2016 ANNUAL REPORT Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern … · 2017. 5. 11. · These values continue to guide the work of HeartLands Conservancy, and we proudly uphold them. We

I n v e s t i n g I n T h e N a t u r e O f S o u t h w e s t e r n I l l i n o i sC O N S E R V A N C Y

2 0 1 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T

WHAT DO WE VALUE IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS?

Many things make southwestern Illinois an attractive region. Thriving local businesses, a spirit of collaboration, and charming communities often come to mind. At HeartLands Conservancy, we agree, and we enthusiastically expand that list to include our vast natural resources: scenic landscapes of rolling farmland, calm open spaces, pristine woodlands, diverse wetlands, and fantastic parks and trails.

Sustaining and enriching these resources is, therefore, our top priority. Many years ago the leaders and members of our organization worked to defi ne a set of six core values that serve as the framework for this mission. Our values are the heart of what we do and how we do it. In 2016, we ensured that these values guided all aspects of our work:

• Excellence - We exemplifi ed this value in our eff orts to plan for cleaner water and reduced fl ooding in fi ve watersheds. This value was also recognized by the State of Illinois by awarding us a $570,000 grant for implementation of the fi rst plan.

• Innovation - We personifi ed innovation in our new Lots of Love initiative, which transforms vacant lots into native habitat and pollinator gardens.

• Conservation - In 2016, we continued our commitment to conservation by protecting 250 acres of open space, farmland, and natural areas.

• Appreciation of Nature - No program embodies this value more than our Jingle Hike Challenge, which engaged over 100 people to explore natural areas and parks in the metro east this past winter.

• Integrity - Our staff and board continue to operate by an organization-wide code of ethics and adhere to the standards set forth by the Land Trust Alliance. Many on our staff also uphold a professional code of ethics specifi c to their expertise.

• Collaboration - Cooperative interaction with others in this region makes our mission and outcomes stronger. Our work with Scott Air Force Base’s community partnership committee on stormwater management resulted in a grant for watershed planning in Lower Silver Creek. Our partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the US Forest Service resulted in protection of properties near the Shawnee National Forest.

These values continue to guide the work of HeartLands Conservancy, and we proudly uphold them. We value southwestern Illinois and all it has to off er. Working together as one community —our board of directors, staff , partners, members, and donors—we continue to move forward toward a sustainable future for all of us in the region.

Robert J. Hilgenbrink Mary Vandevord

Board Chair President & CEO

O U R M I S S I O N

PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND SOLUTIONS

TO SUSTAIN AND ENRICH THE DIVERSE

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF

SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS.

O U R V I S I O N

COMMUNITIES WITH HEALTHY AND

SUSTAINABLE AIR, LAND, AND WATER

RESOURCES FOR CURRENT AND

FUTURE GENERATIONS.

O U R F U T U R E

GROW WITH OUR PARTNERS,

BUILD UPON SUCCESSES, AND

CONTINUE TO INVEST IN NATURE

BECAUSE THE PAYOFF IS WORTH IT.


2 W W W . H E A R T L A N D S C O N S E R V A N C Y . O R G

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M A N A G I N G T E A M

Michael AndreasAgricultural Waste Technician

Tim AsheAssociate Planner

Janet Buchanan, LEED Green AssociateProject Manager

Laura L. LyonSpecial Projects Coordinator

Kim O’BryanDirector of Development & Events

Trisha RobersonAccountant

Mary Vandevord, AICP, LEED AP NDPresident & CEO

Sarah VogtProject Manager

Ed WeilbacherVice President -Building Greener Communities

Steve WidowskiSpecial Projects Coordinator

2 0 1 6 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Robert J. Hilgenbrink, ChairIllinois Green Economy Network

E. William Reichert, Vice-ChairEWR Architects

Robert Nelson, SecretaryNelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law

William Armstrong, TreasurerRetired, International Banking

William BoardmanFirehouse Contracting

Brenda ChandlerBuy-A-Farm Land & Auction Co

Ron FosterWalton, Telken & Foster

Dawnesha JohnsonIllinois American Water

Robert KnobelochSTL Prompters

Nancy LarsonHarter, Larson & Dodd

Ronda LatinaEnvironmental Operations

Charles MeierFarmer, State Representative

Stephen ParrishFarmers and Merchants Bank

Cliff SchuetteSchuette Seed Company

Photo: Special Thanks to Jack Rainey 3

H E A R T L A N D S C O N S E R V A N C Y

C O R E V A L U E S

EXCELLENCE

INNOVATION

CONSERVATION

APPRECIATION OF NATURE

INTEGRITY

COLLABORATION

I n v e s t i n g I n T h e N a t u r e O f S o u t h w e s t e r n I l l i n o i sC O N S E R V A N C Y H I G H L I G H T S O F 2 0 1 6

During 2016, HeartLands Conservancy permanently preserved 7 properties – totaling 250 acres. To date, HeartLands Conservancy has protected and assisted in protection of 8,760 acres in southern Illinois.

