heinze Environmental Fund.

The Heinze Fund, a non-profit group that purchases ecologically significant lands for preservation, donated a wooded dune near Noble School in Miller. The property was formally dedicated to the National Park Service at a ceremony on Friday.

The dune, known as the Lazerwitz Dune, was given to the Heinze Fund in 1984 by the late Charles Lazerwitz. It is one of numerous properties, totaling about 10 acres, donated to the National Lakeshore by the Heinze Fund over the years.

"The Heinze Fund has acquired many small parcels adjacent to the National Lakeshore through donation and purchase at tax sale," said Heinze Fund President Myrna Newgent. "We are delighted when we can make this land available to be incorporated into the National Park. Our goal when acquiring land is to preserve and protect it in its natural state, and I can think of no better way to assure that than making it part of the National Park."

Heinze Fund Executive Director Paul Kohlhoff said it is appropriate that the dune is adjacent to a public elementary school and expressed hope that

it would become an outdoor learning laboratory for Gary school children.

"If we can instill in these young people a love for the

land, we can feel confident that natural places like this will survive," he said.

For more information about the Heinze Fund or to make a donation, call 879-4725.

Posted on October 21, 2000