Hobart Nature District facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hobart Nature District
Hobart Marsh Area
Wayfinding signage entering the district
Location	Lake County, Indiana, USA
Nearest city	Hobart, Indiana

The Hobart Nature District is a special place in Hobart, Indiana. It covers over 1,000 acres of beautiful parks and natural areas. Here you can find wetlands, winding rivers, peaceful lakes, open prairies, oak savannas, old forests, and rolling hills.

The name "Hobart Nature District" became official on July 19, 2017. However, people have been working to protect and restore these natural spaces for many years. The city leaders decided that "Hobart Nature District" was the best way to describe all the areas included in the Hobart Marsh Plan, which started in 2013.

The main idea behind the Hobart Marsh Plan was to use the large areas of native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. This creates a unique place for people to enjoy nature quietly. Visitors can see local plants and animals. The plan also aims to connect different conservation lands managed by various groups. It links up with the growing network of bike trails. This could make the district a great place for eco-tourism, letting people explore many other natural and cultural spots nearby.

Even though the name "Hobart Nature District" is new, efforts to save these areas began as early as 1989. This early support led to the creation of the "Hobart Prairie Grove." This area became part of the National Park System in 1992. It was added as an expansion of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (which became Indiana Dunes National Park in 2019).

Exploring the History of the District

How the Nature District Grew

The journey to create the Hobart Nature District involved many people and groups. It started with a vision to protect important natural spaces.

Early Efforts in the 1980s

• 1989
  • Hobart Mayor Margaret Kuchta spoke in favor of adding the Hobart Prairie Grove to the National Park system. This happened during hearings for a bill proposed by Congressman Pete Visclosky.
  • The Hobart City Council also supported this idea.
  • David Canright from the Sierra Club wrote a letter supporting the plan. He highlighted the importance of including Hobart Prairie Grove.

Protecting Nature in the 1990s

• 1990
  • Mayor Kuchta continued to support the Hobart Prairie Grove. She sent a letter and signed a proclamation. The proclamation called the area "unique" and important for rare species.
  • Senator Dan Coats spoke in the United States Senate. He noted that Hobart Prairie Grove was one of the "few remaining unspoiled prairie forests." It had rare plants and wildlife.
  • Local experts like Sandy O'Brien and Kim Klimek wrote letters of support. They explained the area's special geology, ecology, and plant diversity. They noted it was a top priority for preservation.

• 1991
  • Legislation sponsored by Congressman Pete Visclosky was approved. This bill would expand the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. It included buying the Hobart Prairie area.
  • Indiana Senators Richard Lugar and Dan Coats also introduced a bill to expand the Lakeshore. This bill included the Hobart Prairie Grove.
  • A newsletter described the Hobart Prairie Grove as a tallgrass savanna. This type of habitat was once common but was now very rare.

• 1992
  • Congress passed a law (Public Law 102-430) that added Hobart Prairie Grove to the National Park System. This was part of the 1992 expansion of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

• 1997
  • Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon officially dedicated the McCloskey's Burr Oak Savanna Nature Preserve.
  • A plan for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore noted that Hobart Prairie Grove was mostly a black soil savanna. It also had prairies and wetlands. The plan mentioned a former railroad path that could become a hike/bike trail.

Growth and Restoration in the 2000s

• 2004
  • The Trust for Public Land, a conservation group, announced plans to restore 219 acres of farmland. This land was next to the Hobart Prairie Grove. The goal was to return it to its natural state before settlers arrived.

• 2005
  • The Trust for Public Land finished a project to protect nearly 400 acres in Hobart. This area, known as Hobart Marsh, was saved through teamwork. Many groups worked together, including Congressman Pete Visclosky and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Parts of the Hobart Prairie Grove were described as an overgrown oak savanna. Some areas were early forests with maple, hickory, and oak trees.

• 2006
  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service noted that some trees in the Hobart Marsh area might be 200 years old.

• 2009
  • Robinson Lake Park became a focus of public attention. A private developer wanted to buy the park.
  • Community members formed a group called The Friends of Robinson Lake. Their goal was to keep the park public and protect its natural beauty. The developer eventually dropped the plan.
  • A report from the National Park Service described the Hobart Prairie Grove. It noted it had a small bluff prairie and a mix of oak savanna, woodland, and forest.

Planning for the Future in the 2010s

• 2011
  • The City of Hobart saw a need for a plan for the western side of the city. Many organizations owned and managed conservation lands there.
  • The city received a grant to create a detailed plan called the Hobart Marsh Area Plan.
  • The City of Hobart Parks and Recreation Department's Master Plan mentioned Robinson Lake Park. It noted its importance near hundreds of acres owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
  • A plan for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore noted that Hobart Prairie Grove had few visitor facilities. It aimed to add better signs by 2016.

• 2012
  • The Hobart Prairie Grove was part of a study by the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This study focused on white-tailed deer.
  • The Hobart Parks Department agreed to manage the fish in Robinson Lake with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
  • Fifth-grade students from Ridge View Elementary School helped collect seeds from native plants. This was for future planting in the Greiner Nature Preserve.

