2017 Annual Report
The Great American Solar Eclipse viewing on the Great Marsh was just part of our eclipse programming in 2017. We also brought a bus of spctators to see it in totality, and had several science workshops. This is just one example of inspiring current 2and future generations to care for the natural world.
From the Board President Dear Friends of the Forest, 2017 was an exciting year of progress for Fontenelle Forest. We started off in January with the debut of “Nature Through the Ages” in the Baright Gallery. It is a state of the art, interactive digital experience that lets you explore the prehistory of Fontenelle Forest through modern day. Additionally, we held four excellent exhibits during the year as part of the Baright Gallery Artist Series. We are committed to highlighting artists of diverse backgrounds whose art makes a statement about the human relationship with nature. Fontenelle Forest is reaching a broadened audience in new ways so more people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. Fontenelle Forest continues to be an active member of our local community with many events and programs, including new additions such as the highly attended “Holiday at Hogwarts” and solar eclipse programming. 2017 was a record breaking year for our environmental conservation with 617 birds of prey cared for and prescribed fire applied to over 852 acres. We also saw the amazing story of “Bolt”, the Bald Eagle. After suffering an electrical burn Bolt received a first-of-its-kind skin graft surgery. Bolt was released back into the wild and his story garnered international attention. Thanks to the hard work of the Board, our staff, and our supporters, we are proud to report that Fontenelle Forest’s financial standing is the strongest it has been in years. Fontenelle Forest continues to be on a positive trajectory that will build upon this solid foundation for years to come. The Board looks forward to the great achievements to come in 2018 for the Forest and our community. Sincerely,
2017 Board of Directors Executive Director - Merica Whitehall Ann Christiansen Jon Hansen Susan Nemer-Haddix Kelly Mann Angela Burmeister
President President-Elect Secretary Treasurer Advisor
Angela Athy Catherine Demes Maydew Ryan Gibson Wendy Goldberg Mace Hack Hans Klein-Hewett Nickie Konen Gerry Lauritzen Tad Leeper
Cynthia Lesinski Julie Liakos Adrienne Petsick Don Preister Athena Ramos Jim Ristow Todd Rivers Levi Scheppers Barbara Stratman Maria Vazquez
2017 Honorary Trustees Mogens Bay Charles Gifford George F. Haddix Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen
Marilyn Mammel Ann Pape Walter Scott, Jr. Ann and Ken Stinson
2017 Honorary Stewards Shawn Bengtson Jeff Green Neal and Debra Ratzlaf
Our Mission To provide a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. We want to inspire current and future generations to care for the natural world.
Our Vision Ann Christiansen Board President 2017
To be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center.
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Highlights
The Land Stewardship team administered prescribed fire to virtually all of the oak woodland/ savanna at Neale Woods and Fontenelle Forest as part of the “Save the Oaks” program to restore health to the oak woodlands.
The Blue Barn Theatre’s Walk the Night production team selected Neale Woods as the perfect place for their immersive rendition of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. It was their fourth season using non-traditional spaces for theater experiences.
40,000 Students
visited Fontenelle Forest in 2017 to learn about the 4 environment.
After being found by fishermen, Bolt the Bald Eagle baffled experts as they have never seen an injury like his before. Newspapers from Florida to London asked readers what might be wrong with him. After his story went viral, a plastic surgeon identified it as a burn. After a first-of-its-kind skin graft surgery and recuperating at our Raptor Recovery program, Grammy award-winning founder of Mannheim Steamroller Chip Davis released Bolt to the wild with an audience of well-wishers who followed his unique recovery story for months.
The inaugural Baright Gallery Artist series year hosted four unique artists: Yeggy Michaels, Bart Vargas, Matika Wilbur, and Watie White. The gallery changed every quarter with paintings, 3D sculpture, photography, and poetry.
876 Acres
were restored or conserved in 2017 by Fontenelle Forest’s Land Stewardship staff.
For the first time, Ridge Trail was lit with lights and the Great Hall was filled with live Evergreen trees, decorated by local businesses. Families had the chance to meet Santa, go caroling along the trails, and experience some holiday cheer throughout the holiday season.