Other highlights of 2016:

• Since 1989, we have protected land in 11 counties in southwestern Illinois. In July 2016, we protected our fi rst property in Alexander County.

• As of 2016, we have completed more than 232 projects in more than 15 Illinois Counties, the State of Illinois, and in other states, such as Missouri. In 2016 alone, we worked on over 20 conservation and sustainable community planning projects.

• Our land stewardship staff and volunteers monitor our conservation easements and preserves every year. This team makes 35 visits per year, an annual average of 140 hours, to make sure protected land remains in its natural condition.

• In 2016, we launched our fi rst project in our Lots of Love Initiative – a vacant lot rehabilitation project. The lot in the Signal Hill neighborhood will become an outdoor pollinator classroom in 2017.

• As a part of restoration of a property purchased in Alexander County this year, we began the process of planting 26,200 native trees – such as Cypress, Pin Oak, Overcup Oak, Pecan, and Water Hickory—to restore the forest.

• In 2016, we continued our work on fi ve watersheds in the region – four are in the planning stages and one is in the implementation stage. These eff orts seek to improve water quality and reduce erosion and fl ooding.

• More than 100 people participated in our Jingle Hike Challenge – a wintertime eff ort to get people outdoors and exploring southwestern Illinois parks and natural areas. The 12 locations were visited 425 times and more than 4,000 people viewed the posts on our social media accounts.

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5 55

Conserving Land

Protecting our land resources: our rich farmland, distinctive natural areas and properties of vital im-portance and benefi t to current and future gener-ations, is essential to the quality of life in our region.

Building Greener Communities

Environmentally healthy communities are highly desirable from an economic, growth and well-being standpoint. We provide leadership in community planning and in the implementation of initiatives that improve the overall environmental health.

Engaging Individuals & Communities

Fostering continued appreciation and care for our region’s natural resources and engaging individuals and communities in our endeavors is paramount in our ability to successfully achieve our vision.

W I T H Y O U R S U P P O R T , H E A R T L A N D S C O N S E R V A N C Y H A S C O M P L E T E D I N 2 0 1 6

• 1000 HLC volunteer hours tracked

• Completed outreach interviews, events, regional participation in sustainability, special expertise presentations, and formed new collaborative partnerships.

• Encouraged and grew stewardship.

• Analyzed 6,749 parcels in Madison County.Identifi ed 653 vacant lots.

• Planned 378,000 linear feet of bicycle and pedestrian routes.

• Planning 485,396 acres total are in our 5 watershed areas, including 168 miles of streams listed on the Illinois EPA 303(d) List for 2016 and 2,537 acres impaired water-bodies.

• Initiated and began Lots of Love partnerships.

Studied, planned, and completed a Green Infrastructure Framework for Southern Illinois: Metro-East

• Protect and connect 22,243 acres of public land

• Conserve 198,637 acres of prime farmland

• Conserve 87,913 acres of forest • Convert 107,940 acres to forest• Conserve and expand 143,963 acres

of core areas• Buff er/link 283 acres/miles of trails• Develop 129 miles of planned trails• Buff er 3,246 miles of treams• Protect 387,040 acres of core wet-

land and connectors• Continue to elevate 2,100 acres of

Cahokia Mounds and expand State Historic Site to formal NPS unit

• Repair and restore 3,409 acres of impaired lakes

• Repair and protect 261 miles of impaired streams

• Create 84,121 acres of additional riparian zones

Increased Conserved Land Total to 8,760 acres:

• 2,092 acres in Conservation Easements Protection

• 906 acres in Ownership

• 5,762 acres Assisted /Transferred to Public Entities

Planned Planting of 26,000 trees • 31% Pin Oak• 14% Overcup Oak• 14% Swamp White Oak• 8% Cypress• 8% Water Hickory• 5% Shellbark Hickory• 5% Pecan• 5% Cherrybark Oak• 5% Willow Oak• 5% Swamp Chestnut Oak

5

P R O T E C T I N G T H E S W A M P & C O N N E C T I N G T H E F O R E S T

The Illinois Ozarks (southern Randolph County to Alexander County) is one of the richest, most biologically diverse areas of the state. Situated along the Mississippi River, many species found here are rare and limited to this area. Originally, much of this land was forested, and a considerable amount of forest remains. In many locations, swamps have remained as vital fi lters of runoff and habitat for wildlife, such as otters and waterfowl. However, some swamps have been converted to farmland, and, as a result, they frequently fl ood and the wildlife habitat becomes fragmented – reducing migration and diversity in the forest.

