Programs - Carpenter Nature Center
Transcription
Programs - Carpenter Nature Center
Carpenter Nature Center St. Croix Valley 2012-2013 Annual Report Bringing science to life... CARPENTER NATURE CENTER ST. CROIX VA TER EN Laurie Schneider CAR P EY LL NA TUR E CENT ER Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center 12805 St. Croix Trail S. Hastings, Minnesota 55033 Wisconsin Campus 300 E. Cove Road Hudson, Wisconsin 54016 (651) 437-4359 www.CarpenterNatureCenter.org THE CNC STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Vieth (651) 437-4359, ext. 108 Jennifer@CarpenterNatureCenter.org PROGRAM DIRECTOR Mayme Johnson (651) 437-4359, ext. 103 Mayme@CarpenterNatureCenter.org INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST Alan Maloney (651) 437-4359, ext. 104 Alan@CarpenterNatureCenter.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Linda Polglase (651) 437-4359, ext. 102 One little brown bat at a time. Children today experience our world differently. For better or for worse we’re now one large global community. Technology delivers vast amounts of information, accurate and inaccurate, literally to children’s fingertips. Today’s children can travel farther, learn more, and interact with others around the world. Far too often our children sit indoors for hours staring at screens. Computer screens. Television screens. Smart phone Linda@CarpenterNatureCenter.org screens. They know more about foreign ecosystems than the MAINTENANCE FOREMAN Martin Lynch world just outside their door. They know about the myriad of (651) 480-0572 HORTICULTURIST John McPherson (651) 437-4359, ext. 109 John@CarpenterNatureCenter.org Development Coordinator Clare Neenan (651) 437-4359, ext. 101 issues plaguing the planet from global climate change to floating islands of trash in the oceans. Yet they’ve never investigated the diversity of life in a Midwestern prairie, in a wetland or a forest. Carpenter Nature Center plays a vital role in the handson education of children and visitors of all ages. The diverse ecosystems found on 725 acres of protected habitat minutes from a major metropolitan area make Carpenter a destination Clare@CarpenterNatureCenter.org for teachers and families alike. Carpenter Nature Center shows INTERNS 2012-2013 Jessica Bass Carolyn Friedrich Danielle Holt Karina Kern Kaelyn Lecander Alicia Little Kathrine Noren Kallie Pechacek Nick Pritchard Brian Strandberg students the importance of working in harmony with the 2 natural world and gives them the science skills and experiences they need to begin to understand and solve our future global environmental problems. By saving the world, one little brown bat at a time, we touch their hearts and open their minds to natural science. Jennifer Vieth Executive Director THOMAS & EDNA CARPENTER FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vickie Batroot, President Dan Baasen Gordon Bailey, Jr. Laurie Bauer Jim Freund, Treasurer Jay Griggs, Secretary Gary Griswold Paul Jeske Don Kern Curt Mages Denny McNamara Colleen Moran Steve Messick Al Most Sarah Neitz Tim Power, Vice President John Tinucci Troy Weathers Advisory Board Don Fluegel Ken Heiser Martin Kellogg Jim Nielsen Bob Voigt Honorary Board Larry Fussell Vance Grannis, Jr. Bob Setzer Daryl Standafer Tom Thomsen Wendy Wustenberg Jim Fitzpatrick, Director Emeritus COVER PHOTO by Mark Boenisch ANNUAL REPORT Volunteers Thank you volunteers, for investing in Carpenter. I f you judge a non-profit by the number and work of its volunteers, Carpenter comes out on top. Volunteers teach classes, band birds, park cars at events, plant flowers, make maple syrup, prune apple trees, greet visitors and more. We each work in different seasons for different reasons at different times doing different things, yet we all have one thing in common. We believe in Carpenter Nature Center’s mission. Our combined talents and skills come together to make something far larger than ourselves. As CNC volunteers, we together do more for our children and our environment than we do alone. Plus, volunteering at CNC is fun. It gets you outdoors. Please join the Carpenter family. Interested in becoming a part of the volunteer team? Informal new volunteer information meetings are held periodically at the Visitor Center. Call volunteer coordinator Alan Maloney at (651) 437-4359 with questions, or for the date and time of the next meeting. • Naturalist Assistant 2013 Assist in teaching environmental education classes to primary and secondary school students. • Animal Care Feed, clean habitats and enclosures, and help with the general care of our animal ambassadors. • Gardeners Plant, weed, water and help develop the gardens that welcome our visitors. • Grounds Keeping & Maintenance Help Marty at the shop with mowing, landscaping, trail upkeep, light construction and equipment maintenance. • Special Events Assistant Help with weekend special events that occur throughout the year. Fun opportunity for those who work during the week. • Visitor Center Greeter Be the friendly face that greets CNC Visitors on the weekends. • Office Assistant Help the Center’s staff with office operations, mailings, data management and more. • Orchard Assistant Help John with orchard chores and tasks, and fall Apple Shack activities. 23,000 visitors 6,994 student visits 180 volunteers 12,300 hours of recorded volunteer time $228,165 monetary value of volunteer hours (valued at $18.55/hr) Shelley Bowman 2013 Volunteer of the Year Shelley started volunteering in 2010. She has helped setup for special events, helped with data entry, weeded gardens, cleaned, led bird hikes for kindergarteners, and is one of the most calm, cool bird banders ever. Thank you Shelley, for all of the help. TAMMY JOHNSON SPECIAL EVENTS “I fall in love with CNC whenever I’m here and want to share the experience with my friends!” DOREEN DEUTSCH ANIMAL CARE Doreen proudly adopts one to three education ambassador animals every year. JEFF FISCHER PHOTOGRAPHER In addition to his superb photography, Jeff teaches science classes on dragonflies, butterflies and birds. 