617 Raptors
rescued by Fontenelle Forest in 2017 from throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa.
About Fontenelle Forest For more than a century, Fontenelle Forest has protected and shared one of the region’s greatest treasures, providing a place for millions of people to enjoy and experience the wonders of the outdoors just moments from the urban environment of Omaha and Bellevue. Fontenelle Forest is one of the oldest environmental organizations in the state of Nebraska and serves as a powerful example of what can be accomplished with visionary leadership and the dedicated support of a community. Today, Fontenelle Forest protects over 2,000 acres of upland and lowland forests, native prairies, wetlands, lakes, and waterways. The organization continues to grow and thrive, providing tens of thousands of students with important environmental education every year, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey from throughout the state of Nebraska and Western Iowa, working tirelessly to restore the several-century old oak savannas, and much more.
117,697
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Visitors In 2017
Volunteers
5,760 6,908
Over 1,600 Programs led by Fontenelle Forest’s team of professional educators each year.
Member Households
Volunteer Hours in 2017
10 Research Projects
conducted including insect surveys, spider research, urban prescribed fire, nest monitoring, and more
6,620 Seniors
enjoyed Fontenelle Forest’s Seniors Understanding Nature 5 programs in 2017.
Summer explodes in color and new growth in the Forest. Families enjoy summer programs, or going for a hike while school is out of session. We will faithfully protect and use the gifts and resources that we are entrusted with to the benefit of the land, the animals, and people in our care – both within our organization and throughout our community. 6
2017 Financials Assets
12/31/17
12/31/16
Cash & Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Contributions Receivable, net Grants Receivable Inventory Prepaid Expenses Investments Property & Equipment, net
$28,866 $26,407 $37,500 $31,112 $19,136 $8,336 $7,491,751 $7,664,452
$39,224 $38,804 $299,119 $77,702 $20,360 $17,328 $6,761,037 $8,078,710
Total Assets
15,307,560
$15,332,284
$517,000 $122,480 $57,285 $155,222 $2,000 $33,853 $887,840
$605,000 $87,763 $50,292 $153,966 $750 $43,762 $941,533
$6,791,130 $1,192,693 $6,435,897
$7,246,448 $1,092,443 $6,051,860
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$15,307,560
$15,332,284
2017 Income - $2,479,118
2017 Functional Expenses - $2,450,149
Liabilities & Net Assets Liabilities: Line of Credit Accounts Payable Payroll Liabilities Deferred Revenues Security Deposits Note Payable Total Liabilities
Unrestricted Net Assets Unrestricted Board-designated Net Assets Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
11%
15% 16% 44%
41%
Contributions & Grants – 41% Investment Earnings – 44% Programs, Admissions & Other – 15%
73%
Program – 73% General & Administrative – 16% Fundraising – 11% 7
Thank you to our donors $50,000+
Mammel Family Foundation Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund Silicon Valley Community Foundation Ken and Ann Stinson
$25,000 - $49,999
Anonymous George Haddix and Susan Nemer-Haddix Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Omaha Public Schools Foundation Pape Family Foundation Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation Valmont Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999
Shawn Bengtson Claire M Hubbard Foundation First National Bank of Omaha Gifford Foundation H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Kenneth and Sally Kampfe Leland and Dorothy Olson Foundation Deborah A. Levy Michael R. and Nancy A. McCarthy Omaha Community Foundation Neal S. and Debra Ratzlaff Sherwood Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
BNSF Railway Foundation Bob and Evelyn Veach Foundation Brian and Jenny Doyle John and Marty Elftmann, Jr. Doug and Betsy Finch Calvin & Laurie Hinz Lincoln Financial Foundation Lozier Foundation Methodist Health System Todd Rivers and Susan Ames Rivers Valmont Industries, Inc.
