| 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 Center. 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 |
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WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH FRIENDS!!! |
Gary Zimmerman, the Friends President,
delivering the annual report of the Friends
happenings!
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
Hagan, Larry Dolphin and Julie Champlin
January 16, 2010
| Thank you Bob Weimer for making this wonderful new sand table! |