2014 ANNUAL SUPPORT REPORT
About Us Tree Trust’s mission is to improve the community environment by investing in people. Tree Trust was founded in 1976 to address two problems in the community at the time: high unemployment and the devastation of the urban tree canopy due to Dutch elm disease. We began combating these issues by providing out of work individuals with paid jobs and training to reforest the Twin Cities metro. Today, the need for our services continues. Urban forests face many threats from storms, pests, and diseases including the spread of Emerald Ash Borer, and unemployment rates remain high among young people. Tree Trust is working to meet these needs by offering : • Employment Training and Case Management • Community Forestry and Environmental Education Programs • Landscape Services and Home Accessibility Ramps For nearly 40 years, Tree Trust has been transforming lives and landscapes in the Twin Cities. Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors, and funding partners. Without you, our work would not be possible.
2014 Board of Directors OFFICERS
DIRECTORS
G. Rolf Svendsen, Chair VP/Investments Stifel Nicolaus
Dana S. Beasley Supervisor of Real Estate Assessment City of Minneapolis
Bob Hand Retired MN DEED
Donald C. Willeke, Vice Chair Partner Willeke & Daniels
Johanna M. Berg Chief Information Officer Ramsey County
Douglas Peterson Director, Marketing and Sales CenterPoint Energy
Kurts Strelnieks, Treasurer VP Commercial Lending Star Bank
Kirk Brown Retired President Tree Trust
Thomas Redmann Retired Supervisor of Sites and Grounds Anoka Hennepin ISD #11
Kim Jenkins, Secretary Retired Senior VP SunOpta, Inc.
Larry Crosby Vice President, Distribution Xcel Energy
Scott A. Schnuckle Senior VP - Dental, Pharmacy & Business Development HealthPartners
Sahar S. Erickson Consultant Sales and Business Development
Scott Seys Epidemiologist U.S. Department of Agriculture
Stacey Fujii Manager of Government Affairs Great River Energy
A Bee-sy Summer Crew
For over 20 years, Dodge Nature Center has collaborated with Tree Trust for our Summer Youth Employment Program. Throughout the partnership, summer crews have built multiple fence installations, timber staircases and even a dock and amphitheater. The 2014 summer project was very different from years before and from crew projects at other sites as the two eight-member crews, led by crew leader Dominic H., were tasked with building an Apiary (bee yard) Observation Building. The building was constructed so kids could safely watch and learn about honey bees and their hives. The crews started the project by tearing down an old, existing building on the site. The next step included
constructing a 10 x 24 foot building that included a custom screen, which could be removed and fixed if needed. The crews then built seating inside the building and painted the building white. After this project, they fixed up another old building nearby for more apiary viewing. Dominic led his crews to much success and contributes their achievements to how well the crew members worked together and communicated. The crew members also learned important job skills and developed confidence in themselves and their ability to complete a job. One of the crew’s two Governor Award winners, Ryan, said his crew helped him come out of his shell to “become more of a leader.”
Second Chances Ciera learned a lot of different skills while working with Tree Trust. “I developed some good work habits and an understanding of what it is like to really work hard.” Ciera added she also developed the mindset of a role model with skill, determination, and a desire to succeed. Ciera, 20, was a 2014 enrollee in the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC), after previously working on Tree Trust’s Fresh Start crew in summer 2013, when she was 5 months pregnant. After two months with Fresh Start, she left the program, but had already learned quickly the importance of being a dedicated worker. “It’s become very important to me to take every opportunity to learn as much as I can and not let one thing pass me by.” After having her son in October 2013, Ciera was unemployed for several months, but was able to
return to Tree Trust with the Young Adult Conservation Corps. “I really wanted the opportunity to finish what I started [at Tree Trust].” Throughout her session with the Young Adult Conservation Corps, Ciera received OSHA 10 and Tree Care Industry certifications and worked on getting her driver’s permit. “I am fortunate to work with a team of highly educated, trained and motivated people from Tree Trust. They have all made my life fuller with their compassion and have shown me examples of what kindness and hard work really is.” In October 2014, Ciera was the featured speaker at our annual fundraising breakfast where she spoke of how much Tree Trust had made a difference in her life. In December 2014, Ciera’s hard work and dedication to the YACC entry crew earned her a
position on YACC’s advanced crew and she is looking to her future after YACC. “I’d like to use what I’ve learned here to go to college so I can make a better future for my son and myself.” Ciera was proud to work at Tree Trust and has accomplished some of her personal goals. “I am proud of myself for what I am doing now, for getting myself back on track and for finishing what I started. And at the end of the day, I know that will make all the difference for my future.”
