“Investing In The Nature Of Southwestern Illinois”
Commonfields www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Robert J. Hilgenbrink, Chair IL Green Economy Network Frank O. Miles, Vice Chair America’s Central Port Lester Harnetiaux, Secretary Bond County Realtors Darrell Brink, Treasurer Brink Brothers Grain & Trucking William Boardman Firehouse Contracting, LLC Craig Bressan Prairie State Generating Company Jane Eckert Eckert AgriMarketing Terry Lammers Regions Charles Meier IL State Representative Ron O’Connor O’Connor & Partners Cliff Schuette Schuette Seed Company Robert Weck Southwestern Illinois College
What’s Inside 2013 Annual Awards
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Methane to Energy
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Earth Day at Mill Creek 6 Field to Fork 2013
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1% for the Planet 7 Where We Invest 7 2012 Donor Report
Spring 2013
Earth Day
Directors
Strategic Priorities
A Quarterly Publication of HeartLands Conservancy
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Dave Eustis, President, CEO
As Earth Day 2013 approaches (Monday, April 22), I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their individual impact on the air, land and water resources right here in Southwestern Illinois. Are we doing everything we can as individuals, as communities and as a region to pass along a strong environmental legacy to our children and grandchildren? Earth Day began in 1970 as a way to teach and encourage out-of-the-box thinking on ways in which we can better care for our environment and prevent further destruction of our precious natural resources. Although there has been tremendous progress in only 43 years, our earth’s resources are being challenged at an ever-alarming rate due to increases in global population, changes in climate patterns and many other factors. The need for “out-of-the-box” thinking in regards to our natural resources never has been greater. Southwestern Illinois has a wealth of natural resources, which, if cared for, will remain strong assets for many future generations. Our rivers, the Kaskaskia and Mississippi, offer an abundant supply of water for public drinking water services, navigation, recreation, fish & wildlife and industrial uses. Our land resources include over 1,000,000 acres of prime farmland - some of the most productive soils in the world. The largest contiguous forest block in the State of Illinois lies along the Kaskaskia River in Southwestern Illinois, and the densest karst topography in the US is also located here. While our natural resources are abundant, all is not well. Several of our counties, including Madison, Monroe, St. Clair and portions of Randolph, are not attaining air quality standards. Over 800 miles of our region’s rivers and streams are listed as polluted beyond acceptable levels, and 90% of our wetland resources have been permanently lost. As development inches eastward, prime farmland is shrinking, forest resources are threatened by growing fragmentation and an explosion of invasive species, and our base of high-quality natural areas will disappear if left unattended.
On Earth Day 2013, please take the opportunity to reflect on your commitment to live more sustainably over the next year. Whether acting individually, as a family, or by engaging in community greening events, your actions over the following 364 days can, and will, make a difference. Invest in the Nature of Southwestern Illinois!
Commonfields Spring 2013 Welcome New Members Mary Biernot Dale and Carol Brockmann City of Fairview Heights City of Granite City City of Greenville City of Mascoutah City of O’Fallon City of Shiloh City of Waterloo Collinsville Area Recreation District Drake Construction, LLC Robert Helfers Mr. Ted Krauskopf Mary Angela and Kenneth Nettleton Ms. Barb Polahar Randolph County Mr. Wes Rife Mr. Matthew Warren Waterloo Park District White Oak Society City of Collinsville Denny and Jo Kirkham
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Congratulations to our 2013 Award Winners Sea of Verdure - In 1825, early explorers described the northern American Bottom Area across from St. Louis as “a land of immeasurable beauty and vast prairies,” “a pristine paradise,” a “sea of verdure.” We have named our signature award after this sentiment. This year’s recipient of the “Sea of Verdure” award is the Kaskaskia Watershed Association. They have successfully worked to unite stakeholders from Steve Jurgens, President of the Kaskaskia throughout the watershed to achieve greater outcomes in Watershed Association, accepting the award. areas of flood reduction, environmental quality, recreation, water supply, navigation and business development. Their efforts have been recognized nationally by the US Army Corps of Engineers, 2004 - 2009 Civil Works Strategic Plan: “The Kaskaskia River Watershed Association provides a concrete example of how partnerships can enhance integrated water resource efforts at the local level.” Over 15 years, their environmental initiatives have been many, and include successfully lobbying for and receiving authorization for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program within the Kaskaskia, ensuring that the Kaskaskia River was included within the Water Resources Development Act, a comprehensive analysis of water quality issues and trends within the Kaskaskia River over the past 25 years, and most recently a study of water supply within the Kaskaskia River Basin through 2050.
