Events
IN Dunes Trail Work Series - Tolleston Dunes
IN Dunes Trail Work Series - Bailly Homestead Trails
IN Dunes Trail Work Series - Glenwood Dunes
IN Dunes Trail Work Series - Wetlands Restoration
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 2025 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 importance of wetlands. We are working with the National Park Service 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.
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 15th
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 - June 12th
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!
Location to Meet: Indiana Dunes National Park Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm Parking Lot at 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304
Event #3 Glenwood Dunes - July 17th
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 Wetlands Restoration - August 14th
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
Location to Meet: TBA (will either be at Cowles Bog or the Great Marsh, depending on seasonal conditions)
*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.