In 2015, HeartLands Conservancy, in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and the US Forest Service, began an eff ort to accelerate the protection of aquatic habitat along the Mississippi River near the Shawnee National Forest. In July 2016, we successfully acquired the fi rst property, which was owned by Charles and Brenda Webb.

The 149-acre site contains a farmed fi eld and an old oxbow of the historical Sexton Creek. The property fl oods during Mississippi River levels are high and retains water throughout the year in low areas and swales. During wet weather, it becomes saturated. The oxbow is primarily a bald cypress swamp that retains water year round and contains centuries-old bald cypress trees.

Cypress swamps play a vital role in wetland ecology. Acting like a giant sponge, these wetlands absorb water and trap sediment. The cypress trees’ extended, raised root systems help this process by slowing and spreading fl oodwaters as they fl ow through a swamp, allowing the water to soak into the soil. The buttressed trunks and knees provide habitat for eagles and ospreys to nest in the crowns. The seeds are a good source for squirrels, wild turkeys, and wood ducks. (Source: National Forest Foundation)

Avian residents of this swamp include black-crowned and yellow-crowned night herons, little blue heron, American bittern, bald eagles, Mississippi kites, and snowy egrets. In fact, a pair of bald eagles has nested here annually since the mid-1980s. Reptile and amphibian residents include bird-voiced and green tree frogs, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasins, and Mississippi green water snakes. Otters, beavers, muskrats, and rice rats, as well as Indiana, northern long-eared, little brown, southeastern, and tri-colored bats call this area home.

In late 2016, we began the reforestation process of the farm fi eld. With assistance from Ducks Unlimited and the Arbor Day Foundation, we are in the process of planting 26,000 trees on the 65-acre property. This reforestation process should be completed in 2017.


C O N S E R V A T I O N

We are committed to the

conservation and stewardship

of the region’s natural resources,

so that positive environmental and

economic impacts can be realized

within the region.

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considered important for botanical, ecological, geological or zoological reasons.

The protection of this property was generously The protection of this property was generously funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Grand Victoria Foundation.Foundation and the Grand Victoria Foundation.

“The Foundation is pleased to assist HeartLands “The Foundation is pleased to assist HeartLands and its partners in purchasing lands that will and its partners in purchasing lands that will ultimately expand one of Illinois’ most treasured ultimately expand one of Illinois’ most treasured natural areas—the Shawnee National Forest—and natural areas—the Shawnee National Forest—and in protecting and restoring native habitat along the in protecting and restoring native habitat along the Mississippi River,” said Dennis O’Brien, Executive Mississippi River,” said Dennis O’Brien, Executive Director of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Director of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.Foundation.

7

C O M M U N I T Y C O L L A B O R A T I O N L E A D S

T O W A T E R S H E D P R O G R E S S

Several years ago, Scott Air Force Base launched a Community Partnership Program which provides a framework for the Base and community leaders to develop creative ways to leverage their capabilities and resources and focus on achieving reduced costs by fi nding shared value. The program brings together representatives from many municipalities including St. Clair County, City of O’Fallon, City of Belleville, Village of Shiloh, City of Lebanon, Madison County, and City of Mascoutah, as well as, regional organizations, such as the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, and HeartLands Conservancy, to name a few. This collaborative eff ort identifi ed several key priorities that foster the regional relationship with the base, which has a $4 Billion annual economic impact. One of these priorities is stormwater management.

In 2013, a 15-year storm event caused several million dollars in damages to the western side of Scott AFB. Recognizing that drainage problems can only be solved in a regional manner, a Stormwater Partnership committee formed in 2014, consisting of representatives of Scott AFB, municipalities, counties, US Army Corps of Engineers, Mid-America Airport, and HeartLands Conservancy. The group quickly began working on how to solve drainage issues in the Lower Silver Creek Watershed – the area in St. Clair County (including Scott Air Force Base) that drains into Silver Creek.

The committee identifi ed several drainage issues existing on-base and is in the process of investigating off -base drainage concerns, such as log-jams, blocked culverts, and the rapid increase in impervious (i.e. asphalt, concrete) surfaces. These collaborative eff orts led in 2016 to an Illinois EPA grant for watershed planning to address water quality and erosion issues. The group is currently seeking funding for the fl ooding component to the study.

The planning process will continue into 2018 and will then move into an implementation and action phase where drainage projects and stormwater best management practices can be installed to address the issues identifi ed in the plan.

