C
O
N
S
E
R
V
A
N
C
Y
Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois
Donor Report 2012
Mill Creek Natural Area
Cover Photo: M. Lopez Drake and Inside Photo: Bill Freeman
Externally Focused - Internally Whole Twenty-four years ago a group of people came together to work towards the protection of the natural resources within Southwestern Illinois. Over the years that energy has translated into thousands of acres of land being protected and tens of millions of dollars being invested in improving our air and water resources. Citizens have been re-engaged with their natural resources, local officials are better informed regarding their community’s green assets and many lasting partnerships have been fostered. In approaching our 25th anniversary, it is important to re-evaluate our vision and priorities so that we might maximize our Investment In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois. The immediate result of this evaluation, as outlined in this report, demonstrates our commitment to being externally focused through our programs and initiatives, while continuing to develop our organizational capacity so that we are, and will remain, internally whole. Our message, resources and people collectively form our internal assets and organizational foundation. Maintaining and growing these assets will provide a firm base for us to concentrate our energy on our external priorities of conserving natural resources, building greener communities, and engaging our region. This re-evaluation is timely. Continued reductions in both state and federal conservation funding reinforces our belief that future efforts to protect our air, land and water resources will be largely done at the local and/or regional level. HeartLands Conservancy remains committed to providing the programs, services and leading initiatives which further protect the quality of the environmental resources within Southwestern Illinois. This report outlines the details of our process and plan.
We encourage you to become a part of these efforts by becoming a member, volunteering, or sponsoring an activity or event. In this way you become a partner in our effort to be externally focused and internally whole. You are HeartLands Conservancy.
David C. Eustis
Robert J. Hilgenbrink
David C. Eustis Robert J. Hilgenbrink Executive Director Chairman
Investing In Land Conservation Mill Creek Natural Area (Randolph County, IL) is unique geologically for Illinois. During the retreat of past glaciations, extensive sandstone canyon and cliff systems were carved out. These deep ravines have been capable of sheltering plants such as club moss, cinnamon fern and bishop’s cap, which would typically be found much farther to the north.
Mill Creek Natural Area Recognizing the tremendous ecological resources, geologic features and potential recreational opportunities contained within the Mill Creek Natural Area, HeartLands Conservancy teamed with Clifftop to quickly assess and combine the necessary resources to purchase and protect this important site in perpetuity. The Grand Victoria Foundation (Elgin, IL) provided a significant portion of the project funds. Other local funders, including Knight Hawk Coal, provided matching funds. Both HeartLands Conservancy and Clifftop are committed to the long-term protection of the site and a management style where the human touch is light and the landscape’s natural processes have the greatest bearing on change. Part of our stewardship efforts will include reforestation of some small creek-bottom fields. This will reduce soil erosion and help protect Mill Creek and the St. Mary’s River watershed. Very few invasive species are present on the property; management will include removal of what is there and vigilance towards any future incursions of non-native species.
LeFevre Easement HeartLands Conservancy is pleased to welcome Carol LeFevre to our growing list of conservation easement donors. Her family farm, which is in Madison County between Highland and Trenton, was purchased back in September 1889 by Eugene Hoyt. Eugene’s great-granddaughter, Carol, who now resides on the east coast, sought to ensure that the legacy of this farm remained intact in perpetuity. The LeFevre farm, at 155 acres, is our first conservation easement that is devoted strictly to agriculture. Living on the east coast Carol sees firsthand the pressures that urbanization places on farmland. agricultural
By placing an
conservation
easement
on this property, she is ensuring the availability of farmland to feed an ever-growing population. Each year, across our country, we loose more than an acre of farmland every minute.
Conservation tools,
such as easements and planning can work together.
The outcome
is sustainable development for a prosperous future.
“Because I want people to
appreciate the importance of preserving land, it would be contrary to my purpose to try to explain to them in turn that, while I have been given the legal right to protect this piece of land, morally I feel I no more own it than I can own the breezes that move across it. I am HeartLands.�
- Sally Brown, Land Easement Donor
Investing In Building Greener Communities
The groundbreaking of the Arlington Wetlands Interpretive Site (Madison County, IL) in June was a chance to showcase the successful collaboration of multiple partners at a local, regional and state level. Multiple partners and communities are also working together to develop a regional plan that will provide recommendations and best practices to ensure that our future as a region is prosperous.
Many Communities, One Future HeartLands Conservancy is proud to be a voice for Illinois as the primary representative in our state of the 10 consortium partners working with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments on a three-year regional effort working with local communities on developing regional best practices for transportation, housing and economic development. HeartLands Conservancy’s role in the regional plan is to be a voice for Southwestern Illinois and to provide leadership in developing environmental best practices including strategies and recommendations for conservation, storm water, green infrastructure, water resources and walkable and bikable communities. The decisions we make today will have impacts for our region in the future.