3 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Programs CNC’s Environmental Education programs make natural science fun and fascinating for thousands of children every year. Honeybee C arpenter Nature Center hosts 7,000 students every year, who learn about the wonder and importance of the natural world that surrounds their city and school. Nature matters. What we do to our environment matters. Carpenter fosters an appreciation in our youth for stewardship, habitat, sustainable living and effective conservation practices. “Time after time we see Carpenter ignite a spark in children that translates into deeper learning and a better understanding of our natural world,” says an elementary school principal. CNC’s museum-quality exhibits graphically display the natural ecosystems and wildlife of the St. Croix River Valley, and are used for classes. Since 1981 CNC has supplemented the science curriculum of more than 100 Twin Cities area schools. Carpenter’s outdoor classroom of protected river, prairie and woodland habitat includes ponds filled with spring tadpoles and a raptor mews 4 with a rescued hawk, owl, falcon and bald eagle. Throughout the school year children see and study a menagerie of turtles, frogs, snakes and a rabbit used in classes and programs. The animals are housed and fed in informative displays and a surrounding mural shows the river valley habitat in summer, fall, winter and spring. “We tailor classes on request to meet the needs of an individual teacher,” says Mayme Johnson, senior naturalist and program director, “or a particular curriculum.” Students confirm the value of the Carpenter experience. “Our years at Carpenter were the best of our lives,” says Stephanie Nielsen, a Stillwater high school student. “They were fun and interesting at the time, and I really can see how much it helps me now in science classes.” CNC’s environmental education programs are designed for students of all ages, including adults, and CNC hopes to expand the course offerings and number of students it reaches. “We have the facilities to accommodate many more students,” says Jennifer Vieth, executive director. “If we can raise funds to hire an additional interpretive naturalist we will be able to serve students from more schools.” Please call program director Mayme Johnson to discuss which program will best inspire your students, meet your science standards or complement your school’s science curriculum. Pre-School Groups Elementary School Groups Young children are introduced to nature through enjoyable learning activities in a safe environment. Programs include both indoor and outdoor experiences. In our Interpretive Programs preschoolers are guided by a naturalist on an hour-long adventure that includes a nature presentation, hike and takehome activity. Parent-Tot Programs are designed for children to learn with their adult about what nature is, the parts of nature and how we can help our environment in our everyday life. During Story Time Programs preschoolers listen to nature stories read by a naturalist, go on a short hike outdoors to observe nature, make a nature craft to bring home and meet live animals when animals are appropriate to the topic. A selection of programs include: Interpretive Programs Caterpillars & Butterflies Colors in Nature Exploring Nature With Our Senses Hibernation Parent-Tot Programs Little Green Sprouts Animal Families Creepy Crawlies PreSchool Story Time Amazing Amphibians Animals in the Winter Bugs Creepy Crawlies Feathered Friends Orchard Fun Planting Party Rabbits Spring Celebration Tumble into Fall Turtles Elementary programs (K-6) are designed to enhance learning through hands-on, unique experiences in the “outdoor classroom.” Environmental Education Programs are offered for all ages on a variety of topics for every season. The programs are specific to K-1st grade, 2nd and 3rd grade and 4th and 5th grade. Special Programs have been developed for school groups to accompany classroom study. A selection of programs include: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Apple Orchard Change of Seasons Flowers & Pollination Plant Communities Winter Birds Insects Reptiles & Amphibians Rocks 2nd and 3rd Grade Adaptations Birds & Banding Food Chains Rocks & Minerals Reptiles & Amphibians Snow & Ice Study Trees Weather Invertebrates 4th and 5th Grade Ecosystems Geology Invertebrates Map & Compass Maple Syruping Plants & People Snowshoeing Water Erosion Water Quality Weather Wetlands Wilderness Survival ANNUAL REPORT Secondary School Groups Youth Community Programs Adult Community Programs Outreach Programs These 2-hour programs include a naturalist’s presentation and outdoor experience, designed for grade appropriate groups, through 12th grade. Teachers are encouraged to contact CNC with ideas to tailor classes to their curriculum. With adequate time, CNC may be able to develop a new program along a teacher’s ideas and classroom needs. A selection of programs include: 6th - 12th Grade Adaptations Birds & Banding Map & Compass Maple Syruping Plants & People Snowshoeing Water Erosion Water Quality Weather & Phenology Wetlands Wilderness Survival Wild Edibles Designed for groups of children outside of school activities (such as church youth groups and child care programs) each program has a recreational emphasis. The naturalists are committed to providing quality hands-on programs. To reach every participant, programs have a naturalist/student radio of 15:1. Larger groups can also be accommodated. CNC welcomes all participants regardless of abilities and when informed we’ll make the appropriate accommodations. A selection of programs include: An “adult community” is a group of adults who share a common