Join the fight to save an ancient dune woodland in Northwest Indiana.
We are a grassroots community group working to Save Briar East Woods, a 32-acre, 4,700 year old ancient dune woodland in Hammond, Indiana from destruction by the Governor’s Parkway bridge, a city of Hammond overpass project.
The Briar East Woods is one of the last unprotected remnants of the Toleston Shoreline, the third ancient shoreline of Lake Michigan. The 4,700-year-old woodland is made up of 32 acres of native sand dune ecosystem.
❋ Ancient Dunes The city of Hammond is home to heavy industry, high-volume truck traffic, and lots of railroads. Only 16% of its land cover is tree canopy. It’s a highly developed with few green spaces - Briar East Woods is one of only a few natural areas in town.
❋ Urban Green SpaceA train overpass project being pushed by the city of Hammond for the primary reason of providing a crossing for schoolchildren over train tracks on Grand Avenue. However, it’s located one mile west of this crossing and does not help children.
❋ Governors ParkwayThe Governors Parkway will clear cut 12.2 acres of the Briar East Woods with a new winding road, making way for a 68-lot residential development, plus 2 commercial lots. If the project gets approved, all 32 acres of Briar East Woods will be developed.
❋ What's the threat?
Briar East Woods today
Governors Parkway + planned development
The fight to Save Briar East Woods is ongoing.
Since 2020, neighbors have come together to protect Hessville’s ancient dune woodland. Our collective voice has delayed the Governors Parkway project by 3 years, which was supposed to be built by Spring 2026. Its expected completion date is now Winter 2029, and it is still awaiting approval by the Federal Highway Administration.
But we have not stopped Governors Parkway. We are up against a corrupt city administration.
Because the project is so unpopular, Hammond launched its own disinformation website about Governors Parkway to sway public opinion and curry favor with state and federal agencies. The bright red button figures as the most prominent link on the city’s website header. Interesting, right?
Here’s what you can do to help:
What can we do?
(and share it far and wide!)
Follow our social mediaStay informed
Want to get more involved? Send an email to savebriareastwoods@gmail.com.