Annual Report 2014

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2014

Annual Report

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Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois

Southwestern Illinois’ leader in conservation since 1989

HIGHLIGHTS • Collectively, more than 6,500 acres has been permanently protected since 2001, much of which is now open to the public.

• More than $30 million has been invested in conservation in Southwestern Illinois. • Our work with farmers is reducing 16,221 tons of nitrogen and 2,898 tons of phosphorous from entering local streams.

CONNECTION IT’S IN EVERYTHING WE DO

our ESSENCE ofWORK

the

• 1,063 acres were permanently protected in 2014, the most by any land trust working in Illinois.

• Assisted eight communities in St. Clair County adopt Complete Streets resolutions. • Community Membership Program for towns, counties, and districts grew by 33% allowing staff to advocate for southwestern Illinois at the regional, state, and national levels on the topics of sustainability, economic growth, and quality of life issues.

After decades of engaging communities, we know that connection with nature is an intrinsic need for the people of our region. From designing trails for hiking; biking; and paddling to protecting farmland and helping communities find solutions to flooding problems, making the link between people and nature is our foundation. Last year, we permanently protected 1,063 acres of land, forever preserving both agricultural and conservation values; assisted with complete streets programming, and other initiatives that will lead to more sustainable communities and helped restore nature at Mill Creek Natural Area. Thanks to your generous and continued support, we are on the ground and able to create open spaces and programs that connect the people of southwestern Illinois with nature in meaningful ways.

MISSION:

Provide leadership and solutions to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of Southwestern Illinois.

VISION:

Communities with healthy and sustainable air, land and water resources for current and future generations.

FUTURE:

Grow with our partners, build upon successes and continue to invest in nature because the payoff is worth it.

Web: HeartLandsConservancy.org Facebook: facebook.com/HeartLandsConservancy Instagram: heartlandsconservancy LinkedIn: HeartLands Conservancy


INVEST

“The

backroads

and

hidden

hollows

of

Southwestern

Illinois

contain scenic wonders: natural sandstone cliffs, colorful spring flowers, abundant wildlife and even artwork of the early Native American settlers. I joined HeartLands Conservancy to hopefully be a little part of preserving these wonders for future generations.”--Ron C.

CONSERVING LAND Protecting our natural resources - rich farmland, distinctive natural areas and properties of vital importance and benefit, is essential to our quality of life in Southwestern Illinois. HeartLands Conservancy applies a comprehensive land preservation strategy, provides leadership in land stewardship, and offers conservation tools for our communities and land owners.

Weilbacher children on their family farm in Monroe County

Project Spotlight: In December 2014, HeartLands Conservancy executed three agricultural easements with Rockhouse LLC and Donald Weilbacher on land outside Waterloo, in Monroe County. A total of 1,033 acres were protected, representing the largest easements in the history of the organization. All three farms are adjacent and encompass a diverse terrain of forest, pasture, river bottom, and agricultural farmland. The family has owned the farm since 1959. These easements ensure the land will not get divided in the future and its agricultural values will be forever protected.

BUILDING GREENER COMMUNITIES HeartLands Conservancy assists communities in Southwestern Illinois protect their environmental resources and we believe that innovative planning can lead to healthier, sustainable, and resilient communities. Our goal is to promote a better quality of life for our region’s residents and find solutions that will benefit the environment, grow the economy, and connect residents socially. Project Spotlight: A two-year planning process for the Kaskaskia Regional Port District (KRPD) resulted in a Comprehensive Strategic Recovery Plan to make the KRPD an economic catalyst. It focuses on attracting private investment along the Kaskaskia River, developing new port facilities in strategic locations, and enhancing shipping connections between Scott Air Force Base and the Kaskaskia River. The plan also examined recreational opportunities along the Kaskaskia River, including a trail from Fayetteville to the Mississippi River, and it included an ambitious goal of becoming the ‘greenest’ port district in the region using low-impact development techniques. Kaskaskia River in Southwestern Illinois

ENGAGING PEOPLE WITH NATURE Connecting and engaging individuals and communities to nature is paramount to our ability to successfully achieve our vision. All year long, we seek opportunities to join people, places and natural resources in new, fresh ways through educational programming, events and treks and unique partnerships to promote our hidden natural treasures. Project Spotlight: HeartLands Conservancy launched a project-based fundraising campaign last year to raise funds for the final restoration of Mill Creek Natural Area in Randolph County. Seeking to complete timber stand improvements, invasive species management and streambank restoration at the site, more than $13,500 was raised in six months, which enabled the completion of the restoration efforts. A trek was held at the site in November and more than 25 people enjoyed hiking the reserve. This project guaranteed Mill Creek will be forever protected for public benefit. Mill Creek Natural Area Trek


SUPPORT 47%

Percentage increase in memberships of HeartLands Conservancy in 2014.