$1,000 - $4,999
Thomas F. Ackley Ryan and Tara Arnold Angela and Jeff Athy 8
Josh and Dana Bartee Martin and Jane Beerman Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate California Street Ann and Dennis Christiansen Alexis and Matthew Boulos Broadmoor Development Company Linda R. Brown Ed and Bev Burchfield Timothy J. and Terri L. Burke Scot and Angela Burmeister Calvin L. Hinz Architects, P.C. Mary Lou Chapek-Hogg Marvin Cohn Trudi Crosby Ryan Downs Linda Ford Fraser Stryker PC LLO Fullenkamp, Doyle, and Jobeun Gallup Organization E.D. and Birte Gerlings Mike and Lou Ann Goding Tina Gottschalk and Steve Festner Ellie Grace John A. and Janis Haggstrom Paul and Maureen Halbur Bryan Handlos Jon and Beth Hansen Alex and Catherine Harrington Jim and Mary Hawkins Scott C. Heider Herbert and Marion Weston Foundation Daniel and Nancy Hinnah Anne Hubbard David D. Johnson Richard and Frances Juro Christina and Matt Kahler Howard J. and Gloria C. Kaslow Bill Kathol Ali S. Khan Kiewit Companies Foundation John Koraleski David J. and Cydney C. Koukol KPMG LLP Lamp Rynearson Lawrence R. & Jeannette James Foundation Joseph Lecci
Tad Leeper and Mary Coady-Leeper Tillman Lowrey and Cheryl Teser Christina and Matt Kahler Janet J. McCrae Methodist Hospital Moglia Family Foundation Kathleen C Murphy Duncan and Rozanne Murphy Meghan and Tom Oakes Omaha Ob-Gyn Associates, P.C. Omaha Public Power District Omaha Steaks Omaha Walking Club OrthoNebraska Hospital Outdoor Adventures Unlimited Inc. Jay and Samantha Roberts Leland Russell and Mary Liz Jameson Kyle Scheef Bryan and Heather Schneider Seim Johnson, LLP William and Laura Shiffermiller Kathy and Jim Simpson Thomas D. Stalnaker Tenaska, Inc. Philanthropy Fund The Miller Foundation The Wonder Nook Alan and Pam Tingley Union Bank Union Pacific Union Pacific Corporation GivePlus Program Nancy C. Webster Andrew and Meredith Weitz Weitz Investment Management Merica Whitehall Wild Bird Habitat Store William R. Patrick Foundation WoodmenLife Yahoo Employee Foundation
$100 - $999
Gary and Verla Adams Elizabeth Adams Chuck Addy Steve and Andra Alvine American Online Giving Foundation Clyde L. Anderson Kathryn Ewing and David Anson John Arndorfer Audubon Society of Omaha
Thank you to our donors Barbara Babbitt Anonymous Elaine Bachel Jack T. Baldwin Ballew Covalt Hazen PC LLC John and Denise Barrett Chad Bauerly Michael and Pat Bazant Jonathan and Traci Bean Beardmore Chevrolet and Subaru James J. and Helen Beebe Derek Bees Nancy Beitenman The Bekins Foundation Inc Bellevue Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Jana Benitez Mary M. Bensalah Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Ambassador Real Estate Village Point Dennis Bierle Robert T. Binhammer Gary and Pam Birge Nicole and Justin Birge James Biskup Lisa Bladt Phyllis A. Blease Barbara Blohn and Patrick Salvo Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Ronald Blumkin Richard Bonness Inez M. Boyd Allen and Barb Branco J. Louise Bressman Edson L. and Sally S. Bridges, II Ellen and LuAnne Brightweiser Judith and Edward Brodnicki G. Daniel Brooks Jason Bruce William C. Bruns Gerald J. Burke Lawrence Burman Mary Burmeister Scott E. Caldwell Terry Calek and Lee Polikov Ed F. Cambridge Tony Griess and Amy Cannella Hal and Jeanette Capps Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation Dean and Ellen Carlson