Our
interconnected environmental and natural resources do not conveniently stop at municipal or county boundaries. Although we live and work in many different places across the region, we have a shared future. One future.
Planning for Complete Streets Our vision for communities is one where residents are to able to leave their cars at home and walk or bike to school, work, shopping or neighborhood parks. HeartLands Conservancy produced Complete Streets Plans for Swansea, Waterloo and Columbia in 2012. 2013 will see a bicycle and pedestrian commuter study for Scott Air Force Base as a part of this project. All three community plans have been branded with the “Explore” logo - symbolizing the possibilities a well-developed system of sidewalks, trails and on-street bike facilities can offer residents and visitors. Each 20-year plan includes recommendations and priority designations for new and upgraded facilities, funding strategies, community education and outreach programs, and detailed guidelines for how to handle intersections and traffic interactions. Each planning process involved extensive public engagement from on-line surveys and stakeholder meetings to public open houses. Over 500 citizens in the participating communities provided input on the plans, making these documents truly citizen-driven. In each community, over 86% of survey participants expressed support for their community to invest tax dollars in alternative transportation infrastructure.
“ I am a mother of two and having a safe route to school
where my son and daughter can walk with friends is important to me. I am HeartLands.” - Swansea Resident
Investing In Community Engagement Hidden in plain sight, today’s Cahokia Mounds are the remnants of North America’s greatest prehistoric culture, the Mound Cities. HeartLands Conservancy has been asked to lead a comprehensive feasibility study, capturing the significance of these sites within our region.
The Mounds - America’s First Cities Through a unified effort to lead in the protection of this national treasure, HeartLands Conservancy is bringing together community leaders and state and federal agencies to collaborate on the comprehensive feasibility study. This study will outline solutions to enhance connectivity between ancient and contemporary communities, provide effective and educational interpretation, preserve natural resources and conserve the heritage of our region. Ensuring all levels of communication and engagement are relevant, open and accessible, the project team has built a foundation of committee members from throughout the region. The team also gathers community input through community outreach meetings and online outlets. The study looks to national models to elevate the status of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and to develop methods to connect it with other remaining mound sites. The team successfully collected all of the necessary information in a database and HeartLands Conservancy will complete the first ever comprehensive map of the remaining mound sites in Southwestern Illinois and the St. Louis region.
Interactive Mapping HeartLands Conservancy, in collaboration with
the
Partnership
Middle
Mississippi
(MMRP),
launched
River a
new
interactive map in 2012. The map allows visitors and residents to view a variety of information from locations around the region in one interface.
MMRP
consists
of
21
organizations
working together to restore and enhance natural resources along the Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cairo, a 195 mile corridor. A wealth of information about sites within the Middle Mississippi has been consolidated into an interactive map. Residents and visitors with internet access may use the map to locate public lands and points of interest throughout the region. The ability to turn layers on and off allows users to personalize the map, displaying only areas that may interest them. Layers include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, historic points, boat access and more.
To Learn More, Visit www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
“ I can be a part of
anything, any trail, all I have to do is click on the map and there it is. I am HeartLands.�
- Ruth Riley, Hiking Enthusiast
Strategic Planning Our Home We know and love the characteristics that shape our region, the scenic landscapes of rolling rural farmland, the calm open spaces, rich woodlands, waterways, wetlands and vibrant communities. Collectively, they compose the land closest to our hearts – the region we call home. HeartLands Conservancy is dedicated to advancing our work through sustaining and enriching the region’s finest qualities to ensure lasting enjoyment and benefits. Our desire to invest in our region ensures future generations may live, work and build memories here.
Our Future
As we continually expand and grow amidst an ever-changing region it is imperative we assess our strategic priorities. We share with you our process and plan to prepare the organization for success in the years to come.
Donor Report l 2012
Our Guiding Principles To provide the framework for our strategic priorities plan, we began with redefining the core values we adhere to, reshaping our mission statement to further focus our intent and direction, and articulating our vision for Southwestern Illinois.
We Listened‌Throughout
the planning process we have continued to value open and shared communication to effectively evaluate our priorities. Through numerous questionnaires and focus groups we gathered responses from our stakeholders and members of our communities to review our work and strategies.
Then We Planned‌Through
the collaboration of community input and support from our staff and Board of Directors, we have developed a strategic priorities plan. This will guide us into the future with a vision and clear purpose while acknowledging our past successes and future challenges.