Conservation Leadership - This award is intended to recognize the efforts of an individual or group who has proven their contribution to conserve in our region. We recognize Robert Weck for his advocacy for the protection of natural areas within Southwestern Illinois. Robert is an Associate Professor of Biology at Southwestern Illinois College. He serves as the Department Chair of the Life Sciences, Health and Physical Education and also sits on the President’s Sustainability Leadership Team. He lives outside of Columbia in the resource rich Stemler Cave area. Recognizing the need to further protect and steward this ecologically sensitive area, Bob cofounded the Friends of Stemler Cave group. He has also conducted extensive research within the cave systems in this part of St. Clair County, as well as herpetological research throughout southwestern Illinois. Bob became a Director with HeartLands Conservancy in 2012 and has been active in our efforts to protect open space, as well as introducing more sustainable actions within our communities.
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Commonfields Spring 2013
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Methane to Energy Over the years HeartLands Conservancy has brought forth a number of initiatives to address water and/or air quality issues within the region. Trees have been planted, native habitat restored, and thousands of acres of open space have been protected in perpetuity. Our latest foray is to study the potential of placing one or more methane digesters in Clinton County to assist local diary producers in better protecting our air, land and water resources. Western Clinton County contains a significant dairy population, in excess of 15,000 animals. This, plus other factors, has posed significant concerns for the quality of the water in area streams. Over the past several years HeartLands Conservancy has assisted several producers in upgrading their facilities, investing nearly $2,000,000 to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous from entering local waterways. We are in the process of investing another $1,000,000 in improvements over the next year. Consider a methane digester as its own business. Manure, and other scrap co-substrates, are fed into the system. Depending on how the system is developed outputs may include energy (electricity), liquid fertilizer for use on the farm(s), a dry dairy bedding or nursery-grade potting mix, phosphorous, and liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. NEAtech LLC (New Energy Alternatives), of Denver, Colorado will be leading this feasibility study. Having completed nearly 200 similar studies, both nationally and internationally their team is uniquely qualified to complete this work. Funding for the feasibility study has been provided by the Illinois Green Economy Network, the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and the University of Illinois Chicago Energy Resources Center. The study will be completed by summer 2013.
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Commonfields Spring 2013
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Ensuring that we remain true to our purpose, and that we are providing the programs and services necessary to fulfill our vision, was an important part of our work in 2012. Bringing together Directors, staff and partners we were successful in developing a listing of strategic priorities that will be used to guide our decisions and actions in the upcoming years. Our priorities have been divided into two distinct categories, those which will comprise our external focus, and those which ensure that we will remain internally whole. Combined, these two areas of focus, and six strategic priorities, describe a vibrant, healthy organization capable of advancing the protection of the environmental resources within Southwestern Illinois for many years to come. We welcome you on the journey!
Strategic Priorities - Externally Focused Conserving Land Protecting our land resources: our rich farmland, distinctive natural areas and properties of vital importance and benefit to current and future generations, is essential to the quality of life in our region. Applying a comprehensive land conservation strategy, providing leadership in land stewardship and offering conservation tools for communities will focus and facilitate our efforts.
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 within our communities. We assist communities in addressing complex development issues by offering education and training, guidance on land use planning and ordinances, natural resource mapping and grant development and implementation.
Engaging Individuals and 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. We seek to engage our region with the land and waters around them in inspiring ways through developing educational programming, offering events and treks and establishing partnerships.
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Commonfields Spring 2013
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Strategic Priorities - Internally Whole Our Message We seek to deliver compelling messages to communicate the breadth and scope of our work. Increased community awareness of the environmental and social impacts of our efforts will greatly contribute to future success.