Greg and Sally Carlson Steve Carson Sarah and Matthew Caswell Sal and Mary Kay Carta Central Hydro Division Dhruba Chakravarti James and Joan Chambers Glenn and Susan Charczuk Phyllis and Norman Choat Sheila Christ Joseph Churchill Bruce Clawson Myra Cohen Toba Cohen-Dunning and Eric Dunning Janis and Robert Cole Dean Cole Jeffrey Coleman James R. Commers Paul A. and Jane Conley Brad and Traci Copple Patricia and Stewart Hal Cottrell Jesse and Stacey Coury Katrina and Jonathan Cramer Creighton University Thomas J. Culhane Mark and Jill Dietrich Kyle and Lynsey Doyen Catherine Damico Drew and Elisa Davies Miles and Laurel Davis Tony Deeb Abby Delaney Catherine Demes-Maydew and Marcus Maydew Clint Densberger Carla DeVelder Mark and Jill Dietrich Sid Dinsdale Thomas Dobleman Jane Dokken Dede McFayden-Donahue and Pat Donahue Kyle and Lynsey Doyen Scott and Kelli Draper Robert and Jeannie Dudzinski David Duey Alex Dworak EMS Billing Services, Inc. Jennifer Erickson Baak
Ruth Erman Mike and Jill Erman Mark and Stacey Evans Susan Evans Gina and Mike Feely Jamie and Jessica Feinstein Curt Field and Launie Lambert Christine Fiore Barbara Fitzgerald Ed Fleming Jere Fonda Fontenelle Forest Bird Club Fontenelle Forest Guild John and Terri Fox Dave Freeman Bruce and Amy Friedman Robert and Linda Fuchs John Gallagher Marsha V. Gallagher Gary W. and Marjorie M. Garabrandt Thomas and Francine Garrity Ryan Gibson Megan Gilligan Abe Glaser Curt Glasford and Jeanne Neuman Glasford Dianne Glass John and Jennifer Glazer Steve and Debora Goebel Joan and Kirt Goldapp Wendy and David Goldberg John and Kay Lynn Goldner Pat and Mike Gooch Judith Good Leslie A. Gordon Ryan Grace Nancy Grant Corwyn and Donna Gray Doris Green Lisa Green Susan A. Griffith Walter L. Griffiths Patricia Gromak Lisa Gruttemeyer Dennis and Dianne Guinn H.H. Cricket Charitable Fund John Haack Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback Richard and Pat Hahn Carey and Brian Hamilton 9
Thank you to our donors Jim Hammel Elizabeth Hancock Daniel and Christine Hankins Jean A. Hankins William and Sally Hanley Sharon Hansen David Happe Mark and Margie Harberg Kelli and Jay Hawkins Lynn and Dave Hayes Roger and Jackie Harned Brian and Sarah Harr Barb Harris and Pat Mullen Stephanie Hartman Herbert A. Hartman D. Paul Hartnett Robert Hasiak Marlene Haske Theresa S. Hatcher Barbara J. Hauptman Michael T. Hayduska Lynn and Dave Hayes C. E. Heaney Jason Helvey Anne Herman Margaret and Charles Hermes Carolyn Herrald Jerrad J. and Julie Hertzler Alex and Angela Hewlett Jeanne Hibbert Tom Hickey Tim and Kareen Hickman Timothy Higgins Mary Higgins Roger and Betsy Hildebrandt David Hill Sarah and Dave Hinsley Ryan and Erica Hinz Bruce L. Hoberman Jude Hobza John and Kathy Hobza Laurie Hodges Pam Hoesing Shari Hofschire Walter Hollars Neil Holstein Ralph and Catherine Holtmann Don Hosford Phillip Howard Ann and Aron Huddleston 10
Steve and Annette Huff Lisa Hukill Todd J. Hutton Hyatt Hotel Reservation Center John Jacobson Theodore W. James Brett Jaros and Phil Schaffart Megan Jarosz Silke and Sven Jasinski Burton D. Jay Jason and Kelly Jeffreys Rusty and Dawn Jensen Mary R. Jessen-Sommer Mary Jetton Dianne Johnson Matt Johnson Mark and Elizabeth Johnston Lindsay Jonas Victor and Teresa Jones Robert Julian Phil and Ann Kaldahl David Kaufman Meggie Kean Richard J. Keefe Randy and Christine Keith James R. Kellett Victor Kensler Jonathan and Maria Kindel Dennis Kingery Kimball Kinnersley Joseph Kirshenbaum Clem Klaphake George Kleine Hans Klein-Hewett Brian and Amy Knudtson Hal and Ashlee Koch Ahley Koenig Nicole and Nicholas Konen Robert A. Koory Harold and Alice Kosowsky John F. and Wende Kotouc Cydney C. Koukol Brian and Ann Kramer Kyle and Kara Krehbiel Robert Krohn Don Preister and Mary Ann Krzemien John Kugler Lynne Kulisek Michael J. LaCroix Gina Ladd