interest. Programs available for an adult group of all abilities include Attracting Backyard Birds, Birds & Banding, Exploring the Backcountry, Harvest Time, Into the Prairie, Introduction to CNC and Nature Hikes. All groups are invited to enjoy the hiking trails, explore the Visitor Center and use the picnic tables before or after their scheduled programs. A selection of programs include: If programs in the outdoor classrooms at Carpenter Nature Center are not an option for your group, naturalists are available to conduct programs at your location on a large variety of topics. Many of the most popular outreaches feature CNC’s live program animals. A selection of programs include: 5 to 10 Year Olds (1.5 hours) Animal Charisma Animal Signs Apple Orchard Bees, Butterflies & Bouquets Chow Time Endangered Species Maple Syruping Migration Mania Nature Scavenger Hunt River Life Summerfest Untouchables Wetland Bingo Wildlife Walk 1.5 to 2 hour long programs Attracting Birds to your Backyard Birds & Banding Exploring the Backcountry Harvest Time Into the Prairie Introduction to CNC Nature Hike Classroom Programs (Hands-on small group programs, 45 min, and include live animals) Animal Story Time Raptor & Pellet Investigation Move Like the Animals Beastly Bodies Reptile or Amphibian? Survival Tactics Assembly Presentation (For large groups, 30 min or 1 hour, and include live animals) Raptors Live Animal Exhibits & Information Fairs CNC can set up a table at an event with information, handson activities or live animals. Bull Snake 10 years & Older (2 hours) Forestry Lumberjack Games Maple Syruping Map Reading Mystery Orienteering Basics Snowshoeing Wildlife Walk Wilderness Survival Tadpoles and Leopard Frog 5 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Friends of CNC The language of friendship is not words but meanings. ~Thoreau Cumulative annual, capital, endowment, sponsorship and special project giving from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013. SUSTAINING MONTHLY DONORS Jim & Leslie Beaudoin Everett Janssen THe DIRecTOR’S cOUNcIL ($5,000+) Gordon & Jo Bailey Jim & Judy Freund Drs. Paul & Sandra Rosso Al & Laurie Hein Trust Andersen Corporate Foundation Hardenbergh Foundation Flint Hills Resources Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Gertrude R. Shiely Charitable Trust Gordon & Margaret Bailey Foundation Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Margaret Rivers Fund The John and Ruth Huss Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation Xcel Energy THe eAGLe SOcIeTY ($3,000-4,999) Meg & Gary Johnson Bob & Mavis Voigt Andersen Corporation Gagnon, Inc LSP – Cottage Grove, L.P. Richard Industrial Group The Huelsmann Foundation THe ST. cROIx SOcIeTY ($1,000-$2,999) James & Mary Bassett Gregg & Vickie Batroot Doug & Laurie Bauer Tom & Kay Becken Denis & Mary Clohisy Bill & Winkie Coyne 6 Doreen & Gary Deutsch Gary & Mickie Griswold Scott & Jennifer Hedin Robert & Jo Horak Esther & Martin Kellogg Jane Lund Curt & Kathy Mages Lynne & Denny McNamara Steve & Jane Messick Joseph & Susan Meyers, Jr. Grant & Carol Nelson Jim Nielsen Family Jim & Loretta Richman Bob & Kathy Setzer Tom & Suki Thomsen 3M Cottage Grove 3M Environmental Health & Safety American Security AnnMarie Foundation Bailey Nurseries Foundation Colossal Café Edward Jones (Abra Hovgaard) Hastings Lions Club Marsden Building Maintenance Mueting, Raasch & Gephardt Paulet Slater Prescott Foundation, Inc. Ruth Gale & George W. Doffing Charitable Fund Target The Washington Conservation District TKDA BeNefAcTOR ($500-$999) Franz & Karen Altpeter Paul & Joyce Boettcher Wayne & Mary Delaney Carter Jeffrey Brower & Donna Dalton Den & Daryl Donath Michael Ellingsworth Frank & Denise Farr Judy Pechacek & Lisa Hedin A NOTe TO OUR fRIeNDS You deserve to be properly recognized for your gifts. If we have made an error, please contact Clare Neenan at (651) 437-4359. Jon & Terese Helberg George Jacques Marguerite R. Jacques Paul & Angela Jeske Don Kern Willie & Mary Krech Barb Johnson & Bill Kruschel Brad McDonnell Colleen Moran & Michael Zwiefel Al & Dorothy Most Jean & Don Mueting John & Karen Neenan Jay Griggs & Margaret Ontl Michael & Julia Costello Jennifer & Stephen Dailey and Family Lisa Dayton Tim & Laura Deis Janelle & Philip Dixon Gary & Lori Gauger Peter & Doreen Gow Warren Hall David & Mary Hense Jim & Leane Hewitt Lynn Vernon & Bruce Holcomb Gloria Jansen Robert & Jane Jeffrey Charlie Johnson Henry & Carol Tressel Construction Midwest Hastings Dental Association Fox-1 Drafting & Design Gerlach Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc. Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors Inc. MidAmerica Technical & Environmental Services Northland Securities First State Bank and Trust of Bayport South Suburban Rental DONOR ($100 - $249) Bruce & Sherry Akins Francis Anderson Stanley Anderson Carpenter Nature Center relies 100% on private gifts and donations. Your support is our future. Dave & Mary Ruch Dr. Joe Skow Roxie & Tom Strey Jim Thommes Larry & Kristi Waite Robert & Linda Whyte C.F. Industries Gerald Hoel Fund of the Hudson Community Foundation NYCO, Inc. PATRON ($250 - $499) Pam & Loren Albin Sara & Doug Alms Dore Antonello Kelly Aune Dan & Anne Baasen Brian Ogren & Sarah Bertsch Sandy Wahlberg & Carolyn Bradley Charlotte Brown Donald Buck Rich Cohen Harvey Johnson Judy Kennedy Tom & Betty Kieffer Tom Kloster & Monique Hall Donald Koch Jean M. Langlais Jim & Susan Lewis Mavis & Gary Melstrom Isabelle Moulinier Lorene Schumacher & Charlene Nelson Angela & Jorg Pierach Gary & Melissa Porter Steve & Teresa Schulte Harry & Ginny Sieben John & Gladi Sippel Franklin Star Greg Stotko Dawn Sauceman & Carrie Squires Jean & Steven Sweeney Mary Jo Synnott Connie Goldman John & Carrie Tinucci Louis & Patricia Tinucci Kim Arcand Mark & Michele Bailey Carolyn Benepe Tom & Elizabeth Bell Susan & Dave Betzler Otto & Tinka Bloedow Shelley & Lee Bowman Norlin & Carole Boyum John & Terrie Brandt Larry Brenner Cheryl & Tom Bullington Cindy Butina John & Carolyn Campfield-Huth Carol Carter Chris Mueller & Kristy Clarke Judith Clayton Carol & Kevin Clein Pam Cook Robert & Margaret Cox Paul & Georgia Crockett Jennifer & Stephen Dailey Bill & Linda Deitner Jerry & Anne Dirksen Arthur Rice & Elaine Dixon Jeffrey & Jorja Dufresne Bob & Char Eddy Del & Karen Eilers Peter & Jeanne Engel William & Ruth Estes Craig Fandel & Sharon Gericke Fandel Jeff & Michelle Fischer James FitzGibbon Jim Fitzpatrick Jim & Stephanie Fox Richard Friberg Fred & Marie Friswold Barb Fritz Sherri Gebert Fuller Tom & Sandy Gergen Gerald and Marge Gerlach Barb Gilbertson Dennis & Louise Griffin Heidi Hammond Craig & Karen Hansen Darleen Hanson Abra Hovgaard & Holly Hanson Dan & Linda Harder Wayne & Jean Haut Ken & Lynn Heiser Harold Huber Karen & Randolph Huppert Craig & Susie Huxtable Carol Jager Sharon & David Jasper Andy & Andrea Jensen Joel & Laura Jensen Merrill & Dody Johnson Orville & Kathy Johnson Tammy Johnson Jon Kingstad Jim & Patricia Keller Diana Kennedy Paul & Nancy Kerestes Audrey & David Kern John & Lynda Kern Emily Kerton Julie & George Kinney Jr. Audrey & Ron Kintzi ANNUAL REPORT Nancy Kluver Pam & Ron Kukacka Doug & Brenda Lamb Ralph & Linda Larson Wayne & Jan Larson Shelly & Rion Latimore Janice & Howard Lecander Toni & Sharon Lewandowski Jamie Lukehart Mike & Nancy Lyner Sarah MacRae Jim Malkowski Mary Marty Mark & Mary McCahey Ramona McCullough Terri & Bob McEnaney Rob & Becky McKim Barb & Joel Mielke George & Cheryl Moore Chris & Suzanne Mueller Robert & Dawna Newby Mark Newman Bruce & Betsy Olson Ann & Doug Olson Jamie McBride & Maren Olson Roy Olson Crystal Palmer Ronald Peterson Jerry & Sandra Peterson Darlene & Jim Philip Gloria Phillips Joe & Susan Plankis Linda Polglase Russ & Cindy Pond Tim & Bonnie Power Anna Quinn Pat & Jeanne Riley Amy & John Reents Susan Reese Pamela Regan Fred & Mary Reiter Katharine Grant & Keith Rodli Craig Schardt Shelliese Schield Tracey Olson & Kevin Schoonover Dan Schoepke Joy Schurmeier Jeanne & John Segar Steve & Gena Setzer Bob & Kathy Sezter Jan Shannon Jill Shannon Emily Sherry Sharon & Tom Simpson Roy & Lana Sjoberg Gregory & Martha Smetana Maureen Walton & John Smetana Skip & Lavonne Soleim Patrick Somers David Southwick Ron & Linda Stancer Keith Stein Peg Powers & Paul Stein John & Tracy Steiner Sven Sundgaard Carmen Swanson Hugh & Francine Thompson Michael & Julie Thron Gary & Joan Thyren Beth & Erling Tufte Jen & Greg Vieth Charlie Witzkie & Amy Wagner Steven & Monica Weekes Christine Wiegert Karl Willson Kelli Winter Linda Wolf Paul & Joann Wolner Angela Wyatt Cernohous Chevrolet Ellsworth Order of Eastern Star 116 Moms on the Run Newport Drug Prescott Insurance Agency Riverside Routers 4-H Rivertown Lions Club St. Croix Electric StarTech Computing St Paul Park Newport Lions Club Family ($50 - $99) Rees Allison & Pamela Burger Tom & Londa Anderson Roger & Margie Anderson Ryan & Sara Armbruster Lesley Atwood & Richard Smith Kent & Yvonne Bahner Fred Banister Thomas & Beverly Bartl Jim & Dorothy Beix Mike & Liz Belair William & Betty Berg Steven Bergschneider Joe & Della Boles Nadine Bougie Harvey & Iris Briesacher Wanda Brown & Phyllis Goldin Scott & Sharyn Calton Susan & Charles Carpenter Cynthia Carter Gary & Mary Carter Kay & Joe Caturia Anita Cholewa Tori & Shawn Clark William & Cynthia Cody Tracey Colley Lynn Collins Jan Cuccia Kathleen Davies Christian Dawson Monica Devers Joe & Priscilla Diethelm Steven Doyle Jonathan Butwinick & Margaret Eilers Rose Mary Eisenmenger Rick Elnes Maureen Fasbender Peter & Colleen Findlay John & Rachel Fisk Dale & Beth Fretland Richard & Mary Fuith Larry & Jan Fussell Barb & Charles Garbe Jim & Laura Garbe Viola & Steve Gericke Martha Giglio & Gene Corrigan Kerri Goodale Larry & Charlotte Gulden Russ & Pat Hanson John & Ladan Hammes Jay & Lu Heggerness Tricia Emilyn Hilger Dick & Phyllis Hoffman Karen Hurka David & Robyn Husebye Jim & Barbara Inda Mark & Cheryl Jenkin Nancy Thysell & Jay Johnson Mayme & Steve Johnson Judy & Alan Johnston Jeannine Kellogg Bill & Jennifer Kellogg Becky & Corey Knighton Gwen & David Krehbiel Sadi-jo & Gregory Kobussen Dayne Kurtzer Hammer & Diane Kurtzer Leroy & Donna Kuta Darla Lester Marcus & Julie Liegel Mark Litchfield Ken & Harriett Livermore Elizabeth & Peter Lockwood Sarah & Travis Lockwood Stacia Madsen Paul & Rose March Howard Markus Scott & Jill Marschke Andrew & Delores Mathe Buzz & Mary Marzolf Tom & Virginia McClanahan Colleen McDonald Ryan Meek Patti Melich Bill & Kristi Mettler Chris, Mary, and Kelli Moe Richard & Patricia Muenich Chad Muesing Leah & Brian North Chuck & Karen Oase Gail O’Connor John & Yvette Oldendorf Cathy Olyphant Don & Barb Paschke Mike & Kariin Pepin Penny Peterson Darvia Herold & Marvin Plakut Vince & Marcia Pletcher Mitchell Johnson & Pamela Pontzer Theresa Puff Steve & Deena Reisman Stanley King & Ellen Rider Mary Rivett Ann & David Roe Larry Grant & Lucy Rogers Mary & Peter Sandberg Joyce & Pete Schaffer Michael & Doris Schifsky Lynette & Allen Schmaltz Joe Mischke & Tonya Schmitt Judy & Mike Seeberger Ardell & Mary Jean Semington Jill Shimota Bob & Barb Siegel Miriam Simmons Sherwin & Carolyn Singsaas Dwight & Diane Smith James Sorenson Gretchen Steffenson Doug Stein Dianne & Gerald Stiff Court Storey Kathryn Szczepaniak Kent Teibel Elaine & Steve Thrune Katharine Tinucci Patrick & Helen Tinucci Elaine Starz Tonolli John & JoAnne Tremse Tom Triplett Sam & Jan Tripp Mark & Deb Van Ken & April Warwick Eileen & Bob Weber John & Laura Welshons Jason & Anne Wenisch Louis Asher & Lisa Wersal Sally J. West Kathy Widin David Wilhelm Cory & Janice Williams Catherine Wiltermuth Theresa Wolfgram Beth, Bill, & Steven Zaspel Donald & Colleen Zaudke Peter Zitzewitz Lakefront Framing Nuttin’ Like It, Nick Varner The Clubs of South Pines Homeowner’s Association Friend (Up to $49) Barbara Aalbers Steve Reader & Marci Addington Joe and Carol Alms Judy Anderson Pamela & Richard Andrews Rosemary Baatz Lynda & Eric Beinlich Carl & Brianna Bellinger Joshua Bennett Cynthia & Steve Benson Marlys Benson Marie Berger Eric S. Betthauser Cheryl Bonderson Don & Cindy Bothun Madeline Branum Thomas & Sara Brice Michelle & Thomas Bump Sandra & Gordon Carlton Cynthia Carter Ann Cavin Sam Cohen & Kimberly Carpenter Donald Clark Jean & Larry Clausen Laura Coble Rachel Dayton Barbara Defoe Alicia DeGross Jim Denham Dan & LouAnn Endries Heather Farber-Lau John & Angela Ferguson Jerry & Mary Fisk Donald & Cherrie Freeman Louise Gallagher Mike & Betsy Gangelhoff Wayne Gilbertson Michael Giefer Hillary & Jesse Gilles Kathleen Green Maria & Israel Haas Ted & Noelle Haland Joan Hanson Fredrick & Mary Hase Arun Hejmadi & Patricia Lyall Barbara & Paul Hendrickson Christine Hills Michele Hoffman Dale Iverson Herb & Jan Japs Jordan Jones Tecla Karpen Lois Kinsey Debra Kittilson Joe & Kathy Kovarik Keith Leary Tom & Beda Lewis Esther Luedtke Geri & Martin Lynch Tony & Alice Maistrovich Amy & Dave Marotz Rita Stern Marrinan Sherill McCallson Louise McMenomy Dave & Sue McNally Marilyn & Jim Meier Paul Moss & Craig Miller Charles & Nancy Miller John & Margaret Moeller Sue Moeller Bette Montgomery Karen Moore Paul Montain Peter & Helen Muto Judith Nelson Donna & Tony Nobello Manley Olson Danny & Erin Pace Tom & Diane Perillo Dave & Pat Perrier Jeff & Theresa Peterson Rodger Peterson Ron Peterson Barb & Gerald Place Norm Purrington Debra Rasmussen Erika & Patrick Rivers Byron & Alice Robinson Nicole Sathe Thomas Saunders Justin Scanlan Helen & Hubert Schneider Dean & Lynn Shafer Francis Sheahan Debra Soderbeck Robert & Roma Solberg Kathryn Sorenson Keith & Rosie Sorenson Leroy Stanislowski Walter & Marilyn Suchy Arlene Swanson Linda Thomas Dee Thompson Ken & Mary Tibesar Michel Tigan Charlotte Vick Deborah Wagner Mary & Walter Warpeha Beth Waterhouse Chikezie Waturuocha Carol Wetzel Lance & Carrie Whitacre Veronica Windsor David & Julie Ann Wirth Claudia Wondra Alison Young Mark VanderLinden Judd Zandstra WTG Terrazzo & Tile Inc. •Continued on page 15• 7 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Family Events Perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities - from infants to the elderly, fit or disabled. Carpenter events provide fun, educational experiences for families and for individuals. THE APPLE BLOSSOM RACES Springtime in the St. Croix Valley T he Apple Blossom Race highlights the beauty of springtime in the St. Croix Valley and reminds friends and neighbors that healthy humans are good for the ecosystem too! Carpenter’s trails and vistas are perfect for family recreation. Join us in a run or roll, walk, jog or race through blooming apple orchards, rolling hills and flowering prairie. Race proceeds benefit environmental education programs at CNC. Thanks to the rolling hills, the Apple Blossom Half Marathon is known to serious runners as one of the most challenging in Minnesota. The 10-K Race takes runners through woodlands and savannahs and along the paved trails of the nature center. The 5-K Race is a direct shot down St. Croix Trail, along the prairie and pines to the finish line. The free 2K Fun Run, which starts after the other three timed races end, gets our youth involved in being active outdoors. EARTH DAY BIRD FESTIVAL April In celebration of Earth Day the birding festival gets families outdoors to learn about birds, and includes bird banding demonstrations, an ‘Introduction to Birding’ class and field trip, and a ‘Raptors 101’ class. Our youth birding competition is a fun way to get children involved in bird watching . FALL RAPTOR RELEASE September Thousands come to CNC to see rehabilitated birds from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center take flight as they are released back into their natural home. Come for the program and stay for the day with food vendors, exhibits and fun family activities. AUTUMN IN THE VALLEY September Autumn in the Valley is the “country elegant” social event of the year where donors, sponsors, community leaders and friends gather to support CNC in its largest fundraising event. The evening of fine outdoor dining in the 3M River Bluff Pavilion includes a silent and live auction of locally donated art, unique gifts and experiences. The funds raised on this evening alone provide enough funding for the salary of one full-time naturalist. We’d like to make it two. MASTERS OF THE SKY March Masters of the Sky reaches over 1,000 people every year. Sponsored by the Hastings Lions Club and other community members, participants are introduced to trained birds from around the world Our Summer Golf Scramble fills the course with double foursomes! Golfers play at neighboring Afton Alps Golf Course and are treated to spectacular views of in an educational and thrilling weekend program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. the St. Croix River. The birds fly free and low over the audience as Thanks to the many corporate sponsors, golfers receive a terrific box lunch, naturalists introduce birds such as vultures, African freebies and a post tournament dinner with door prizes. The scramble is a fun time hawks and a Eurasian Eagle Owl; the largest owl in for sponsors and golfers and a favorite summer fundraiser for Carpenter’s programs. the world. SUMMER GOLF SCRAMBLE July 8 ANNUAL REPORT APPLE FEST Autumn with apples, pumpkins and hayrides C ome celebrate the apple harvest in Minnesota’s beautiful St. Croix Valley. Enjoy spectacular fall colors, crisp autumn air, and reap the harvest of the Midwest’s best apples and pumpkins grown with eco-friendly techniques. Join in hayrides, children’s activities, live animals, music and great food. Don’t limit your visit to one weekend, though. Follow our apple crop as each variety matures and visit neighboring orchards, towns and county parks. Apple Fest is family fun and a great introduction to the Nature Center. Private events Weddings & Parties By appointment, throughout the year T he peace and beauty of the CNC grounds is perfect for weddings, family gatherings, outdoor concerts, corporate picnics, and private meetings. All rental fees directly support CNC’s environmental education programs. Scenic Outdoor Facilities: CNC offers three decks for outdoor gatherings. The Schaffer Gazebo, Ravine Lookout and River Overlook are open to the public daily but may be reserved for a fee. 3M River Bluff Pavilion: The newest rental facility at CNC is the River Bluff Pavilion. Our 60’ x 96’ covered facility can hold 250 - 300 people for a sit-down meal and more with row seating. It has drop-down sides, a side platform for caterers, built-in lighting and sound and is wheelchair accessible. Tables and chairs may be rented from CNC. Flint Hills Trailside Lodge & Conference Center: What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives? E.M. Forester Nestled in the woods, this private building has a large meeting room that seats 20 and two smaller conference rooms that seat 5-10. The rental fee includes use of the entire building, plus full kitchen, tables, chairs, easel and white board. LED projector and screen on request. 9 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Did you know? Science is about questions and answers. Ron Taube The Mississippi Flyway is important HABITAT Almost half of North America’s bird species and nearly 40 percent of its waterfowl spend at least part of their lives in the Mississippi Flyway. From the Canadian Arctic and Mackenzie River watershed, northern tundra and boreal forests this much-traveled flyway follows the Mississippi River through the middle of America to the Gulf Coast. Some bird species continue south as far as Patagonia. The St. Croix and Mississippi River’s remaining grasslands, forests and wetlands, although compromised by a century of rapid Nesting Bald Eagles can be seen from CNC’s River Overlook human settlement, are critically important to the resting and nesting of these migratory birds. The open waters of the lower St. Croix feed thousands of migrating geese, ducks, loons, mergansers, swans, herons and egrets. Songbirds nest and feed in the shoreline forests. Raptors hunt the prairie grasslands. Located at the confluence of these two major river tributaries (and 20 minutes from a major metropolis) Carpenter’s restored prairie, woodland and river keep this important habitat available. Equally important, it keeps these areas harmoniously and sustainably accessible to students and Minnesota and Wisconsin citizens. What we protect from development and work to restore as naturally managed habitat will have a major impact on the future health of these remarkable natural ecosystems and our migratory birds Carpenter’s naturalists open a window on this natural world with relevant classes and programs. As our children look through that window they begin to understand the natural world, and are gaining a reverence for life. All life. You can find ‘Wisconserenity’ in nature PRESERVATION This year CNC has expanded trails on the Wisconsin campus and added self-guided trail maps. Located just off County Road F south of Hudson, Wisc., the five miles of prairie trails offer true serenity. Bring binoculars and quietly watch raptors and grassland birds in their natural home. Our 300 acres of restored Wisconsin prairie and woodland habitat are due to the benevolent foresight of the late Al and Laurie Hein, Dan and Jean Greenwald and the Hudson Community Fund of the St. Croix Valley Foundation along with many other generous individuals and groups. 10 ANNUAL REPORT Jim Denham We’re free & open 361 days a year RECREATION We believe nature should be accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of financial or physical ability. No park stickers, no entrance fees and no reservations are required, but donations are happily accepted. Our grounds and Visitor Center are open 361 days a year from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. That’s every day except Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Time spent outdoors is good for your health and well being and Carpenter’s daily availability makes it a wonderful place for outings and daily family exercise. Even the family dog is welcome as long as it’s on leash. (Don’t forget to grab a free pet waste bag at the Visitor Center.) Twenty miles of trails meander 725 acres of woods, wetland, prairie and river habitat. Several miles of trails are self-guided and wheelchair accessible. Some offer overlooks of the scenic St. Croix River and meander through prairie, forest and orchard. During the winter months, snowshoes are available for rent and are free for ‘Friends of CNC.’ CNC is solar powered ENERGY Nature is amazing. From studying the minute detail of a butterfly’s wing scales to observing the sheer power of a thunderstorm, helping children explore nature is what we do. Thanks to the generous support of community partners, CNC’s Education Team will now be able to interpret nature’s energy producing elements. From solar power to wind power to hydropower to geothermal power to energy produced from consumable resources to energy conservation, CNC’s students will explore, investigate and marvel at nature’s energy production. The solar panels on the roof produce energy equivalent to the amount used to power an average U.S. home. Students will do hands on experiments to help them understand the concepts. This partnership between CNC, 3M, LSP Cogentrix, Innovative Power Systems, Xcel Energy and local teachers addresses key science standards and fills an important need. This is a great example of how partnerships between businesses, schools and Carpenter Nature Center can benefit everyone involved. Burning prairie restores and renews LAND MANAGEMENT The lower St. Croix River has been occupied by humans for the last 10,000 years. In more recent times fur traders, Dakota, Ojibwe and others traveled the rivers, camped on untouched prairies and hunted primeval woodlands. For thousands of years those prairies and woodlands were restored and managed by fire as part of their natural cycle. The burns removed invasive species and fertilized the soil. But pressure from the rapid population growth of the last 100 years dramatically altered this cycle. Our responsibility is to manage the lands of CNC in a sustainable fashion, restoring them to the widely accepted habitats that occurred in our area naturally, hundreds of years ago. Prairie burns benefit native wildlife and serves as a teaching tool for visiting students who learn about the role of fire in the natural cycle of native habitats. Each year segments of the oak savannah and prairie are burned or mowed to support the healthy regrowth of native flowers and grasses. + 00,000 5 visitors since 1981 11 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Legacy Gifts Thomas and Edna Carpenter Society Friends who committed to a legacy of environmental education and habitat protection by naming Carpenter in their will. *deceased Anonymous (3) Robert* & Lois Burns Daniel J. Greenwald, II* Fern Mjolsness* Jim Nielsen Brian Ogren & Sarah Bertsch Alan Maloney Jim & Judy Freund Honorariums evA & cORALIe from Otto & Tinka Bloedow JIM fITzPATRIck from the St. Croix Valley Bird Club JUDY PecHAcek & LISA HeDIN from Danny & Erin Pace, Monica Devers, Shelley Kurzeka-Jung & Thomas Jung, Gary & Mary Cater. ARLeNe HOLDeN from Carol Jager TOM & MARY SkINNeR from Kathleen Fritz RAY SwANSON from Howard Markus JeNNIfeR vIeTH from Audrey Kintzi 12 Fishin’ Fun - CNC Summer Campers on Carpenter’s dock on a summer day. BOB & MAvIS vOIGT from Melissa & Gary Porter THe STAff AT cARPeNTeR NATURe ceNTeR from Howard & Janice Lecander Memorials MARk w. BeRG from William & Betty Berg GeORGe BOLDIzSAR & MIcHAeL BOLDIzSAR from Jim & Judy Freund DONNA BUck from Donald Buck AMBeR DUfReSNe from Jeffrey & Jorja Dufresne DeNNIS GeIGeR from Jim & Judy Freund RIcHARD GAUGeR from Gary, Lori, Shannon and Natalie Gauger PHIL GRUIS from Paul & Joyce Boettcher, Audrey & Dave Kern, Tom & Betty Kieffer JO HARTNeTT from Robert & Roma Solberg GeORGe HOeL from Bob Setzer DONNA & LeROY JOHNSON from Tammy Johnson BLAIR MckeeveR from Tricia Emilyn Hilger DON & MUGGS McQUADe from Bruce & Michelle McQuade LOUIS ScHILLING MORGAL & MARY LOReTTA kRAML MORGAL LLOYD PeTRIe from James & Judy Freund PeTe RODewALD from Jim & Dorothy Beix JIM RUeMMeLe from James & Judy Freund GeNe STARz from Elaine Starz Tonolli BILL SwANSON from James & Judy Freund keN TILSeN from Jim & Judy Freund. JeAN JANSSeN from Bob Setzer, Marie Hayek, Dorothy Guck, Arlene Swanson, Mayme and Steve Johnson, Betty Kieffer, Linda Polglase, David & Julie Ann Wirth, The Clubs of South Pines Homeowner’s Association, Rose Mary Eisenmenger, Daryl & Dennis Donath, Aunt Ellen Kala and her son Mark and family, daughters Paula, Ann, and Ellen and their families, Norm & Elaine Pietsch, John & Georgiana Sauer, Sharyn Hesick, and Ellen Osland ANNUAL REPORT Apple Orchard Moths in love or chemical sprays? One is much better for the environment. O ur apple orchard began as a passion of Thomas and Edna Carpenter and came to CNC as part of their founding Estate. In the 1940’s Mr. Carpenter was a St. Paul businessman and promoted apple sales and savings accounts by offering his patrons a free 10 pound bag of apples with a $10 savings deposit. Today the orchard and Apple Shack help us teach our children about more than just apples. Critical issues facing food production such as the loss of the world’s bees, bats and other pollinators are explained. We address the global food chain, where food comes from (not wrapped in plastic wrap) and the importance of clean water and a healthy ecosystem; all future issues our children will face as population, pollution and land use pressures increase. The orchard uses Integrated Pest Management techniques including several biological controls and weekly scouting for pests, to reduce the use of pesticides. The entire CNC campus offers school children and the community relevant and memorable learning opportunities on these critical environmental issues. Guided by professional horticulturist John McPherson, CNC’s college interns tackle issues on a basic level. They gain experience in gardening and sustainable land use projects, pond maintenance and native habitat restoration. Apples grow everywhere in the St. Croix River Valley, and CNC provides upto-date training in sustainable fruit tree care and pruning techniques. We wonder if the Carpenters knew that with their gift, saving for the future and saving the future would one day pollinate and grow in their orchard. CNC’s Apple Varieties by Season Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques minimize the use of chemical sprays by using alternate methods. Late August /Early September SPONSOR AN APPLE TREE! Tree sponsors receive 40 pounds of apples from their tree! Collect your apples at once or in 5 pound bag increments. If you wish all or a portion of your apples can be donated to a food shelf or charity. Pick your tree variety (priced by color). $150 per season $175 per season $200 per season Not available this season For more information please call the Carpenter Nature Center office at (651) 437-4359 Zestar! - Sweet and spicy, very flavorful and juicy. Released by the University of Minnesota in 1999 as an early season apple for cold climates. SweeTango - Described as the U of M’s “best tasting ever,” it is crisp, juicy and sweet with a hint of tartness. Mid September/Late September Chestnut Crab - Large, crisp and juicy with a spicy flavor. Great for fresh eating, cooking or jams. U of M, 1946. Sweet 16 - A good all purpose apple. Crisp and juicy with an unusual sugar cane or spicy cherry candy flavor. McIntosh- Tart, firm, soft when cooked. Great for cider, applesauce and pies. Haralson- A hardy apple that is great for eating, cooking and pies. Tart and crisp. U of M, 1922. Honeycrisp - Explosively crisp, juicy and sweet with a slight tartness. U of M, 1991. Cortland - A heritage apple with very white flesh. Sweet, tart, firm and aromatic. A great salad or dessert apple. October Honey Gold - A Golden Delicious and Haralson cross with a Golden Delicious taste. Great eaten fresh. Stores well. U of M, 1935. Fireside - A fragrant, sweet apple perfect for eating. U of M, 1943. Connell Red - A redder version of Fireside. Sweet flavor, good for eating. Its texture holds up well cooked in pies and sauces. Regent - Crisp and juicy with a flavor similar to a Delicious. Excellent for snacks, salads, baking, cooking. Freezes well. October is Apple Fest! Keepsake - Aptly named for its long storage capability, it’s hard, sweet and aromatic. Good all purpose apple. 13 CARPENTER NATURE CENTER Financials H aving weathered the global recession, the Thomas and Edna Carpenter Foundation remains financially stable and secure, thanks to the commitment of Carpenter’s Board of Directors in reducing expenses and increasing efficiencies. Thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations share that commitment, allowing Carpenter to focus on a future of reasonable growth in providing environmental education for school children and visitors of all ages. Private contributions help keep classes affordable for all K-12 students. Here a class gets a close up look at the nature center’s temporary resident, a mudpuppy. Total Support and Revenue (in thousands) $628 Total Expenses (in thousands) $804 - (includes depreciation of $109) Contributions & Grants Fundraising Events Program Sales & Other Income Management & General Interest/Dividends & In-Kind Services Fundraising 4% 7% 15% 16% 16% 65% Revenue does not include market appreciation gains on the endowment fund. 14 77% Friends of CNC ANNUAL REPORT (continued from page 7) Matching Gifts 3M Foundation Vickie Batroot, James Freund, Pamela Regan, and Lynn Vernon AON James Sorenson Arch Insurance Group Inc. Marie Berger General Mills Foundation Charlotte Gulden and Bob & Jane Jeffrey IBM International Foundation Melissa & Gary Porter Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation Peter Engel The TORO Foundation April & Ken Warwick Travelers Community Connections Andrew Jensen, Susan Betzler, and Therese Wolfgram UBS Foundation Keith Stein U.S. Bancorp Foundation John & Karen Neenan Xcel Energy Matching Program Beth, Bill, and Steven Zaspel In-Kind Donations Generous gifts of goods and services save CNC thousands of dollars each year. This helps focus our limited resources on teaching and conservation. Friends who made financial gifts in addition to their in-kind gifts are listed on pages 6 & 7. Tracy Backer Bob Baldwin Jessica Bierbrauer Rani Bondhus Paul & Lisa Bourget Kay & Joe Caturia JD & Ann Donath Jackie Fallon Bob Garber Steve Gianoli John Gingerich Jack Greenwald David & Vickie Huebner Rob & Heidi Hubbard Tammy Johnson Donna Kramer Kim Farout & Brad Kruse John & Lynnette Mahlke Alan & Jill Maloney Patti Morris Dave & Mary North Vetris Pate Jim Peiffer Don & Connie Slaten Yvonne Szatkowski Jyneen Thatcher Richard & Pam Thorsen Lory Worthing Joanne Yamka Beth, Bill & Steven Zaspel 4-H Klover Klub Abdallah Chocolates Afton House Inn Alfresco Casual Living AMC-Inver Grove Heights Belwin Nature Conservancy Bierstube Biffs, Inc. Bongaards Meats Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre Cannon River Winery Cardinal Corner Caribou Coffee Company of Cottage Grove Casanova Glass Studios Coborns of Hastings Corporate Business Solutions Country Inn & Suites of Cottage Grove Cub Foods of Hastings Culver’s Dairy Queen of Hastings Élan Epitome Fluegels Gertens Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley Green Mill of Hastings Hastings Veterinary Clinic Hastings YMCA Hauck Chiropractic Hennepin Theatre Trust Hilton at Mall of America History Theatre IMAX at the Zoo John Bartl Hardware Joyful Expressions Kare 11 and Sven Sundgaard Knoke’s Chocolates Lake Elmo Inn Restaurant, Catering & Events Center Mall of America Melley Metropolis Resort Midwest Events Millner Family Chiropractic Midwest Peregrine Recovery Project Minnesota Falconer’s Association Minnesota State Fair Minnesota Swarm Minnesota Timberwolves Muddy Waters Bar & Grill Old Home Foods Panera Bread Pangea: International Jewelry Papa T’s Pizza Paramount Auto Park Square Theatre Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Premier Bank Provincial Bank Ptacek’s IGA Real Naturalists Riverfront Athletic Club RiverTown Newspaper Group Run N Fun Roadside Pump & Grocery Schmidt Chiropractic Science Museum of Minnesota Seasons on St. Croix Southview Design Spartan Promotional Group St. Croix Liquor St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake St. Paul Chamber Orchestra St. Paul Saints Sunsets in Woodbury Target of Hastings The Bakeshop & More The Green Bay Packers The Minnesota Twins The Raptor Center at the UMN The Shirt Factory The Tree House Total Construction and Equipment, Inc. Treasure Island Trio Supply U-Line Valley Fair Vino in the Valley Warner Stellian Waste Management Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment Washington County Parks Wright Tree Service A whirlwind of smoke spirals upward from this year’s prairie burn. Periodic burning of the prairie is necessary to its vitality and health. 15 Make Carpenter a part of your life. Keep nature a part of theirs. We would like to thank our fabulous volunteer Jim Nielsen, for his many hours spent creating this annual report.