The tremendous progress would not have been possible without the extraordinary collaboration created by the Air Force’s Community Partnership Program and eff orts of the local organizations and governments.


C O L L A B O R A T I O N

We enthusiastically collaborate with

others who share our vision. We

listen, respect, and share resources.

We believe that collaborative and

cooperative interaction builds

ownership and commitment

producing meaningful outcomes.

Eve

ry drop co

unts! Helping others to

Eve

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unts! Helping others to #INVESTinNATURE


9

In 2016, we continued our work on fi ve watersheds In 2016, we continued our work on fi ve watersheds in the region – in the region – a total of 485,396 acres a total of 485,396 acres – four are in – four are in the planning stages and one is in the implementation the planning stages and one is in the implementation stage. These eff orts seek to improve water quality stage. These eff orts seek to improve water quality and reduce erosion and fl ooding. and reduce erosion and fl ooding.

Approximately 40 projects will be implemented Approximately 40 projects will be implemented through the Cost Share Program made possible through the Cost Share Program made possible by our IEPA 319 grant, in addition to educational by our IEPA 319 grant, in addition to educational activities and water quality monitoring. activities and water quality monitoring.

We are aiming for 5 acres grassed waterways, 10 We are aiming for 5 acres grassed waterways, 10 ponds, 1,500 feet of stream channel stabilization, ponds, 1,500 feet of stream channel stabilization, 1,500 feet of streambank stabilization, 9,000 feet 1,500 feet of streambank stabilization, 9,000 feet of terraces, 1 agricultural waste storage project, and of terraces, 1 agricultural waste storage project, and 3,000 feet of Water and Sediment Control Basins’3,000 feet of Water and Sediment Control Basins’

Eve

ry drop co

unts! Helping others to #INVESTinNATURE#INVESTinNATURE

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B R A V I N G T H E W I N T E R T O V I S I T P A R K S

& T R E E S I N S O U T H W E S T E R N I L L I N O I S

Southwestern Illinois boasts an incredible variety of parks and public preserves—over 410,000 acres. Communities, townships, nonprofi ts, counties, and groups of residents have worked tirelessly over the years to protect and create these memorable places. These are the places that make our region special and a great place to live and do business. Some are traditional parks with playgrounds, walking paths, and ball fi elds; others are forests with a dirt path or a lake; and yet others are even more unique—a wetland with a fl oating boardwalk, for instance!

So, in 2016, HeartLands Conservancy launched the Jingle Hike Challenge, which celebrates these natural areas and the trees within them. We challenged our members and lovers of the outdoors to visit 12 parks between black Friday in November and January 2. We sent people to fi nd bells that we tied to trees in Godfrey La Vista Park, Highland Silver Lake Park, Arlington Wetlands (Pontoon Beach), O’Fallon Hesse Park, Carlyle Lake, Swansea Centennial Park, Columbia City Park, White Rock Nature Preserve (Valmeyer), Nashville Memorial Park, Greenville Patriot’s Park, Kaskaskia River Lock & Dam, and the Bethalto Arboretum.

Participants were entered to win a prize from our partners at the Alpine Shop and Toolen’s Running Start. If they visited at least six of the parks, they were entered to win the grand prize – a bicycle. Thanks to our partner at Davey Resource Group, the fi rst Jingle Hiker to correctly name the tree in each park was awarded a bonus entry.

One hundred and fi ve people participated in the challenge, visiting the parks more than 425 times. Lisa and Costel Zamfi r visited all 12 of the parks during the Challenge and had this to say, “we thank Heartlands Conservancy for putting this together! We had so much fun and developed an even greater appreciation of the area around us. There is a tendency to burrow inside during the winter months, and it was fun to see other people out and about, and to encourage them and to be given encouragement. We loved the challenge and we plan to do it again in 2017!!!”

What wowed them the most? “Arlington Wetlands was the one that I think wowed us the most. Part of it was the reality that we had to move quick to fi nd it as the sun was about to set. How beautiful that was! And the park is so unique. Highland Silver Lake was really, really cool, too, though, for its magnifi cent lake and trail. But the “creepiness” of the lock and dam path was fascinating, and it is hard to compare the attraction of a lake with mighty rivers. So, if I had to choose just one to recommend someone visit, it would be the Lock & Dam.”


A P P R E C I A T I O N

O F N A T U R E

We respect and appreciate the

ecological, economic, and cultural

values nature provides for our

Southwestern Illinois communities,

and actively engage others in our

programs and events in an eff ort to

extend our passion.