Our Mission Provide leadership and solutions to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of Southwestern Illinois
Our Vision Communities with healthy and sustainable air, land and water resources for current and future generations
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Externally Focused Conserving Land Protecting our land resources: our rich farmland, distinctive natural areas and properties of vital importance and benefit to current and future generations, is essential to the quality of life in our region. Applying a comprehensive land conservation strategy, providing leadership in land stewardship and offering conservation tools for communities will focus and facilitate our efforts.
Building Greener Communities Environmentally healthy communities are highly desirable from an economic, growth and well-being standpoint. We provide leadership in community planning and in the implementation of initiatives that improve the overall environmental health within our communities. We assist communities in addressing complex development issues by offering education and training, guidance on land use planning and ordinances, natural resource mapping and grant development and implementation.
Engaging Individuals and Communities Fostering continued appreciation and care for our region’s natural resources and engaging individuals and communities in our endeavors is paramount in our ability to successfully achieve our vision. We seek to engage our region with the land and waters around them in inspiring ways through developing educational programming, offering events and treks and establishing partnerships. Donor Report l 2012
Internally Whole Our Message We seek to deliver compelling messages to communicate the breadth and scope of our work. Increased community awareness of the environmental and social impacts of our efforts will greatly contribute to future success.
Our Resources We are strengthened through the diversification of our funding sources. We remain committed to a long-term goal of balanced funding between grants, foundation awards, community work, private and corporate giving, and membership.
Our People We are able to fortify our organization by investing in our own capacity. We are committed to recruiting and retaining an engaged team of staff and Board of Directors to provide oversight, leadership and expertise. We will work together to further our vision for Southwestern Illinois.
Innovation
Conservation Integrity Collaboration
Appreciation of Nature
Excellence
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Our Future
Working together with the community, with a strategic plan in place to guide our external priorities, the full support and dedication of our board, staff, partners and donors, we move forward, internally whole, to meet the challenges ahead. We are confident that together we will build upon the past successes of the last 24 years and advance our vision for Southwestern Illinois. We strive to continue the advancement of our region while creating a goal that is in harmony with the surrounding regions. Collectively we will grow and prosper through time to transcend generations and cross state and regional boundaries. Our hope is that in the future our vision will complete our community as a whole. Our vision is your vision and together we are one community.
Learn More
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Carlyle Lake, Illinois Photo: M. Lopez Drake
Our Donors $1-$49
The Boeing Company Mr. Donald Dahlmann In Honor of Ted and Linda Krauskopf Mr. John Mueller
Acorn $50-$99
Ms. Jane Bonaldi Carlyle Sailing Association Commerce Bank Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Mary D’Angelo Drake Construction, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Diane Drake Mike and Joann Fricke Mr. Bill Gonterman Joseph W. Gonterman, Jr. Mr. John Hager Mr. Scott Harding Mr. and Mrs. Wayne and Julia Heberer Robert Helfers Jennifer Howland Stephen and Elise Ibendahl Sue Ibendahl Martin and Linda Kemper Mr. Don Kniepkamp Ms. Nancy Larson Logan and Erica Link Ms. Penni Livingston Mary Angela and Kenneth Nettleton R. Randall Neumann Ms. Debbie Newman Pfizer Foundation Matching Gift Program Mr. and Mrs. Glen and Linda Schuetz Ms. Nancy Spence Mr. Leo Welch Mr. Brian Wells
Seedling $100-$249
Mary Biernot Bond County Realtors Mr. Darrell Brink Ralph and Karen Buettner Cahokia Mounds Museum Society City of Granite City City of Mascoutah City of Waterloo Civil Design Mr. Rod Cook Environmental Operations, Inc. Julie and Ted Harvey Mr. Mike Kovarik Mike and Jenny Krim Miriam Huelsmann Ms. Mary Laurent Margaret and Gary Lopez Monroe County SWCD Steve and Brenda Mudge Ms. Barb Polahar Brad and Megan Riechmann
Join Today
Mr. Wes Rife Tom and Marian Rollins Mr. Ned Siegel Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Taylor Patricia Watkins Robert and Nancy Weck
Sapling $250-$499
Gateway FS, Inc. Mr. Lester Harnetiaux Lindenwood University Ms. Laura Lyon Randolph County SWCD Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Katie Nelson Southwestern Illinois College St. Clair County Farm Bureau HMG Engineers, Inc. Illinois American Water The Farmers and Merchants National Bank
Pin Oak $500-$999
Mike and Sue Andreas Dale and Carol Brockmann Dynegy Midwest Generation, Baldwin Energy Complex David and Tamara Eustis Mr. Tim Garvey Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hilgenbrink Mr. Cliff Schuette Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program St. Clair County Property & Recreation Committee C. David and Lisa Tiedemann Turkey Hill Grange Veolia Environmental Services
Red Oak $1,000-$2,499 Ms. Jane Eckert Patrick E. Fahey HEP LLC Memorial Hospital Oliver C. Joseph Inc. Regions SEIU Local 73 Ed and Kathi Weilbacher
Post Oak $5,000-$9,999 Anonymous (1) Carol LeFevre Mr. Steve Carter
Bur Oak $10,000 ++
The Crown Family Grand Victoria Foundation Knight Hawk Coal, LLC Illinois Archaeological Society Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation The McKnight Foundation Oerter Foundation Waste Management William A. Kerr Foundation William T. Kemper Foundation
Investing In The Nature of Southwestern Illinois The oak is a storied treasure throughout the Southwestern Illinois landscape, symbolizing strength, stability and longevity. Like the oak, our members provide strength, stability, and longevity to HeartLands Conservancy.
