On Tuesday, July 19, the Dunes National Park Association Board of Directors presented a $2,500 check to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (INDU) for the purchase of 500 backpacks for children who will be participating in the new Nature in My Neighborhood Program at the Paul Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
This Nature in My Neighborhood Program is designed for children who live in Gary and nearby communities. Children will participate in a “nature play” area at the Douglas Center and then receive a backpack to take home that will include such items as a compass, magnifying glass, a bug box, bird identification card, and other items to help children explore nature at home and recognize their role in maintaining clean water and clean air in their neighborhoods.
May 22, 2012, marked the official launch of the Dunes National Park Association (DNPA), a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve, protect and promote Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore by building a community of supporters dedicated to conserving the park for the inspiration, education, and enjoyment of current and future generations.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is in the fourth largest urban area in the nation but does not have a private support organization comparable to those found in many other national parks. As a result, this region and this park are missing opportunities that can help Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore improve its services to visitors, increase its economic impact on the region, and improve its protection of historic and natural resources.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore needs public support to achieve its potential as a regional and national asset. The DNPA will assist the park in a variety of ways:
- Apply for grants and private sector funding to support the park.
- Receive and administer funding for which the National Park Service (NPS) is not eligible.
- Publicize and encourage public support for park goals.
- Advocate and represent the park to elected officials.
- Extend the message of the park to community organizations and civic group meetings.
- Fund things the NPS cannot pay for due to federal regulations.
- Make and sell park-related merchandise to increase awareness and generate income.
- Host special events.
- Secure equipment and services through donation or purchase.
- Assist in renovating and developing park facilities.
The DNPA will not:
- Purchase or own land for conservation.
- Act as an environmental advocacy organization.
- Act on the behalf of any park other than the national park.
- Conduct public training, workshops, or seminars.
Visit the newly launched www.DunesNationalPark.org for more information about the DNPA.
Photo: Superintendent Dillon (INDU) receiving the check from Michael Shymanski (DNPA Treasurer) and David Megremis (DNPA President)