Christina L. Lafever Darrel and Mary Lahmann Kerry W. Lainof James E. Landen Richard W. and Ruth Laughlin Herbert Lavigne Robert Leavitt Robert and Cheryl Leavitt Tom and Lisa Leise Lorraine Leiser and David Taylor Judith Lemaire Cynthia Lesinski Edmund and Patricia Leslie Laurel E. Lewis Roger and Carol Lewis Charles Liakos Beth and Mark Lichtenberg Jeff and Anne Lieben Lincoln Track Club John W. Lord Bob and Linda Lovgren Ed Lueninghoener Lueshen’s Birders Ron and Joyce Luster Bill Lydiatt Robert and Carol Lynch Julie Mackin Terri Madison Jeff and Catherine Mahoney Jim and Nancy Malkowski Martin and Pamela Malley Kelly and James Mann Kara and James Marcuzzo Laura Marlane and Paul Richards Tom and Mary Ann Martin Mike Mattson and Ruth Stearns Sara S. Matukewicz Ed May Robert May Scott McCollister Mike and Gina McDevitt Chris and Sarah McGowan Shawn McIlnay Matt McMahon Charles and Leslie McMahon MedExpress Darrell and Beth Metcalf Metropolitan Utilities District Joseph K. and Sue L. Meusey James Millard
A Holiday at Hogwarts was our most popular event of 2017 with nearly 1,000 people coming to the Forest to get their wizarding on. Families enjoyed a scavenger hunt on our ADA certified Riverview Boardwalk. Fontenelle Forest is welcoming and inclusive of all people; we are a community partner and collaborator; and, we remove barriers that inhibit our ability to live this value. 11
Thank you to our donors Ben and Amy Miller Virginia Miller John C. Mitchell Elizabeth Molloy Donald Moneymaker Garet J. Moravec Michelle and Mike Morrison John D. Moylan Mike Murphy Patricia Murphy Heather Myers and Curtis Reed Amy and Dave Myers Jerry and Karen Naegele Barbara Naughtin Rita and Henry Nebeker Marc and Sarah Newman Sarah Newman and David Harding Sharee Newman David H. Nichols and Alice Love Holly Nielsen and Kyle Styskal Stephan Nowling NP Dodge Company Susan Oakes Deidre and Andy Ochsner Robert O’Hanlon Michael J. O’Hara Leonard O. and Gail E. Olsen James and Dorsey Olson Mark and Linda Olson Pat J. and Peggy O’Malley Don Ostdiek John Owen Bill and Paula Owen John Papproth David and Sandy Parker Scott Parker and Anke Doerfel-Parker Patagonia, Inc. Dennis and Jessica Pate Patricia Catering Dave and Mary Ann Pederson Michael and Alexandra Penny Roland Peschel Chris and Jennifer Pesek Jennifer and Eric Peters William R. Peters Andrea G. Peterson Norman and Frances Peterson Joe and Adrienne Petsick Hillary and Mike Petula 12
Margaret Phalen Abby Phelan Troy and Kara Plumb Larry and Sandra Polsley Dennis Poly Richard Pouchert Denise and Hobson Powell Karen Prewitt Rita Price Kathleen Prince M. Kent Prior Jay and Kathy Puckett Jay and Coille Putman Jeff Quandt James and Kathy Quinlan Patricia J. Quinn Gary and Sara Radil Athena Ramos Robert and Patricia Ranney Thomas P. Reardon Chad and Brittni Redding Deborah Reed Patricia Regan James Reilly Richard S. and Mary Lynn Reiser Renze Display Cindy Reyer Harold Rice Brad and Laura Richling Layton F. and DeeDee Rikkers Doug Riley Family Foundation Heather Riley Carol Rimmerman Kyle and Megan Ringenberg Marilyn Rishel Jim Ristow Barbara Marie Rivers Todd Robinson Beth Robinson Edward B. and Victoria F. Roche Anne and Steve Rogers Joshua and Jennifer Rogers Robert D. Rose James Rosenthal Lynn Kelley and Daniel Ross Jack and Anita Roth John T. Roth Steve and Susan Rothe W. Lee and Carol Rowe