#jinglehike challenge


1 1

Y LOCUST Godfrey’s LaVista Park = HACKBERRY | Nashville’s Memorial Park = RIVER BIRCH | Greenville’s Patriot’s Park = BALD CYPRESS | White Rock Nature Preserve = PAW PAW | Arlington Wetlands = PERSIMM

ION

Bethalto Arboretum = DAWN REDWOOD | Carlyle Lake Dam West = PIN OAK | Columbia’s Bolm-Shuhkraft Park = SWEETGUM | Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam = COTTONWOOD | Swansea’s Centennial Park = SILVER MAPLE

answers by park and SPECIES OF TREE

Advice from the Zamir’s for taking the Advice from the Zamir’s for taking the

#jinglehike challenge #jinglehike challenge in 2017:in 2017:

“Do them all! Set aside at least two full days for “Do them all! Set aside at least two full days for the adventure, determining routes that make most the adventure, determining routes that make most sense. Take snacks and water. Also, dress in layers sense. Take snacks and water. Also, dress in layers and carry a little backpack to carry what you might and carry a little backpack to carry what you might need to shed on the hikes - gloves, hats, etc - because need to shed on the hikes - gloves, hats, etc - because you might want to put them back on before the day you might want to put them back on before the day is done! Invite others to join you, because those is done! Invite others to join you, because those memories will be treasured.” memories will be treasured.”

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C O M I N G H O M E F O R C O N S E R V A T I O N

HeartLands Conservancy’s new CEO, Mary Vandevord, is no stranger to the nature of southwestern Illinois. “I grew up in a creek,” said Vandevord. “In the summer when many kids were playing Nintendo or swimming at the community pool, you could fi nd me in Indian Creek digging up pebbles, running my hands over mossy trees, looking for chipmunks and red-tailed hawks, and getting as muddy as possible.”

Vandevord grew up in rural Madison County, near Dorsey, surrounded by farm fi elds, woods, and her dad’s expansive vegetable garden. “I knew how to plant a row of green beans by age 3 and could identify a Sassafras tree by age 8.” Vandevord attributes her strong love of conservation to her early introduction to the natural world.

Watching new subdivisions sprawl over farmland and toward her family home is what drew Vandevord to the profession of Urban Planning. She received a Masters Degree in Regional and City Planning from the University of Oklahoma. After college, she went on to work as a small town’s planning director in Oklahoma and then as a Senior Planner for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona. There her eff orts focused on engaging the public in creative ways, creating plans and policies for the growing desert community, and integrating sustainability principles into the city’s growth strategy.

Appropriate then, that Mary joined HeartLands Conservancy in 2014 as a Community & Environmental Planner. In this role, she could take members of HeartLands Conservancy out on hikes to see the natural wonders of the region, all while working on community planning issues, improving the quality of life and conserving the nature of southwestern Illinois — her home.

“My family and I came back to this region for many reasons, but the connection to the land is what really drew me back. We have tremendous natural and cultural resources here – the rivers, bluff s, woods, wildfl owers, agriculture, Cahokia Mounds – these resources, and the people who care for them, are what inspire me daily.”

This past October, Vandevord was promoted to CEO of HeartLands Conservancy. “My vision is to continue building on our organization’s three pillars—Conserving Land, Building Greener Communities, and Engaging People with Nature—especially that last pillar. Now that my daughter is in kindergarten, I see the very critical need to inspire the next generation of conservationists. They are who we are doing this work for today.”

Vandevord lives in Edwardsville with her husband Rob and daughter Ivy.


E X C E L L E N C E

We strive for excellence and

accountability in the delivery of our

programs, products and services.

We focus on an organization-wide

sense of striving rather than settling,

and of enjoying the journey.


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“Mary was always leading hikes out into our woods “Mary was always leading hikes out into our woods – taking her cousins, friends, and anyone she could – taking her cousins, friends, and anyone she could convince, to trek out into the creek and prairie.” convince, to trek out into the creek and prairie.”

-Lynne Troyan, Mary’s mother -Lynne Troyan, Mary’s mother

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G R O W I N G A N I D E A I N T O A C O M M U N I T Y A S S E T – T H E S T O R Y O F T H E ‘ L O T S O F L O V E ’ P R O J E C T

An idea is a lot like a plant: it begins as a seed, buried in the mind of its creator. If the creator feeds the idea, it begins to grow and sprout leaves. As others see the idea, and if they care about it and feed it too, it grows bigger and might even bloom. The next year it may even spread and multiple ideas may sprout.HeartLands Conservancy’s Lots of Love initiative started much like this.

In 2015, Madison County Planning & Development in partnership with the cities of Alton and Granite City, asked HeartLands to analyze several neighborhoods. The intent of the analysis was to assist the county and communities with exploring and encouraging ideas for stabilizing the neighborhoods.