A Very Green Year
Along a desolate corner tucked into the North End neighborhood of Saint Paul along West Wheelock Parkway, laid an area in desperate need of trees. The City of Saint Paul had begun their Emerald Ash Borer removals and needed new trees more than ever. The City applied for Tree Trust’s Green Futures program in hopes of reforesting the empty lot and succeeded. “It was a great option for the City to add trees in public areas that otherwise may not be included in normal planting activities,” said Saint Paul City Forester, Karl Mueller. So on a sunny Saturday morning in October, which also happened to be National Make a Difference Day, several community volunteers of all ages and backgrounds came out to assist with planting trees on the barren neighborhood lot. Tree varieties included honey locust, birch and Dutch elm disease resistant elm trees – which all enhanced the beauty of the neighborhood. Neighbors stopped by to express their appreciation and one young volunteer, working with his family, declared his newly planted crabapple tree to be named “Treecardo” – so that he would remember this special tree and day forever.
This story is just one of many in 2014 from Tree Trust’s Community Forestry department. During 2014, the department planted and distributed a total of 2,625 trees and shrubs (200 more than the year prior!). This was done through two tree sale events, eight neighborhood plantings, three massive community plantings, and three Learning with Trees plantings at Twin Cities elementary schools. At the 2014 school plantings, Tree Trust partnered with three Minnesota schools to integrate environmental learning into their curricula, facilitate hands-on environmental education with 1,729 students, and create outdoor classrooms on their school grounds. One of the three schools served in 2014 was Birchview Elementary in Plymouth. The interest in the program was sparked after a large-scale buckthorn and invasive species removal took place at the small woodlot and existing outdoor classroom in front of the school. This drastic change to the woodlot caused the once invisible parking lot (formerly hidden by buckthorn and invasive honeysuckle) to become a visible eyesore. The principal reached out to Tree Trust and Birchview was selected to participate in the Learning With Trees program.
Planting in the empty lot at Wheelock Parkway.
A Green Team was formed that included the principal, several teachers and staff, parents and neighbors. The goals of the project were to add understory trees to provide screening of multiple areas, plant trees that would attract birds and habitat and provide overall beautification. They specifically wanted birch trees to complement the name of the school. Although the Learning with Trees grant didn’t cover all of the project goals, the school received a generous memorial donation from the family of a former student. In total, 26 trees and 31 shrubs were added to the landscape. In addition, the head custodian, who was nearing retirement, donated his own time and money to build a wooden bridge over a small spring within the woodlot in the outdoor classroom. The planting day in May was cold and rainy, but students and teachers created a fun day by filling the various roles of diggers, planters, mulchers and waterers as they planted 57 trees and shrubs. Overall in 2014, Tree Trust implemented 16 events to help increase the urban canopy of the Twin Cities - making it one very green year!
Youth from Birchview School after planting their tree.
Loading a tree at the Minneapolis distribution.
YACC crews working together to clear the first big snowfall of 2014.
A summer crew installing a paver patio.
2014 By The Numbers 1,046
youth received employment training and case management across four Tree Trust programs.
