Indiana American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2025 Water and Environment Grantee: The Shirley Heinze Land Trust

$150,000 Grant Helps Launch Major Improvements to the Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana

GARY, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Indiana American Water is proud to share that the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), provided Shirley Heinze Land Trust with a $150,000 Water and Environmental grant. This funding will catalyze major improvements, positioning Ivanhoe South Preserve in Gary, Indiana, as a premier destination to learn about the disappearing dune and swale landscapes inland along Lake Michigan’s south shore.

“Shirley Heinze Land Trust is proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation on our Ivanhoe South Community Development and Education Initiative in the City of Gary,” said Kris Krouse, Executive Director, Shirley Heinze Land Trust. “This project will create walkability, safety, a gathering space, engagement programming, and a fund to ensure the improvements made are lasting at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve, a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat. We are grateful for this phenomenal support from the American Water Charitable Foundation to make Ivanhoe South a community asset to be proud of, improve overall community of life, and make this significant land and water resource relevant to the surrounding community.”

The Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve stands as a 53-acre sanctuary of rare dune-and-swale ecosystems, miraculously untouched by significant development. Nestled between Gary’s bustling industrial zones and residential neighborhoods, this precious remnant offers a glimpse into the unique environmental heritage of the region.

"We are deeply honored by the generous investment from the American Water Charitable Foundation to the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. As a proud member of this community, I am filled with pride knowing that this support will enable future generations to cultivate a profound understanding and appreciation of our vital natural resources. This is especially significant for Gary, given our rich heritage and unique location along the shores of Lake Michigan," said Justin Mount, Northwest Indiana District Manager, Indiana American Water.

The grant, combined with READI 1.0 funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will be used to enhance walkability, safety, and create a gathering space at the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve. Additionally, it will support engagement programming and improve connectivity to the nearby West Side Leadership Academy, allowing students to walk to the preserve and learn about the region's ecology.

A celebratory kickoff took place at Ivanhoe South today and included City of Gary Mayor, Eddie Melton, Gary Common Council member Dwayne Haliburton (2^nd Dist.), Gary Common Council member Lori Latham (1^st Dist.), leaders from Indiana American Water, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and other invited guests.

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations providing meaningful impact across Indiana,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Funding for Water and Environment grants supports projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation.”

Learn more on how this grant will help improve the Ivanhoe South Nature Preserve by visiting our YouTube channel. View Indiana American Water’s community impact, here.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana. Today, approximately 3,600 acres across Lake, Porter, La Porte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, and most of these nature preserves are open to the public to explore and enjoy. For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit www.heinzetrust.org.