HeartLands examined each neighborhood parcel by parcel. “One thing we noticed was the vast amount of vacant lots in some neighborhoods,” said Mary Vandevord, CEO for HeartLands Conservancy. “One or two vacant lots is not typically an issue, but when over half of the neighborhood is vacant, that causes some morale and perception issues for a neighborhood.” Many of the lots are owned by out-of-state speculators, and when they don’t pay their taxes, they eventually become the responsibility of the City or County. Governments end up paying for maintenance, mowing, and trash removal on these lots.

Aside from the social and economic issues vacant lots may cause, there is also an environmental issue. Most vacant lots in the areas studied were covered in invasive plant species, like bush honeysuckle and reed canary grass. Trees were rare sightings.

HeartLands researched some solutions to these issues and found many cities converting vacant lots into community gardens. While many cities have been successful at starting community gardens, many of them fail. This sparked an idea. What if – for those places where community gardens won’t work – vacant lots could be converted to native plant habitat, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens?

The seed was planted and the Lots of Love initiative sprouted.

HeartLands began discussing the idea with several communities and organizations in the region. The Clif Bar Family Foundation supported the idea with a grant and attendees at Field to Fork donated over $5,000, which kept the idea growing.

Lots of Love fi rmly took root in 2016 with a partnership with the City of Belleville. The City owns an undevelopable lot in the middle of the Signal Hill neighborhood. Working with the neighborhood association, residents, and nearby schools, HeartLands Conservancy is creating an Outdoor Pollinator Classroom. Work on this eff ort is taking place in 2017.

Know vacant lots that need love? Contact [email protected].


I N N O V A T I O N

We research and apply innovative

technologies and practices in our

conservation and planning eff orts. We

welcome change, and as such have

learned to scan, adapt and evolve

repeatedly and rapidly, in order

to stay one step ahead of outside

infl uences.


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This initiative will help stabilize and improve the This initiative will help stabilize and improve the appearance of and quality of life in the Metro Eastappearance of and quality of life in the Metro East

by transforming vacant lots into native habitat, by transforming vacant lots into native habitat, pollinator rain gardens, and meadows, and provide pollinator rain gardens, and meadows, and provide places to socialize, grow, and play.places to socialize, grow, and play.

Photo: Special Thanks to Jack Rainey 1 5

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ASSETS 2016 2015

Cash and cash equivalents 718,770 423,242

Accounts Receivable 102,413 62,563

Prepaid Expenses 61 161

Investments 259,337 221,734

Certifi cates of Deposit - restricted 1,474,242 660,151

Land 2,702,898 2,022,487

Net Fixed Assets 809 2,209

TOTAL ASSETS 5,258,570 3,392,547

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable 16,050 18,739

Accrued Compensated Absences 5,599 10,965

Deferred Revenue 846,661 736,415

Escrow Payments 1,114,000 0

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,982,310 766,119

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted 2,702,898 2,022,487

Temporarily Restricted 648,506 633,785

TOTAL NET ASSETS 3,276,260 2,626,428

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 5,258,570 3,392,547

F I N A N C I A L S : F I S C A L Y E A R E N D S D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 6

Our fi nancial statements for fi scal year 2016 were independently audited by Scheff el Boyle and in their opinion, present fairly HeartLands Conservancy’s fi nancial position.


I N T E G R I T Y

We honor and uphold the trust placed

in us by others and remain open,

ethical and forthright in our activities;

all of which are strictly voluntary. Our

actions are based upon a well-thought

out framework of principles.

REVENUE FY2016

Grant Revenue & Service Agreements 976,060

Donations & Event Revenue 187,646

Other Revenue 60,378

TOTAL REVENUE 1,244,084

EXPENSES

Program 292,675

Management and General 204,522

Fundraising 77,055

TOTAL EXPENSES 574,252

Revenue Over (Under) Expenses 669,832

NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,992,643

NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR 2,627,754

S T A T E M E N T O F F I N A N C I A L A C T I V I T I E S


Field to Fork isHeartLands Conservancy’s

annual celebration of conservation and sustainability through delicious. farm-to-table courses that are de-

signed and prepared by regional chefs. This fundraiser brings the region to-gether to showcase the region and

helps us to protect our resources.


