Events
Series Website
Additional series information can be found at https://runnersforpubliclands.org/indiana-dunes-trail-work-series/.
Place
Chesterton, IN US 46304
Description
Runner's for Public Lands (RPL) is excited to partner with Trailblazer Running and the National Park Service (NPS) to present the 2024 Indiana Dunes Trail Work Series.
This project brings our local community of runners together to learn about and care for the living landscapes we run with. Through repetitive, hands-on service events with an educational component, we can share ecological values and create strong connections that inspire runners to care for the people and places they love.
This Trail Work Series will include 4 independent trail work events, each with its own unique educational component. Based on the location of each trail work we have identified a relevant topic to learn about. The educational topics may include native vs. invasive flora, trail building/maintaining, and the history/culture of indigenous tribes. We are working with the NPS, Indiana Land Protection Alliance (ILPA), and Indiana Dunes Tourism to provide expert insights on these topics. Participants are not required to attend all four events but are encouraged to, and can earn prizes/incentives for attending multiple events.
Each event will be approved by the NPS and led by Trailblazer Running volunteer leaders and NPS Staff and volunteers. All volunteers will be required to sign an NPS waiver before volunteering. One waiver will cover participating in all four events.
Runners for Public Lands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment. To bring our mission to life, we create pathways in local communities that connect runners with opportunities to learn about the lands and the people they are running with. We develop programs, resources, and events in partnership with cultural and environmental experts, established land stewarding organizations, indigenous leaders, and other non-profits. RPL’s mission doesn’t stop at awareness and education. Our ultimate goal is to inspire and spark action so that more runners want to get involved and actively care for the people in their community and the places where they run.
Event Details
Recommended items for all trail work events:
- Long sleeves and pants
- Hat
- Sunglasses/Eye protection
- Work gloves (if you have them)
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Personal snacks (especially if you have food sensitivities)
Post trail work refreshments will be provided for each event.
Event #1 Tolleston Dunes - May 9th
Trail Work Series Event #1 will focus on removing Garlic Mustard, an invasive plant species, from around the trail system. Work will include walking the trail and locating garlic mustard plants, pulling them out from their roots, and bagging them for proper disposal.
Our educational component will be led by NPS Biologist, Laura Brennan. Laura will teach us about why removing invasive plant species is important to the ecosystem and the health of our public lands. No experience required and all materials will be provided!
Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes National Park Tolleston Dunes at 5800 U.S. Highway 12 (Dunes Highway), Ogden Dunes, IN 46368
Event #2 Bailly Homestead
Trail Work Series Event #2 will focus on much needed trail maintenance along the Bailly Cemetery trails. Work will include wheelbarrowing Trail Mix out to the area and spreading it along the trail with shovels and other tools to fortify some muddy/depressed sections
Our educational component will be led by NPS Trails Supervisor, Ron Griffin. Ron will teach us about how building and maintaining trails helps the surrounding ecosystem. No experience required and all materials will be provided!
Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes National Park Headquarters at 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304
Event #3 Glenwood Dunes
Trail Work Series Event #3 will continue focus on treatment of woody invasive species around the trail system. Work will include walking the trails to locate woody invasive species and pruning them with hand tools. NPS staff will then apply herbicide to the invasives.
Our educational component will be led by an NPS Biologist. They will teach us about the importance of invasive plant control and the park's native plant augmentation efforts. No experience required and all materials will be provided!
Location to Meet: USGS Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station at 1574 N 300 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
Event #4 Indigenous Cultural Trail
Trail Work Series Event #4 will focus on the new Indigenous Cultural Trail. Work will include clearing brush, and helping to build/fortify the newly established trails
Our educational component will be led by Christine Livingston, President of Indiana Dunes Tourism. Christine will teach us about how the Indigenous Cultural Trail came to be, the history behind the indigenous tribes it honors, and their significance to the region. No experience required and all materials will be provided!
Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
*Note: These trail work projects are approved by the National Park Service. The NPS may require that we change the location or cancel this event for any reason, especially if weather or hazardous conditions exist. Should a change of plans be necessary we will inform all participants as soon as possible.
Series Contact Info
If you have any questions about this series, click the button below.
