Questions and Answers about MNP and MNP, Inc.mequonnaturepreserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/q... · 2016-12-22 · Questions and Answers about MNP and MNP, Inc. Mequon Nature

Questions and Answers about MNP and MNP, Inc. Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP): the land, its features, and the Pieper Power Education Center.

Mequon Nature Preserve, Inc., (MNP, Inc.): the non-profit “friends” group operating MNP, restoring the land,

and conducting educational programs.

I. What is the Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP)?

The Mequon Nature Preserve is 438 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, almost one square mile in size. Visitors come from throughout the region to engage in environmental science programs and nature-based recreation activities such as hiking, bird watching, and cross country skiing. Its primary building is the Pieper Power Education Center, which is a 12,000 sq. ft. multi-use classroom and conference facility renovated to sustainable standards. MNP has over five miles of trails and an observation tower that are open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Visitors have access to three beech maple woodlands, acres of wetlands, and an in-progress prairie restoration. Because MNP is over 400 acres in size, it features a highly diverse population of plants and animals not seen in smaller parks and preserves in the metropolitan area. The PieperPower Education Center, located at 8200 West County Line Road, Mequon, Wisconsin, is MNP’s hub for indoor activities and community programs. In addition to housing MNP offices and programs, the building and grounds demonstrate sustainable technologies, materials, and practices. For example, the building has a vegetated roof to capture rain water; a wind turbine and photovoltaic array that generate MNP’s electricity; eco-friendly materials in flooring, paint, and furniture that improve indoor air quality; and low flow or waterless fixtures that conserve water. You may rent the building to hold meetings and retreats.

Where is MNP located? The main entrance is at the PieperPower Education Center, 8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon. You may also enter MNP from two other parking lots: 10000 North Swan Road or 8275 West Donges Bay Road. What are the primary reasons for the existence of MNP?

Provides a biologically rich and diverse outdoor place to deliver science and environmental education programs.

Makes available a large outdoor area where people can “get off the path” and engage in nature-based recreation activities.

Re-establishes a large natural landscape that will add to the environmental health of the region.

Who owns the Mequon Nature Preserve? The City of Mequon owns the land and buildings. Will the land always be a Nature Preserve? Yes. A conservation easement, which is a legally binding agreement, now protects the land from development forever. Residential and commercial structures will never be built on the property.

II. What makes MNP, Inc.’s educational and land programs unique and worthy of your generous tax-deductible donation?

Your generous charitable contribution funds outdoor programs that connect kids to science. The programs are designed in collaboration with teachers and are aligned with state standards. Funds also go toward restoring the land to the woods and wetlands that existed in the early 1800’s. The Mequon Nature Preserve serves the entire metropolitan area in unique ways.

It provides a natural environment of woodlands and wetlands close to the state’s most densely populated area. Here people can experience a little bit of “Up North” only minutes away.

The land is open 365 days a year for outdoor recreation and nature study. Because state grants contributed $1 million to the purchase of the land, MNP is prohibited from charging entrance fees.

The large size of the property makes it possible to have a highly diverse plant and animal community that is not possible on smaller parcels. This results in a richer learning environment for students and visitors.

The close proximity of MNP to an urban setting makes it more accessible to school groups to visit MNP. For many, this is their first experience in a natural outdoor

environment. Forty-thousand children live within five miles of MNP. Thus, students spend most of their time engaged in educational experiences at MNP, and they spend only limited time on a school bus.

What is the role of Mequon Nature Preserve, Inc. (MNP, Inc)? The City of Mequon leases Mequon Nature Preserve’s land and buildings to MNP, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt, friends group. MNP, Inc. works to turn the vision for this land into a reality. To do this it:

Conducts outdoor and indoor environmental science education programs for students enrolled in k-12 and post secondary school programs, and other learners;

Provides complete public access to its woodlands and wetlands through its five mile long trail system; and

Manages land restoration activities to eventually return the land to the hardwood forest and wetlands that existed in the early 1800’s.