Carol and Rick Russell Patrick Salerno Ryan Sallans Ralph Salucci Rick and Rita Sanders Robert and Kathy Saniuk Karla Sauer Matt and Molly Scanlan Ron and Barb Schaefer Levi and Lisa Scheppers Michael Schilmoeller Larry Schmidt Jim and Peg Schneider Julie Schroeder Tobin and Molly Schropp Tom and Christine Schulte Martha and Sherif Sedky Scott and Lindsey Semrad Katie and Ryan Sewell Melissa Shapiro Jeff and Becky Sharp James T. Shaw John and Debbie Sheehan Lonnie Shumate Richard H. Sieling Sissy Silber Peter and Michele Silberstein SilverStone Group Jim and Gema Simmons Fred Simon Todd and Batiana Simon Sharon Simpson Jillian Sisson and Brent Krumbach Tom Smith and William Schaefer Josh and Julie Smith Dennis Smith Cheryl C. Smith Christine Smith Hal Sornson James Sorrell Janet and Jeff Stander Coleen Stice and Bob Wells John and Debbie Stalnaker Jennette and Michael Stoll Carl E. and Ellen Stonerook Barbara and Chris Stratman Strauss Designated Fund Carrie and Eric Strovers Robert Stutzman and Jane Carnazzo
Summer Camps offer young people immersive time in nature, canoeing, collecting specimens, hiking, studying and more. We love seeing the next generation learn to care for the natural world right before our eyes.
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irebolt (Barn Owl), an education raptor
The view of the Omaha skyline from Jonas Prairie at Neale Woods
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Thank you to our donors
William A. Swick Ralph and Efigenia Swinarski Elizabeth and Thomas Tape Carol and Phil Teggart Teri and Stan Teutsch Thomas Thalken Bob Thomas John F. Thomas Lonnie Thomas Thomas S. and Caroline Thomas Dan Thomasset Kolleen Thompson Gary L. and Carol Thompson Del and Phyllis Toebben Merryellen Towey Schulz Kim Tracy Charlton and Sarah Trader Stanley M. Truhlsen Sandy Tuma Ray Turkle Cindy and Dominic Vaccaro Steve and Molly Vacha Dave and Nancy Valenta Maria Vazquez Norman Veitzer Phil and Heidi Velardi Steve and Connie Vitamvas Patricia and Charles Wakefield Michael Yanney and Gail Walling Yanney Daniel Walker and Megan King Edward Walsh and JoAnn McGee Larry and Ione Ward William Warnes Gordon and Joy Watanabe Chester Waters Adam and Christine Watson Corey and Andi Weber Christine Webster
Tom Weidner Kate Weitz Don Wells Frank Wells Cory Welsh Werner Enterprises Nicholas Wertzberger Misty West Henry Weverka Cara Whitney Robert Wigton James M. Williamson Joyce N. Wilson Donna K. Wilson Brian Wilson Jack Winslade Daniel and Michaella Wittmann Dave and Amy Wohlers Mindy and Rob Wood John and Marilyn Woodbury Stephan and Margery Woodman Randy and Connie Woodward Rita and Robert Yaffe Sarah and Adam Yale Denny and Sue Young Peter Zekauskas and Rose Carlotto Angelo and Kim Zieno Lisa and Lou Zuccarello
Memorials and Honorariums
In Memory of Mima Barrett
In Memory of Vanessa Block In Memory of Robert Brehm In Memory of Elizabeth Grenon In Memory of John Liakos In Memory of Richard D. Meredith In Memory of Dorothy Pedersen In Memory of James Thompson In Honor of Dianna and Daniel Bird, Deb and Greg Severson, and Ruth Rasmussen and PJ Jewell IV In Honor of Gerry and Bruce Lauritzen In Honor of Rick Schmid In Honor Of Kelly and Vincent Scott
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Fontenelle Forest 1111 Bellevue Blvd North Bellevue, NE 68005 fontenelleforest.org