Our Resources We are strengthened through the diversification of our funding sources. We remain committed to a long-term goal of balanced funding between grants, foundation awards, community work, private and corporate giving, and membership.
Our People We are able to fortify our organization by investing in our own capacity. We are committed to recruiting and retaining an engaged team of staff and Board of Directors to provide oversight, leadership and expertise. We will work together to further our vision for Southwestern Illinois.
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Commonfields Spring 2013
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Join Us In Investing In ... Mill Creek Natural Area Earth Day Stewardship April 27, 2013 Join us on Saturday, April 27 for a Stewardship Day at Mill Creek Natural Area. Enjoy the stunning beauty of sandstone cliffs, mature hardwood forests, and meandering streams throughout the property, located in Randolph County. Mill Creek Natural Area is not open to the general public at this time, but friends and members of HeartLands Conservancy have the opportunity to visit this rare natural area! We will have a litter clean-up and invasive removal followed by a short nature trek to explore Mill Creek. To reduce our impact on the natural resources, space is limited. If you would like to attend, please contact Allie McCreary at 618-566-4451 Ex. 21 or treks@heartlandsconservancy.org.
SAVE THE DATE - Field to Fork is July 27
Learn More About Field to Fork
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org/FieldtoFork
July 27, 2013 Field to Fork will be held Saturday, July 27 and with last years sold out event, you will want to make sure to save the date and register early. It takes a team of talented culinary localvores to transform our fresh produce and ingredients into an amazing five-course meal. This year we continue to add to our local food experience and welcome new chefs to our team!
2013 Field to Fork Chefs Chef Kevin Willmann - FarmHaus (St. Louis, MO) Chef Jennifer Pensoneau - J-Fires Market Bistro (Waterloo, IL) Chef Tim Faltus - BelleCourt Manor and The Pie Pantry (Belleville, IL) Chef Josh Galliano - The Libertine (Clayton, MO) Chef Valerie Pape - Dear Diva Desserts (Columbia, IL)
Contact Mary Ann at maryann.lopez@heartlandsconservancy or 618-566-4451 Ex. 22 to inquire about advance registrations.
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Commonfields Spring 2013
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
Where We Invest
for the Planet 10%
HeartLands Conservancy is a new nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of over 1,300 member companies in 43 countries that give one percent of revenues to environmental causes. HeartLands Conservancy is now eligible to receive donations from 1% member companies, placing them among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% member businesses fuel this non-profit network through their annual contributions, which totaled over $22 million in 2010.
2%
Programs and Services
88%
Administration Fundraising
Funding directly supports our initiatives and project implementation throughout Southwestern Illinois.
“The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful force in solving the world’s problems,” Yvon Chouinard, founder of 1% for the Planet.
HeartLands Conservancy is proud to report that 88% of our funding goes directly to our programs and services.
Join Today! HeartLands Conservancy provides leadership and solutions to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of Southwestern Illinois. Your investment stays where you live, work, and play! YES! I want to become a member of HeartLands Conservancy Name: _______________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________ City:________________________ State:______________ Zip:_________ E-mail:______________________________ Phone:___________________ To pay by credit card, call our office or fill in the information below: q MasterCard q Visa q Discover Card#___________________________________ Expiration Date __________ Card verification# (on back of your card, last 3 or 4 digit #)____________ Signature____________________________________________________
Membership Levels Acorn Seedling Sapling Pin Oak Red Oak Chinkapin Oak Post Oak Bur Oak
$50 $100 $250 $500* $1,000* $2,500* $5,000* $10,000*
* Designates membership in the White Oak Society
Investment Areas Get Involved
Land Conservation Sustainable Communities General (best use)
Please send me event invitations I’d like to know about volunteer opportunities
Please Mail/Return this form and payment to: HeartLands Conservancy, 406 East Main Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258 *HeartLands Conservancy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and your donation is fully tax deductible.
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406 East Main Street Mascoutah, IL 62258
Address service requested:
(618) 566-4451
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org
/HeartLandsConservancy
Celebrate Earth Day at Mill Creek
April 27
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