Indiana Dunes Trail Work Series

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!

Post trail work refreshments will be provided.

Recommended items for trail work:
- 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)

Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes National Park Tolleston Dunes at 5800 U.S. Highway 12 (Dunes Highway), Ogden Dunes, IN 46368

*Note: This trail work project is 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.

Trail Work Series Event #2 will focus on trail maintenance along the Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farms trails. Work will include wheelbarrowing wood chips out to the area and spreading them 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!

Post trail work refreshments will be provided.

Recommended items for trail work:
- 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)

Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes National Park Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm Parking Lot at 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304

*Note: This trail work project is 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.

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!

Post trail work refreshments will be provided.

Recommended items for trail work:
- 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)

Location to Meet: USGS Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station at 1574 N 300 E, Chesterton, IN 46304

*Note: This trail work project is 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.

Trail Work Series Event #4 will focus on installing 3600 native plants into a protected wetlands area. This is part of a larger 25-year long project to help restore these crucial wetlands.

Our educational component will be led by Dr. Dan Mason, NPS Botanist. Dr. Mason will teach us about the crucial role wetlands play in our local and regional ecosystems. No experience required. Calf-high waterproof boots recommended, but will be provided if needed

Post trail work refreshments will be provided.

Recommended items for trail work:
- 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)

Location to Meet: TBA (will either be at Cowles Bog or the Great Marsh, depending on seasonal conditions)

*Note: This trail work project is approved by Indiana Dunes Tourism and the National Park Service. Either 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.