669
youth ages 14-21 through the Summer Youth Employment Program
669
266
64
50%
youth through Youth and Young Adult Services
young adults ages 18-24 through Young Adult Conservation Corps
had a physical, emotional, or learning disability
48
young adults in high school through YouthBuild
269
credentials or certifications were earned by youth & young adults through a variety of trainings
youth ages 14-21 participated in the summer youth employment program.
125
413
participants in the Youth Conservation Corps completed challenging environmental improvement projects in 38 Twin Cities parks and recreation areas
256
youth had perfect attendance
63
youth won the Governor's Award
participants had individual employment experiences
461
high school credits were earned
in 67 schools, nonprofits, businesses and government agencies
2,625
trees and shrubs planted
3,137
3
8
362
schools participated in Learning With Trees and held school-wide tree planting events
community tree plantings were held in parks and recreation areas around the Twin Cities
low-income parents received job training through the Community Support Program
individuals served
6
homes were rehabbed by YouthBuild participants in North Minneapolis
Contributors
Corporations & Foundations
$30,000+
Pohlad Family Foundation
$20,000 - $29,000
Minnesota Environmental Fund
$10,000 - $19,999
Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation BNSF Railway Foundation Cargill Foundation and Cargill Salt Division CenterPoint Energy Covanta Hennepin Energy Resource Company Ecolab Foundation Marcus McCoy Foundation Toro Giving Program* Xcel Energy Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Alliance Pipeline, Inc. Caroline’s Kids Foundation Deluxe Corporation Foundation Jaye F. and Betty F. Dyer Foundation Great River Energy JAMF Nation Global Foundation Steven Leuthold Family Foundation Pentair Foundation Rahr Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
Allina Health Systems American Contract Bridge League – Viking Unit #178 Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Baker Foundation Lillian Wright & C. Emil Berglund Foundation The Beverly Foundation Bloomington Community Foundation Bloomington Lions Club Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation Knock, Inc. Kopp Family Foundation Donor Advisor Co-Investment Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation, Inc. RBC Wealth Management Securian Foundation SketchUp* Smikis Foundation Tennant Foundation Trustone Financial Wallin Foundation H.E. and Helen Warren Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota
UP TO $999, CONTINUED
Equifax, Inc. – Enterprise Alliance Fafinski Mark & Johnson, P.A. Herberger’s Community Days Holy Land Brand, Inc. Medtronic Foundation Moto-i, Inc. Piper Jaffray Corporate Giving Program Press-Sure Printing Professional Turf and Renovation Steve and Michelle’s Midtown Uline* Xcel Energy Foundation Matching Program Zero-Max Motion Control Products
Individuals $5,000+
Ken & Abby Dawkins Patricia & G. Rolf Svendsen
$1,000 - $4,999