1 7 1 71 777771 7711 7777771 7711 77777777


atoes


atoes sold out

3 weeks in advance

the last 3 years

over 25 farms

have particpated in

over 7years

over 14 local chefs

representing

over 12restaurants

representing our regionhave particpated

607+ pounds

of ingredients for 2016

2009 was

the 1st year & 2017 will be the

8thyear

1 7

T H A N K S T O O U R D O N O R S

Sustaining and enriching the diverse environmental resources of Southwestern Illinois is critical to the quality of life of our region. Your support helps us do that. Thank you!Up to $49AnonymousLee BarlowDebbie BurdgeMegan ConnellyD & M CattleMarshall DyerPaul EllisDavid C. EustisAntonia GoelzCindy HartmanLaura HenryBarbara HermannMary JuanGary & Ann KarasekTom KinsellaChris KrusaMonroe County Farm BureauJohn MuellerChris NelsonRon O’ConnorBradley ReichmannMatt RiceKen SharkeyHanamori SkoblowFrancesca StocktonWilliam ThurstonSteven TomaszewskiVillage of New AthensVirginia Woulfe-BeileVictoria York Matt & Beth YoungCindy Zipfel

$50 -99Rob & Rosie BetzRalph BuettnerBrenda ChandlerKay ConnollyMandy FowlerKatharine GricevichBonnie GrohmannKevin HallSusan HertichCindy HiggerstonBrenda JansenJudith JoyMarty KemperDebra KlueterTed KrauskopfJohn LakerJoann LameJoe LangenhorstMary LaurentJohn & Robin LedfordCarol LiebGinger McCallKatie Mondy HughesRandall NeumannGlen & Linda SchuetzLarry ScottNed SiegelDave VarelMatthew WarrenLeo & Kay WelchAnne WelschSteve Widowski

$100 - $249Carole AngleMark BadaschMary BiernotFrederick BlumeCity of BellevilleCity of ColumbiaCity of EdwardsvilleCity of Granite CityCity of GreenvilleCity of LebanonCity of O’Fallon

City of WaterlooLaura CohenCollinsville Area Recreation DistrictGreg ColomboJoann CondelloneTod & Megan CookDiane DrakeBarb DuceyRichard EssnerTim FaltusMelvin FeigRon & Jamie FosterMichael FrickeGrace GarinMary GrosMark & Jen HarterLori HuntleyIndiana UniversityDawn JohnsonRobert & Trudy KnobelochAnne KolesonDon & Pamela LaidleyMadison County Farm BureauBarb McCracken Charlie MeierSteve MudgeNathan PayneBrian PelletierLiz & Yohm PetersonWayne & Jennifer PolitschEllen ReichertRick & Lynne RoseRoger RossRene & George SackettJohn & Denise SchabergZane & Connie SchneiderDavid & Elizabeth SchraderBob & Donna SchraderRobert & Stephanie SchultzRobert Seiff ertJeff rey SkoblowMichael & Jennifer TurleyMary VandevordVillage of DupoVillage of FayettevilleVillage of New Baden

Village of ShilohVillage of SmithtonSheila VossAnn WarnerWaterloo Park DistrictSharon & Burton WiceJulie Zimmermann

$250 -$499John & Donna AckermannAmerica’s Central PortAnonymousJared & Sara CaseCivil Design, Inc.Bill & Jeanne DahlmannDavey Resource GroupFarm Credit IllinoisGateway FS, Inc.Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.Ted HarveyIllinois American WaterMike & Jenny KrimJoseph & Roberta LaSalvia FamilyRaymond & Linda MaciejewskiLisa McQuade & Paul GnaedingerReed & Katie NelsonJoel & Terri PesapaneRandolph County Soil & Water Conserva-tion DistrictChristine ReedScott Credit UnionJustin SiegelAndy & Sann SipkaNancy Suelfl owThe Maschhoff s LLCBrian & Jaynie Wells

$500 - $999Tom Hewlett & Mandy KarolyAlpine ShopBill ArmstrongSusan & Kerry BrethauerCity of MascoutahClinton County Farm BureauClinton County Soil & Water Conservation District



1 9

Donna DoughertyGeotechnology, Inc.Gori, Julian & Associates, P.C.Cody & Michelle HawkinsJulie HebererJ. F. Electric Inc.Jackie JohnsenRonda Latina & Don DahlmannLaura L. Lyon & Timothy BusseNelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law, P.C.E. William & Catherine ReichertCliff & Christy SchuetteThomas SommerfeldSt. Louis CompostingSuncoke Energy-GCOMichael & Marcia ThomsponDavid & Lisa TiedemannRachel Tompkins, Ph.D.Village of Glen CarbonVillage of Shiloh

$1,000 - $2,499Nancy Larson & Bill O’Hara Ameren IllinoisWilliam & Christine Boardman EWR Architects, Inc.Marilyn FaheyRobert & Donna HilgenbrinkDennis KirkhamRobert & Katie NelsonMary & Ralph PrevoTerminal Railroad Association of St. LouisThe Material Works, Ltd.John & Lynne Troyan