NATURAL AREA STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

FIELD TO FORK

Launched in 2014, the Natural Area Stewardship Program (NASP) establishes volunteer groups around the region that focus their efforts on a specific park or natural area. HeartLands Conservancy works to support these groups by providing knowledge, making connections, and providing tools. Additionally, HeartLands Conservancy maintains a network of all the volunteer groups in the region; helping spread the word about events and successes. Last year, the Friends of Centennial Park group initiated and held its first volunteer event to clear bush honeysuckle at the park. Forty volunteers helped and, through partnership with the Rotary Club and Salvation Army, were able to provide coffee, hot chocolate, and lunch. They have a least two more work days scheduled for 2015. To learn more about NASP and volunteer opportunities, contact Sarah Vogt, Environmental Programs Technician, at sarah.vogt@heartlandsconservancy.org.

THE MOUNDS INITIATIVE

Our team continues to work with state and federal legislators, agencies and community leaders to advance efforts towards a national park designation at Cahokia Mounds.

Field to Fork, held in July, sold out three weeks in advance and raised funds necessary to continue our land conservation work in 2014. HeartLands Conservancy’s premier fundraiser boasted six area chefs, who prepared a multi-course meal while attendees enjoyed indulging on locally-sourced food. Ryan and Dana Dean of KSDK NewsChannel 5 served as emcees.

WATER PLANNING & POLICY Upper Silver Creek Watershed Plan The ongoing Upper Silver Creek Watershed Plan aims to create a long-term vision to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of flooding in a watershed which drains from Mount Olive in the north to Troy in the south. In 2014, funded by Madison County and Illinois EPA, HeartLands brought together fieldwork, technical analysis, and stakeholder input to develop an inventory of existing conditions and issues in the watershed. In 2015, the Watershed Plan will address these issues by identifying and prioritizing potential Best Management Practices (BMPs) for solving these problems. Madison County Community Flood Survey The Madison County Community Flood Survey identified the location, extent, impacts, and causes of flooding in the Upper Silver Creek watershed. With a final count of 522 respondents and a 24% response rate, the survey results provided insight into flood issues faced by watershed residents. Over a quarter of respondents (26%) experienced flooding in the last 10 years. The flooding issues identified will be addressed in the Upper Silver Creek Watershed Plan. Madison County flood policy projects HeartLands Conservancy provided a report on the impacts of recent federal flood insurance reform legislation on Madison County, a report on regulatory BMPs for floodplain management in the county based on relevant standards and examples from the St. Louis region, and a draft Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance incorporating those BMPs. Additionally, HeartLands authored a memo to the County on the benefits, costs, steps, and timeline involved in applying to the Community Rating System (CRS), a FEMA program which allows communities to offer flood insurance discounts.


FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2014

2013

174,547 669,733 45,853 300,070 63,335 126,417

171,810 140,959 32,217 803,695 37,248 89,420

176,607 1,556,562

1,426,148 2,701,497

EXPENSES Conservation of Open Space Building Greener Communities Administrative Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES

74,222 1,177,050 196,157 61,570 1,508,999

99,306 2,449,339 222,549 23,914 2,795,108

Revenue over(under) expenses Net assets, beginning of the year Net assets, end of the year

47,563 2,547,712 2,595,275

(93,611) 2,641,323 2,547,712

REVENUE Service Agreements Foundation Awards State Federal Unrestricted Donations Temporarily & Permanently Restricted Donations Other Revenue TOTAL REVENUE

ACORN: $50-99 Blake & Suzanne Alberter Mark & Susan Albrecht Ken & Sue Bald Ron Caimi John & Angie Canavan Civil Design, Inc. Commerce Bank Chris & Heather Donze Marshall Dyer Michael Fricke Miriam Huelsmann Sue Ibendahl Judith Joy Marty & Linda Kemper Lisa Koerkenmeier Anne Koleson Ted & Linda Krauskopf Nancy Larson Ronda Latina Mary Laurent Carol LeFevre Penni Livingston Ginger McCall John Mueller Tom & Angela Prost Larry Rhutasel Megan & Brad Riechmann Marvin Ries Wes Rife Barbara Romano Roger Ross Rene Sackett Mary Schmidt Glen & Linda Schuetz Jean Sellar Diane Sendelbeck Nancy Spence Hilary Smith Jon & Erica Stelling Robert Sutton Dave Varel Emily Warner Leo Welch Marvin Westerman Tim Wood