Katie Anderson & Doug Peterson Norman & Conni Bjornnes Ione & Kirk Brown Jim & Carmen Campbell Janet Carstens Norm Champ UP TO $999 John & Bonnie Crouch Bruegger’s Bagels – Park Place* Steven Eilsertson & Cynthia Huntington Crown Rental – Burnsville* Richard & Susan Goldman James A. Halls Bob Hand The Head Family Foundation Anoka County Job Training Scott County Human Services Joshua Howe Carver County Community Social Services Department Michael Huntington City of Minneapolis State of Minnesota - City Coordinator - Department of Employment & Economic Kim Jenkins Love is all Fund of the - Community Planning & Economic Development Development Minneapolis Foundation - Department of Health - Department of Natural Resources Barbara McGraw & Steven Mosow - Housing Finance Agency - Step-Up Employment Training Program Office of Justice Programs Olseth Family Foundation City of St. Louis Park U.S. Department of Agriculture Kristin & Scott Schnuckle City of St. Paul Right Track Forest Service, Region 9 Dennis & Barbara Senneseth Dakota County Employment & Economic U.S. Department of Health & Theresa & Scott Seys Assistance Department Donald C. Willeke Human Services Hennepin County Douglas Winn & Susan Moore - Housing, Community Works, & Transit U.S. Department of Labor - Housing & Development Washington County Community - Human Services & Public Health Services Department *denotes inkind donation of goods or services
Public Funders
- Regional Railroad Authority
Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
denotes Board Member in 2014 denotes Tree Trust staff member in 2014
Individuals $500 - $999
Carl Baer Robert J. Beugen Jeffrey A. Dziuk Mike Grossman Jane Grupe Kathleen Hawes John and Shirley Horn Scott Jenkins Kim Lawler Richard Neuman Gail & Dave Nozal Wayne H. Reffke James & Barbara Roegge
$100 - $499
Reed & Holly Anderson Roger & Sharon Anderson Jack Atnip Russ Barclay Dana Beasley Donna Becker Johanna Berg & Greg Carlson Peter Berg Michele Bevis Stephanie Brody Margeurite A Cowles Russell & Deborah Crowder Steve Eide Sara Ferber Barbara Foote Patrick Forsland Cheryl L. Fosdick William and Ann Fox Catherine Furnberg Mark & Marnie Gaasedelen Jordan Gilgenbach Mark Glover Jayne Griffith Karin Jean Grossman Bruce & Jean Grussing John Halpern Jane Hamilton Derek Hansen
Gordon Hanson
Abby & Anders Hawes Meike C. Hengelfelt David A. Holt David Hunter David & Lynn Isaacson Susan & Stephen Jackson Richard & Carrie Jensen Pam Jewson & Peter Swenson Wallace N. Johnson Carl & Jeanette Jones Dave & Joann Jones Kristin Keller Paula M. Koshmrl Paul & Sally Kraske Keith & Toni Kuffel William Kulcsar Joseph Lawver Mark Leach Rod Lehn Robert B. Lewis
$100 - $499, CONT.
Nathan Lief Craig Luedemann Lee Lynch & Terry Saario Marla Marquis & Michael Stein Thomas Matkovits Barbara McCormick Kirstin McMullen Lawrence Molsather & Linda Sallee Katherine Mueller & Kevin Farnum Leif Nestingen W.R. & Connie Nickel Cynthia Noet Barbara Nordstrom Ann Novitske Kirky Otto David Paulson Gary Michael Petrucci John W. Peyton Bruce & Dianne Pikula Mark Popovich James & Monica Preisen Curtis and Betty Provo Jack M. Provo Mark & Jean Raabe Susan Ranney Janis & Tom Redmann Lisa Roberts John Rogers Jim Rustad Terry Ryan R. Craig & Mariana Shulstad Greg Silverman John & Marsha Soucheray Joan M. Stephens Rev. Trust Jeffrey & Patty Stewart Lori Stomberg Becky & Kurts Strelnieks Gil & Mary Sundeen Arnulf Svendsen Jennifer Uttech Keith & Barbara Watschke Wendy C. Wehr Sally Wojahn
UP TO $99
Gilbert George Ahlstrand Ricardo Anaya Valerie Anderson Janet Arones Jim Azarski & Nancy Werner-Azarski Tracey Bartlett Kelsey Batkiewicz Trevor Bentley Jeremy Bergerson Carolyn Blakeslee Tiffany Blofield Kerry Bogenreif Gina Bonsignore & Rick Garber Lisa Brom Lucy Brown Minn Steven & Mary Beth Bunnell James & Sally Burns Jerry & Kathy Burns Jerry Busse Spencer Carlson Terry & Mary Carlstrom Lynne Castoldi
UP TO $99, CONT.