$2,500 - $4,999Clif Bar Family FoundationKaskaskia Regional Port DistrictMitigation Investment HoldingsPhillips 66 Wood River Refi neryTrailnetUS Forest ServiceEd & Kathi Weilbacher

$5,000 - $9,999Chicago Community FoundationNorthern Trust Charitable Giving ProgramPrairie State Generating Company, LLC

$10,000 - $24,999Leonard C. GoodmanSCI Engineering, IncVillage of GodfreyWilliam A Kerr Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999Saint Clair County

$50,000 - $99,999Madison CountyWetlands Forever

$100,000+Grand Victoria FoundationIllinois Clean Energy Community Foundation

In-KindAbe’s Gourmet Popcorn & the Lincoln TheatreAlpine ShopAndria’s Brush-On Steak SauceBean Tree CaféBeatnik’s Beauty BrandsBel-Air Bowl/St. Clair BowlBella Milano EdwardsvilleBin 51Bobby’s Frozen CustardBraeutigam OrchardsCasino QueenJosh Charles, ElementChef’s ShoppeCleary’s Boots & ShoesClimb So ILLCompanionCooley FarmsCountry Estate Kennel, Inc.Crain Tree FarmDean Pruitt

Deli Star CorporationDierbergsDill’s Floral HavenDintelmann’s Nursery & GardenEcho FarmEckert’sEdison’s Entertainment ComplexEffi nger’s Garden CenterElmwood Golf ClubEnvironmental Operations, Inc.Excel Bottling CompanyTim Faltus, Bellecourt ManorFezziwig’sFour Muddy PawsFresh Thyme Farmers MarketJosh Galliano, Companion BakeryGary Karasek, artistGateway GrizzliesGFS Gordon Food ServiceGoshen Coff ee CompanyGoulding’s JewelersGrappa GrowlersGrimm & GorlyRobb & Pamm HassEd Heath, Cleveland-HeathHis Excellency Family Hair CareHoliday World & Splashin’ SafariHome DepotHome-Brite Ace HardwareJeff rey’s Flowers by DesignJody White State FarmJV’s Downtown Bar & GrillKaskaskia Port DistrictKathi WeilbacherKeller FarmsLaSalvia Family Lehr’s Vegetable FarmLocal Lucy’sLynne TroyanMarcoot Jersey CreameryJesse Mendica, Olive + OakMeyer Jewelery StudioMississippi Mud PotteryMissouri Athletic ClubAbby O’BryanMike O’Bryan

Orange LeafPapa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake PizzaPeel Wood Fired PizzaPhilomena & RuthPicky BeePottery HollowQdobaReal DealsDuane RipperdaMike RobertsJames Rogalsky & Lauren Pattan & Murray, Old Bakery Beer CompanyRolling Lawns FarmBen Rudis, PastariaSam’s ClubDavid Sandusky, Beast Craft BBQ Co.Scharf FarmSchlafl y BeerScratch BrewerySeed Savers ExchangeSenator Rickert Residence Bed & BreakfastSeven Restaurant & LoungeShady CreekShenanigan’s Restaurant & BarShichi Sushi BarShiloh Valley EquipmentSilver Creek Saloon & GrillSix Flags St. LouisSt. Louis CardinalsStuckmeyer’s Plants & ProduceStumpy’s SpiritsTavern on MainThe EdgeThe Normal BrandThe Orchards Golf CourseThe PageantThe Pasta House Company- EdwardsvilleThe Trophy MulesToolen’s Running StartUrban Chestnut Brewing CompanyWang GangWeekends Only Furniture OutletWegman Electric CompanyWenneman Meat Co.What to Wear

Photo: Special Thanks to Jack Rainey 1 9


406 EAST MAIN STREET | MASCOUTAH, ILLINOIS 62258

SAVE THE DATETOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART(LANDS) MONDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

MEMBERS OF HEARTLANDS CONSERVANCY AND THEIR GUESTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE. THE ECLIPSE WILL TRAVEL DIRECTLY OVER OUR MILL CREEK NATURAL AREA (PROTECTED IN 2014) NEAR AVA, IL. WE WILL HAVE GUIDED HIKES OF THE CANYON, A PICNIC, AND SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES!

TO REGISTER, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR NAME AND NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING.

WWW.HEARTLANDSCONSERVANCY.ORG

P: (618) 566-4451 F: (618) [email protected] FACEBOOK.COM/HEARTLANDSCONSERVANCY

@HLCSWIL #INVESTINNATURE

@HEARTLANDSCONSERVANCY

Documents

2016 ANNUAL REPORT Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern … · 2017. 5. 11. · These values continue to guide the work of HeartLands Conservancy, and we proudly uphold them. We