• 2013
  • Shirley Heinze Land Trust organized a volunteer day at their Bur Oak Woods nature preserve. This was part of ongoing restoration work. This 84-acre area is one of Indiana's rarest habitats.
  • The final Hobart Marsh Plan was presented to the city leaders. It included plans for hiking and biking trails.
  • The city's main plan was updated to include the Hobart Marsh Plan.
  • A report on "Hobart Sustainable Neighborhoods" studied the natural areas. It looked at tree coverage, open spaces, and managed lands.

• 2014
  • The Friends of Robinson Lake hosted their third annual paddling event. People could try canoeing and kayaking on Robinson Lake.
  • The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offered a guided bike ride in the Hobart Marsh area.

• 2015
  • City leaders noted that a large wetland area in northwest Hobart was set to become a recreation hub. This was under the Hobart Marsh Plan.
  • About 400 catfish were released into Robinson Lake by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
  • A community report highlighted the many natural areas in northwest Hobart.
  • Grants were given to help brand the nature preserves. Signs were bought for Levan Wetland, Greiner Nature Preserve, and Prairie Nature Preserve.
  • Save the Dunes acquired nearly 100 acres in Hobart. Part of this land is within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore boundary. This land will be donated to the National Park Service later.

• 2016
  • Hobart hosted the Hobart Marsh Summit. Conservation groups shared updates on their work. The National Park Service planned a new walking trail. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned natural area restoration.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for the "Hobart Woodland Trail" at Hobart Prairie Grove. This new trail added to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's 50 miles of trails.
  • Save the Dunes received funding for restoration at the Peddicord property in Hobart Marsh.

• 2017
  • The City of Hobart placed the first wayfinding boulders marking the "Hobart Nature District." These boulders help people find their way.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Hobart Marsh Wetland Mitigation Project. This project will restore wetlands and savannas. Many important officials attended, including U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky.
  • The "Hobart Nature District" was officially established on July 19, 2017.
  • The city placed a fourth wayfinding boulder near the Izaak Walton League's Spring Lake property.

• 2018
  • The 4th Annual Hobart Marsh Summit took place. Conservation groups shared information on removing invasive plants and improving the district.

• 2019
  • The City of Hobart and the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Committee started planning for zoning rules. These rules will guide how sites within conservation areas are used. This focuses on the areas now called the Hobart Nature District.

Who Helps Protect the District?

Many local groups work together to protect, restore, and promote the natural areas in the Hobart Nature District. They help get resources for restoration projects and improve recreation.

• City of Hobart
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Izaak Walton League
• Lake County Parks
• Indiana Dunes National Park / National Park Service
• Save the Dunes
• Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy

Discovering Natural Areas and Access Points

The Hobart Nature District has 13 different natural areas. Each offers something special!

Brinson & Bock / Higgins

• 25 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• This area is being restored to a burr oak savanna.
• No trails here, but you can access it from the Oak Savanna Trail.

Burr Oak Woods

• 84 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• Features a beautiful burr oak savanna.
• Has a 2-mile trail for exploring.
• Parking lot on Liverpool Road.

Cressmoor Prairie

• 41 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• Home to tallgrass prairie.
• Offers a 0.75-mile trail.
• Parking lot on North Lake Park Road.

Eleven Acre Prairie

• 11 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• A small piece of remnant prairie.
• No parking lot or trails here.

Gordon & Faith Greiner Nature Preserve

• 73 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust
• Features wetlands, wet prairie, and woodlands.
• Has a short 0.08-mile trail.
• Parking lot on Liverpool Road.

Hidden Prairie & Ivory Wetlands

• 61 acres owned by Shirley Heinze Land Trust.
• This area is restricted. You need special permission to visit.
• It has wet prairie, swamp, marsh, and open water.

Hobart Prairie Grove

• 300 acres owned by the National Park Service.
• Features a 1.1-mile trail.
• Home to 343 native plants and lots of wildlife. You can see forested ravines and an overlook of Lake George.
• Park at 5250 South Liverpool Road.

Levan Wetland

• 17 acres owned by Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy.
• Features sandy woods and fen-like wetlands.
• No parking lot or trails here.

McCloskey's Burr Oak Savanna

• 55 acres owned by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
• Has a 1-mile trail.
• This burr oak savanna is one of the rarest habitats in Indiana.
• Parking lot on the north side of 49th Avenue, east of the solar farm.

Oak Savannah Trail

• Over 8 miles long, owned by the National Park Service.
• East Trailhead: 4 North Hobart Road, Hobart.
• West Trailhead: 301 South Colfax Street, Griffith.

Peddicord

• 91 acres owned by Save the Dunes.
• Opened in the summer of 2018.
• Features a 1-mile trail.
• You can see rolling hills and an overlook of Lake George.
• Parking lot on the west side of Arizona Street.

Robinson Lake Park

• 30 acres owned by the City of Hobart.
• Includes a 17-acre lake open for fishing and paddling.
• Has picnic shelters and restrooms.
• Parking lot at 5250 Liverpool Road.

Spring Lake

• 50 acres owned by the Izaak Walton League.
• Features a 21-acre man-made lake and a 6-acre black soil prairie.
• Access is usually for Izaak Walton League members or special public events.
• Located at 4700 West 49th Avenue.