Become a Member Today’s children will be 65 years old when an oak tree planted today begins to reach its version of adulthood. Their children will be the ones to first appreciate the full majesty of a mature oak’s dappled shape. “Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois” today, ensures vital and thriving communities with fresh air, flowing rivers, and fields of plenty for our future generations. You can become a part of a diverse community of people, businesses and organizations who treasure Southwestern Illinois and work together so that our region will always be a place of beauty and natural life. As the oldest and largest environmental nonprofit serving our region, our success and continued work is made possible by the support of our members, sponsors, and private foundation awards. We are grateful to share this journey with you. www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Board Members Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair
Frank O. Miles, Vice Chair
Lester Harnetiaux, Secretary
Darrell Brink, Treasurer
William Boardman
Craig Bressan
Jane Eckert
Terry Lammers
Charles Meier
Ron O’Connor
Cliff Schuette
Robert Weck
IL Green Economy Network Shiloh, IL Bond County Realtors Greenville, IL
Firehouse Contracting, LLC Chicago, IL Eckert AgriMarketing University City, MO IL State Representative, 108th District Okawville, IL Schuette Seed Breese, IL
America’s Central Port Granite City, IL
Brink Brothers Grain & Trucking Sandoval, IL Prairie State Generating Company Marissa, IL Regions Bank Belleville, IL
O’Connor & Partners Belleville, IL Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, IL
Staff Mike Andreas
Mark Badasch
mike.andreas@heartlandsconservancy.org
mark.badasch@heartlandsconservancy.org
Special Projects - Animal Waste
Special Projects - Mounds Initiative
Dave Eustis
Stephen Ibendahl, ASLA, RLA,
dave.eustis@heartlandsconservancy.org
stephen.ibendahl@heartlandsconservancy.org
Executive Director
Sustainability Planner
Marty Kemper
Roberta LaSalvia
marty.kemper@heartlandsconservancy.org
roberta.lasalvia@heartlandsconservancy.org
Special Projects - Invasive Species
Accountant
Erica Link
Mary Ann Lopez Drake
erica.link@heartlandsconservancy.org
maryann.lopez@heartlandsconservancy.org
Development Coordinator
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Laura Lyon
Allie McCreary
laura.lyon@heartlandsconservancy.org
allie.mccreary@heartlandsconservancy.org
Special Projects - Mounds Initiative
Environmental Programs Technician
Megan Riechmann, AICP
Sarah Vogt
megan.riechmann@heartlandsconservancy.org
sarah.vogt@heartlandsconservancy.org
Community and Environmental Planner
Environmental Programs Technician
Ed Weilbacher
Steve Widowski
ed.weilbacher@heartlandsconservancy.org
steve.widowski@heartlandsconservancy.org
Special Projects - Mounds Initiative
Special Projects - Middle Mississippi River
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
For the year end December 31, 2012, with comparative totals for 2011
2012
2011
97,789 398,385 58,445 1,222,736 61,003 185,000 472,356
89,987 1,056,144 60,943 421,493 135,595 2,200 351,020
2,488,713
2,117,381
Conservation of Open Space .................................................... Liveable/Sustainable Communities ............................................. Administrative ............................................................................... Fundraising .................................................................................... TOTAL Expenses
147,219 1,724,295 208,919 33,336 2,113,770
518,513 904,173 202,160 19,066 1,643,911
Revenue over (under) expenses ................................................
374,944
473,470
Net assets, beginning of the year .............................................
2,266,379
1,792,909
Net assets, end of the year ........................................................
2,641,323
2,266,379
REVENUE
Service Agreements ..................................................................... Foundation Awards ...................................................................... State ................................................................................................ Federal ............................................................................................ Unrestricted Donations ............................................................... Temporarily & Permanently Restricted Donations ................. Other Revenue ............................................................................... TOTAL Revenue
EXPENSES
C
O
N
S
E
R
V
A
N
C
Y
Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois
406 East Main Street Mascoutah, Illinois 62258
Address service requested: