The Friends of the
Nature Center
Become a member of
the FRIENDS!

MISSION STATEMENT

To enhance and encourage
environmental education, scientific
opportunities, and the enjoyment of
nature at the Jay C. Hormel Nature
Cente
r.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

An opportunity to support and promote
environmental education
.

The “feel good feeling” of knowing you
are helping to preserve the incredible
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for future
generations.

A subscription to the NATURE CENTER
NEWS, a biannual publication of the J.
C. Hormel Nature Center.

An invitation to the Friends Annual
Meeting in January along with special
programming.


MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Associate-$15-$25    
Supporter-$25-$39

Contributor-$40-$64    
Advocate-$65-$99

Steward-$100-$149     
Patron-$150-$249

Founder-$250 and up        Life-$500
and up


Please send membership fee to Greg
Larson, FHNC Treasurer

P.O. BOX 83

Austin, Minnesota, 55912


WHAT’S HAPPENING
WITH FRIENDS!!!
Gary Zimmerman, the Friends President,
delivering the annual report of the Friends
happenings!
       SPRING 2010 Friends News
       How long does it take a tree to grow large enough
to produce shade?  A willow, a maple, an oak, each
takes time and nurturing to reach it’s full usefulness.  
How long will the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center continue
to grow?  As long as it is nurtured and supported it will
grow.  Like all things, certain programs take longer
than others. Yes, the tornado set us back, however the
interpretive center is nearly back together.  Planting
trees and redesigning outside areas are well under
way.  This includes the Welcome Circle, the Jacque
Chipault Trail, and planning for the take-over of the
140 plus acres to the north of the tower area.  
Completing these areas and helping them develop will
take all our nurturing. The Friends have played a
significant role in all the growth and
development, and as mentioned at the annual meeting,
it will continue, not only with the membership, but with
individuals, who step forward to volunteer time and
talents such as weekend workers, website providers,
scholarship donors, interpretive center designers, sand
table builders, shelf makers, door sculptures, painters
and paper hangers.
       This year will be an exciting year.  There will be
spring delivery of the new access vehicle.  Training
classes will be held for volunteers who wish to operate
the vehicle so tours can be given with the new Summer
Senior Special programs.  The Welcome Circle is
planned to be installed during the summer months.   It
will be a nice addition to the entrance and a wonderful
gathering space.  The Tree Room will be completed
shortly, a brand new space for preschoolers and
elementary children to explore various aspects of
nature. Ecoblitz is coming again in June.  The tornado
last year cancelled that event.  It will be a good day for
families to come and explore all that we have to offer.  
We are also helping to sponsor the third annual Re-
Fest in September at Riverland College, Austin
campus.  More details will follow on this in the next
newsletter.  Don’t forget the adventure scholarships
offered by the Friends and various other donors.  
These scholarships provide opportunities for students
to explore nature all summer long.
       We want to thank Jenny Smith and Deb Cook for
their many years of service, talent and volunteer
energy as board members.  We extend a warm
welcome to Ron Walth and Scott Richardson as our
new board members.
       Finally, the Thanksgiving Feast (November 13,
2010) planning starts on April 26 here at the Nature
Center.  All are welcome to participate in the
organization of this successful fundraiser.
       Please come out and see what is happening at
your Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.  Join in the fun and
participate with us.  Thank you!

Gary Zimmerman , President


Due to the 2009 tornado, the tree-preschool room
suffered major losses.  The Friends are paying for the
new tree-preschool room renovations which should be
completed sometime in April.  New books, nature
activities, sand table, felt board, nature rubbings, paw
prints, wall chalk board, bird viewing with binoculars,
puzzles and
more are being added to this new room.
Gary and Marjorie Zimmerman, Duane Champlin and
intern, Ryan Leveque recently painted the new room.  
Bob Weimer designed and built the new sand table.
Thank you all for your volunteer efforts!

See photos
Gary Zimmerman, Jenny Smith, Deb cook
Hagan, Larry Dolphin and Julie Champlin
January 16, 2010
Thank you Bob
Weimer for
making this
wonderful new
sand table!