SEEDLING: $100-249 Mark & Ann Badasch City of Belleville Dale Besse Mary Biernot Steve & Licia Black Frederick Blume Darrell Brink Ralph & Karen Buettner Laura Cohen Greg Colombo City of Columbia Donald Dahlmann Donna Dougherty Kent & Alicia Downs Tim Faltus Village of Fayetteville Village of Freeburg Ron & Jamie Foster Gary Green City of Greenville Julia Heberer Bernard ‘Sonny’ Heck Jr. Gaileen Hoenig P.K. & Kristin Johnson Judith Joy Joseph & Roberta LaSalvia City of Lebanon Carol Lieb Madison County Farm Bureau City of Mascoutah Mascoutah Garden Club Monroe County SWCD Reed Nelson Kenneth & Mary Angela Nettleton Debbie Newman Ray & Mitze Nitzsche City of O’Fallon Brittany Poletti City of Red Bud Mary Kaye Richter Zane & Connie Schneider John Sedlacek Derek Siegel Ned Siegel

Village of Smithton Village of Swansea City of Troy John & Lynne Troyan City of Waterloo Waterloo Park District Pat Watkins Leo Welch Don Welge Steve Widowski City of Wood River SAPLING: $250-499 Added Dimension, LLC Bill Armstrong Nikkiy Bestgen Laura Cohen City of Edwardsville EFK Moen, LLC Farm Credit Illinios Forum Studio Gateway FS, Inc. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. HMG Engineers, Inc. Holland Construction Services Inc. Horner & Shifrin, Inc. Jack Schmitt Chevrolet of O’Fallon Johnson & Johnson Law Office Lindenwood University John & Kathleen McArthur Madison Co. Planning & Development Madison County SWCD McKendree University Missouri Botanical Garden Ronald O’Connor Randolph County Ec. Development Randolph County SWCD Roger Ross Mary Schmidt David & Carolee Schrader Justin Siegel Dan & Judy Siegel Southern Illinois Audubon Society Southwestern Illinois College

St Louis Composting Suncoke Energy-GCO Terminal Railroad Assoc. of St. Louis Tetra Tech The Lawrence Group Volkert, Inc. Wm. Nobbe & Co., Inc. PIN OAK: $500-999 America’s Central Port Anonymous Dale Brockmann Carlyle Lake Assoc. Clinton County Farm Bureau Clinton County SWCD Donna Dougherty David & Tamara Eustis Barbara Faulkenberry Lester Harnetiaux Robert & Donna Hilgenbrink Mike & Jenny Krim Laura Lyon Cliff & Christy Schuette St. Clair County Farm Bureau St. Clair County Property & Recreation Committee David & Lisa Tiedemann Mike Thompson Turkey Hill Grange Veolia Environmental Services Walker & Williams P.C. Brian & Jaynie Wells Williams Creek Consulting, Inc. RED OAK: $1,000-2,499 Ameren Illinois Pat Fahey Marilyn Fahey Dennis & Jo Kirkham The Maschhoffs LLC John & Dorothy Stade CHINKAPIN OAK: $2,500-4,999 William & Christine Boardman Coalition for the Environment Foundation Robert & Katie Nelson Mary Prevo Ed & Kathi Weilbacher Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery POST OAK: $5,000-9,999 Anonymous Steve Carter Engeling, Inc. Village of Shiloh BUR OAK: $10,000+ Assoc. of Illinois Electric Cooperatives Ducks Unlimited East West Gateway Council of Gov’ts The Crown Family Enbridge Pipelines IDNR Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Leonard Goodman Madison County The McKnight Foundation Prairie State Generating Company, LLC Randolph County St. Clair County Wetlands Forever William A. Kerr Foundation

CONNECT WITH US AND HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITY; IT PLANTS HOPE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.

HeartLands Conservancy • 406 East Main Street • Mascoutah, Ill. 62258 www.HeartLandsConservancy.org • 618-566-4451 • info@heartlandsconservancy.org

THANK YOU DIRECTORS Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair IL Green Economy Network Frank O. Miles, Vice Chair Madison County Community Development Ronda Latina, Treasurer Environmental Operations, Inc. William Boardman Firehouse Contracting, LLC Ronald J. Foster, Jr. Schoen, Walton, Telken & Foster Dennis (Denny) Kirkham (Land Owner) Charles Meier Illinois State Representative Robert Nelson Nelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law Ron O’Connor O’Connor & Partners Cliff Schuette Schuette Seed Company Justin Siegel Deli Star Corporation

STAFF David C. Eustis President, CEO dave.eustis@heartlandsconservancy.org Edward Weilbacher Vice President - Building Greener Communities ed.weilbacher@heartlandsconservancy.org Janet Buchanan Water Policy and Planning janet.buchanan@heartlandsconservancy.org Roberta LaSalvia Accountant roberta.lasalvia@heartlandsconservancy.org Laura Lyon Special Projects - Mounds Initiative laura.lyon@heartlandsconservancy.org Kim O’Bryan Development and Events Coordinator kim.obryan@heartlandsconservancy.org Erica Stelling Marketing Communications Coordinator erica.stelling@heartlandsconservancy.org Mary Vandevord Community & Environmental Planner mary.vandevord@heartlandsconservancy.org Sarah Vogt Environmental Programs Technician sarah.vogt@heartlandsconservancy.org


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