Volunteering and Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park
Hello Midwestern Yardeners, today we took the show on the road. Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the Midwest’s most unique and biodiverse treasures. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the park is a patchwork of ecosystems, including sandy beaches, towering dunes, lush forests, prairies, and wetlands. This rich variety of habitats supports more than 1,100 species of plants and countless animals, making it a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the park’s standout features is the Great Marsh, the largest interdunal wetland in the Lake Michigan region. This wetland once stretched for miles before human activity drained much of it for agriculture and development. In recent years, conservation efforts have been underway to bring the Great Marsh back to life. Wetlands like this are not just picturesque—they’re ecological powerhouses. They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater to prevent flooding, filtering pollutants to improve water quality, and providing critical habitat for wetland-dependent species, including migratory birds and amphibians.
A Morning of Planting at the Great Marsh
The history of Indiana Dunes National Park is just as fascinating as its landscapes. In the early 1900s, this area was at the center of a battle between conservationists and industrial developers. Visionaries like botanist Henry Chandler Cowles and activists from the Prairie Club fought to preserve the dunes’ natural beauty and ecological significance. Their efforts eventually led to the establishment of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966. Decades later, in 2019, it was re-designated as a national park, becoming the first in Indiana and drawing even more attention to the need for conservation and stewardship of this unique environment.
One of the park’s standout features is the Great Marsh, the largest interdunal wetland in the Lake Michigan region. This wetland once stretched for miles before human activity drained much of it for agriculture and development. In recent years, restoration efforts have been underway to bring the Great Marsh back to life. Wetlands like this are not just picturesque—they’re ecological powerhouses. They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater to prevent flooding, filtering pollutants to improve water quality, and providing critical habitat for wetland-dependent species, including migratory birds and amphibians.
As someone who loves gardening, hiking, and parks… I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to volunteer at Indiana Dunes and contribute to the Great Marsh restoration efforts. Our group worked alongside park rangers to plant native species such as blue flag irises, sedge, and rushes along the marsh edge. These plants are vital for stabilizing the soil, reducing erosion, and providing food and shelter for wildlife. The park provided us with waders and trowels, which made navigating the soft, wet ground much easier. I brought my trusty waterproof gloves, which proved invaluable as I dug into the marshy soil to settle the plants into their new homes.
Conservation work like this is both challenging and rewarding. It’s amazing how small acts—plant by plant—add up to significant progress in restoring these vital ecosystems.
Exploring the Park and Completing the Three Dune Challenge
After finishing up at the Great Marsh, I couldn’t resist exploring more of the park. First, I stopped at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and more than happy to point out a couple great trails within the National Park. Of course I had to make a point to stop at the gift shop, I love that the dollars I spend go back to supporting the park! I made sure to snag a shirt and hoodie.
My first hike took me to the East side of the park where I hiked the dune ridge trails. The hike had very little elevation gain but offered scenic views of the Great Marsh. I made sure to take one of the offshoots this hike had to walk along the lake shore.
Feeling energized, I decided to take on the Three Dune Challenge, which is within the Indiana State Park boarders. This 1.5-mile trail is a short but intense hike, as it involves scaling the park’s three tallest dunes: Mount Jackson, Mount Holden, and Mount Tom. The sand made for a tough climb, but the views were fantastic. From the top of each dune, I could see the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, rolling sand hills, and the colorful autumn foliage spreading across the landscape.
A Day Well Spent
Spending the day at Indiana Dunes National Park was the perfect blend of giving back and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Volunteering at the Great Marsh gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of wetlands and the ongoing work required to protect them. Exploring the park afterward, from the visitor center to the challenging trails, was a great way to experience all the park has to offer.
If you’ve never been, Indiana Dunes National Park is worth the trip. Whether you’re planting native species in the marsh, hiking the dunes, or simply soaking in the views, it’s a place where you can connect with nature and feel like a part of something bigger. For me, it was a day to remember—and I can’t wait to return and see how our efforts have helped the Great Marsh thrive.