Kara Christenson George Christoferson Patricia Clawson Karen Cleary Paula G. Cohen Victoria B. Coifman Judy Cowden & Neil Bright Peter T. D’Ascoli Andrew Dale Gerald L. Dastych Merry Davin Karen Duncan Frank Duoma Leora & Eli Effinger-Weintraub Luke Ekelund Erik & Marjorie Ellingson Renee Elmore Martha Engel Sahar Erickson David & Nancy Erpestad Diane A. Fansler William Feidt Alexandra G. Fisher Christina Frederickson Charles J. Frisch Molly Gaines W. Michael & Christine Garner David and Phyllis Glenn Jean Greenwood Cynthia Goehring Bill and Sandy Goral Jean Greenwood Arlis and Erwin Grossman Kendra Grunig Peter Harle Roxanne Harvey Gene Hoff Neal Holtan Stone House & Norrie Thomas Marjorie Huebner Elizabeth Hughes Susu Jeffrey Phyllis Kahn Robert Kean John G. Keimel & Ellen L. Kraft Casey Kestler Margaret Killeen Bo-Sung Kim Neil Klund-Schubert Donna Koran Joanne Kosciolek Peggy L. Kotila Donna & Edward Kraus Delton & Joan Krueger Ronald Lagerquist Christine Lee Martha Lewis-Hunstiger Christin Light Jennifer Linde Mary Loberg & Mark Sonderup Kelly MacGregor Dennis & Linda Maetzold Carolyn R. Maier Mark and Robin Maki Giampaolo Malin Sherman & Patricia Malkerson Catherine Mandle
UP TO $99, CONT.
Cecily Marcus Gayla Marty Reed McEwan J. Lawrence & Mary McIntyre Jeffery J. McNaught & Lori M. Mittag Norm E. Midthun Richard Miner David Moen Clay R. Moore Allyson Moravec Barbara Mueller Matt Nordine Sarah Novotny Betsy & Anders Oredson Sarah Parker Allison Peterson Angela Peterson Chase & Sam Peterson-Etem Deb Pleasants Kelly Quiring Dale & Beth Raymakers Barbara Rice Brian Rice Margaret C. Rich Matthew Roegge Stuart & Linda Ruehle Cliff Sandmeyer Sarah Schaffer Philip Schaffner Elise Schendel Karen I. Schnuckle Jake Schommer Terry Schwerm Rebecca Shedd Kayla Sherod Edie Slape Jared Smith Susan Staats Adam Stellburg Thomas Stiles Rachael Stover Haney Ryan Strand Stuve Family Trust Gary Sultan David Swenson Katherine Swenson Brian Thielke Peter Thompson Eliza Tocher Jane E. Trahms Katrina Trullinger Diana Van Deusen Jim & Jane Vaughan Mary J. Vik William K. Wangensteen Harrison Warner Janet Weivoda Stephen & Sarah Weld Carol White Shawn Willy Gary P. Winter Misty Wolcott James & Kathleen Wolf Keith Wyne We have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of this list. If you feel that your name was omitted or is incorrect, plase contact Kim Lawler at 952.767.3881 or kim.lawler@treetrust.org.
Financial Statements
Participant Demographics
Statement of Activity 2014 REVENUE Federal Grants and Contracts State Grants and Contracts Local Government Grants and Contracts Contributions Earned Income Investment and Other Income
Total Revenue
Female 48%
1,206,334 1,162,985 1,105,186 360,345 1,320,145 177,590
Male 52%
Gender
5,332,585 50-59 40-49 1% 3%
EXPENSES 541,783 Management and General 146,416 Fundraising 3,350,370 Employment Training and Case Management 378,112 Community Forestry and Environmental Education 874,202 Landscape Services
Total Expenses
5,290,883
30-39 7%
22-29 14%
Statement of Financial Position 2014 ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Accounts and Pledges Receivable Property and Equipment Other Assets
Total Assets LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Total Current and Long-term Liabilities Unrestricted Net Assets Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
This statement of revenue and expenses is based on the unaudited financial statement for 2014. Audited finanical statements are available by calling 952-767-3893.
18-21 33%
298,544 304,813 551,618 304,646 85,530 1,545,151
417,116 1,044,414 83,621 1,545,151
14-15 20%
16-17 23%
Age
Black
Caucasian 29%
Asian
African American 63%
Asian 5%
Race
American Indian/Alaska Native 2%
Amer Nativ
Cauca