TO: All News Media
FROM: Grand Traverse Conservation District
1222 Veterans Drive
Traverse City MI 49684
DATE: September 4, 2007

FOR RELEASE: Immediate

PRESS RELEASE

The Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) announced today the beginning of the final phase of a $1.5 million capital campaign for the Boardman River Nature Center on Cass Road at the Sabin Pond Trailhead. This public phase of the Campaign has been launched with the support of Grand Traverse County in the form of a $100,000 challenge grant.

This challenge "underscores the continued commitment of Grand Traverse County to promote environmental education and stewardship within our community. We are truly grateful for the County’s continued support of our work," said Lew Coulter, Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Conservation District. This brings the County’s commitment to the Campaign to over $190,000 in addition to providing a 99 year lease of the land for the Center at the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve.

Coulter stressed the importance of building the Nature Center, citing the increased community need for quality programs that address the stewardship of the environment, while providing outdoor "hands-on" activities for area children. "Recent studies have shown that a new generation of children are spending increasing amounts of time indoors in front of TV or computer screens. We want to provide a fun, family-friendly Nature Center to help grow the next generation of environmental stewards," Coulter said.

The Nature Center is a 7,000 square foot building that will meet the growing demand for natural resources education and information. The Center will provide a focal point for more than 6 miles of nature trails and 600 acres of parkland featuring scenic overlooks, wetland boardwalks, and fishing platforms at the Reserve. Visitors will also benefit from daily access to experienced GTCD staff who will assist parents and teachers in exposing children to the wonders of nature. GTCD staff anticipates serving thousands of children and area residents on an annual basis after construction is finalized.

Joe Elliott, Board Chair of the GTCD, reported that over $850,000 in gifts and commitments have already been received toward construction & early start up costs estimated at $1 million. "We are thrilled to announce the $100,000 challenge grant from Grand Traverse County. This is a wonderful way to kick off the broader community phase of this campaign that will provide area residents with the opportunity to support this wonderful project."

"As a local businessman and concerned citizen, I can think of no better way to address our community’s need for quality nature education than by building a Nature Center that will make learning fun by teaching children outdoors--in nature!" This will be a vital resource for our community" added Elliott. Elliott also expressed his appreciation for early leadership commitments from public and private donors including the Oleson Foundation, Rotary Charities, Grand Traverse County, Garfield Charter Township, The Lagina and Tester Family Foundations, The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Alden & Vada Dow Family Foundations, Thompson Surgical, JML Design, Co. and many more.

The mission of the Grand Traverse Conservation District is to inspire exploration, appreciation and conservation of our natural world. For 65 years GTCD has helped keep our farms productive, our forests healthy, our water clean, and our parklands vibrant. Now, we will take it one step farther and welcome children and families to the future Boardman River Nature Center at the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve. Learn more about the GTCD at www.gtcd.org.