III. MNP, Inc.’s operations What is the governing structure? MNP Inc. is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Most of the directors previously served as directors on an advisory board that oversaw MNP’s operations under the umbrella of the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT). The directors include business executives in senior leadership positions, an ecologist, an educator, and a former City of Mequon mayor who has long been associated with the Mequon Nature Preserve. The directors,

who together have given over 60 years of service to the Mequon Nature Preserve, will provide continuity of leadership and ensure that MNP continues serving the community as it has in the past.

Does MNP, Inc. have paid staff? Yes. MNP, Inc. staff develops curriculum, conducts science education programs, oversees land restoration, and works with a large corps of volunteers. What role do volunteers play? MNP has been fortunate to have the service of many volunteers. A number of adult volunteers provide professional services in a variety of fields as well as assist in building maintenance, improvement projects, wildlife monitoring, and land restoration. Younger volunteers donate many hours of service around land stewardship. If you would like to volunteer, please call MNP Director Kristin Gies, 262-242-8055, ext. 106.

IV. Funding MNP, Inc. and Tax Deductible

Contributions How does MNP, Inc. fund its activities? MNP, Inc.’s education and land restoration programs are funded entirely by charitable contributions. The City of Mequon does not fund MNP operations or programs. Is MNP, Inc. tax exempt? Yes. How can I make a gift to support MNP’s programs? You may make a gift by writing a check to the Mequon Nature Preserve. Its address is 8200 West County Line Road, Mequon WI 53097. Your gift will be tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

V. History and Relationship with Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT) How did MNP get started? Mr. Richard “Dick” Paddock, through his fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, offered a grant to the City of Mequon to purchase land across the street from Milwaukee County’s Kohl Park. Dick wanted to see Milwaukee County and the City of Mequon work together to create a great facility for the region. The City expressed its interest in the project and asked OWLT to join in the venture. Together, MNP and Kohl Park are the size of New York City Central Park.

What role did the City of Mequon play from 2000 to 2011? The City of Mequon contributed $2.5 million to purchase the land, and mayor’s office raised another $9.5 million through gifts and grants from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government agencies. The City also provided in-kind services. For example, the City oversaw construction of the trail system and an observation tower. $1 million of the total amount was raised through the joint efforts of the City and OWLT. What role did OWLT play from 2000 to 2011? The City of Mequon asked OWLT to become its agent to help establish MNP. OWLT took on the challenge and accomplished the following: Aggregated and purchased six large parcels to amass 438 acres; Carried out a land stewardship program; Hosted numerous education and community programs; and Renovated a building to sustainable standards that now serves as the PieperPower Education Center.

Why did OWLT spin off MNP and deed the land to the City of Mequon in 2011? In 2004, the City and OWLT agreed that after OWLT acquired the property that makes up MNP, OWLT would transfer ownership of MNP to the City. The transfer was completed in June, 2011. Operationally it made sense, too. OWLT wanted to focus its resources on its core mission: saving land and water. MNP, Inc., now responsible for operating MNP, wanted to focus on its core mission: environmental science education. MNP Inc. also carries out a land stewardship and restoration program.

What role will OWLT play in the future? Several OWLT appointees serve on MNP Inc.’s governing board where they will help oversee MNP's operations and programs. OWLT will also ensure the City’s compliance with its obligations to maintain the land in its natural state. What role will the City of Mequon play in the future? As the land owner, the City insures the land and buildings. In addition, the city will mow the grassy trails and plow the parking lots in winter, as it does for all of its parks and preserves. Additional in-kind services may be provided as

available. The City does not wish to manage the property or operate an education center, thus it leases the land and buildings to MNP Inc. for those purposes.

To learn more . . . . Please check out the Mequon Nature Preserve website: www.mequonnaturepreserve.org. In addition to learning about MNP programs and work, you may print out information about the Mequon Nature Preserve Conference Center rental program. It provides a private off-site location for business and other meetings.