Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 3980 Woodridge Circle A look ... · Tim Solberg Chair Mike Heintz Vice ... dedicated supporters have made my first nine months as Director a wonderful and

2013 ANNUAL REPORTSpringbrook Nature Center Foundation

PR E S E R V E | ED U C A T E | NU R T U R E

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A look back at 2013

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2013 REPORTTo Friends of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation

A Message from the SNC Foundation Board Chair:

Springbrook Nature Center is a sanctuary for thou-sands of plants and animals and is a place where people can connect with nature. It is a success story in sustaining the natural environment for use by students, families and many individuals from the North Metro and throughout the state. During the past year, the City of Fridley, Springbrook staff, and the Foundation Board all have continued their commitment to grow and maintain a high quality environmental education and community resource center within the North Metro suburban region.

In the Spring of 2013, our new Executive Director, Mike Maher, arrived and immediately began to provide leadership and expertise to enhance Springbrook. We are very pleased to welcome Mike and recognize the value and experience he brings.

As in previous years, Springbrook continues to grow and prosper. Visitation continues to increase, science education classes for students continue to grow, and community programs draw in families from throughout the region.

A major focus for 2013 activities was monitoring and improving the habitats available to ensure that Springbrook Nature Center will continue to provide high quality experiences for all visitors. This Annual Report highlights these activities, which included restoration of native

2013 LEADERSHIPSpringbrook Nature Center, Foundation, and City of Fridley

The Parks & Recreation Commission provides safe leisure and educational opportunities for all ages through programs, facilities, open spaces and services responding to the needs of the residents and enhancing the quality of life in Fridley. The Commission works in partnership with the Springbrook Nature Center and Foundation to provide guidance and leadership to Nature Center activities.

Parks and Recreation CommissionCity of Fridley

Springbrook Nature Center 2013 Staff

Malcolm Mitchell ChairDonna Bahls Vice ChairEd Meyer TreasurerKasi Aten-Freese SecretaryKent BuellTim Dess1

Ceace HaagensenJerry Hartlaub

Neal HayfordCarolyn LaursenAnnette MitchellClem NagelRebecca (Becky) ErvastiKatie Voss

1 Term ended/resigned in 2013

Springbrook Nature Center Foundation2013 Board of Directors

The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board of Directors is committed to finding the resources to preserve and enhance the Springbroook Nature Center into the next generation. We invite you to join with us in this effort on behalf of our community.

Tim Solberg ChairMike Heintz Vice ChairJack Kirk Director of Parks and Recreation

Greg Ackerman CommissionerMichele Barrett CommissionerDave Kondrick Commissioner

Siah St. Clair1 Executive Director

Mike Maher2 Executive Director

Tara Rogness Naturalist

Jan Swanson Administrative Assistant

Curtis Pribula Custodian

Jessica Paulson Seasonal Naturalist and Summer Camp Coordinator

Cassie Lieberkowski Summer Work Crew Leader

Anna Fontanetta, Summer CampMegan Meyer Staff

Seasonal Naturalists:

Lindsay Anderson, Samantha Anderson, Katherine Heitmiller, Jen Knight,Desiree Laitenen, Tessa Oberle, Kelly Stewart

1 Through April 30, 2013 2 Beginning May 1, 2013

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WHOOO MAKES SPRINGBROOK THRIVE?

Thank You!

2013 VOLUNTEERSFriends of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation

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YOU do! Springbrook Nature Center and the Foundation are thriving due, in large part, to the tireless hours put in by our many faithful volunteers. Without volunteers, the Nature Center, Foundation, and the many community events would not successful.

Schools AFSA High SchoolAndover High School Key ClubAndover High School National Honor SocietyAnoka Hennepin School District Bridges ProgramAnoka High School Key ClubAnoka High School National Honor SocietyAnoka-Ramsey Community CollegeAnoka Technical CollegeBlaine High School National Honor SocietyCalvin Christian High SchoolChamplin Park High School National Honor SocietyCoon Rapids High School National Honor SocietyFridley Community EducationFridley High School Key ClubFridley High School National Honor SocietyFridley High School Ti-Corps ProgramFridley Transition ProgramNorth Hennepin Community CollegeOsseo High School National Honor SocietySpring Lake Park Community EducationSpring Lake Park National Honor Society

Organizations Anoka County RSVPAudubon Chapter of MinneapolisBoy Scouts of America - numerous groupsFridley Community TheatreFridley Lions ClubGirl Scouts of America - numerous groupsSingle Volunteers of the Twin CitiesUrban Bird Festival

Anoka CountyCommunity Resources Anoka County Community Corrections DepartmentAnoka County Social WorkersAnoka County Summer Youth ProgramHennepin Home Health Care Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

City of Fridley City Council MembersCity EmployeesFridley Fire Department “Flames” OrganizationFridley Police ReservesParks & Recreation DepartmentPublic Works Department

Churches St. Timothy Catholic Church

Springbrook Many Individuals and FamiliesSpecial Event VolunteersSpringbrook Nature Center Bird Banding GroupSpringbrook Nature Center FoundationSpringbrook Nature Center Garden ClubSpringbrook Nature Center Regular Volunteers

Businesses Cummins Power GenerationGeneral MillsHOM FurnitureIndeed BrewingMedtronicNMotion Dance CenterTarget CorporationXcel Energy

prairie and upland forest habitat, funded by a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant. Volunteers from several local companies spent time pulling weeds and working hard to make Springbrook look better and function better as a community resource. Generous grant funding allowed for purchase of equipment used by school students and volunteers to study the Springbrook wetlands and monitor water quality.

With increased visitation and youth science education classes for children, we have a responsibility to manage growth and protect the natural habitat. According-ly, the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation contin-ues to pursue funding for the SPRING (Sanctuary Protection and RenewalInto the Next Generation) Project. While we look toward 2014 to get the major components underway, preliminary work began during 2013 with the replacement of the roof over the exhibition area of the interpretive center. The much needed replacement substantially improves the passive lighting and the overall quality of the visitor experience.

Springbrook Nature Center continues to need your support, and we know that you will join us in protecting and improving this valuable community resource.

Malcolm MitchellChair, SNC Foundation Board of Directors

Cummins Power Generation Volunteers

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORof Springbrook Nature Center

I like to say to my boys, ages three and six, “You are easy to love.” I have found the same is true about Springbrook Nature Center. The land, the people, the community, and the encouragement of so many dedicated supporters have made my first nine months as Director a wonderful and challenging experience.

I am enjoying working with others who share my passion for Springbrook. Our staff is incredibly talented, creative and committed to excellence in environmental education. Our Foundation has shown me the impact that a group of like minded volunteers can have through determination, vision and hard work. Reflecting on their efforts to preserve the Nature Center a decade ago, I am grateful for their work to keep this regional jewel open so that we may continue to serve a diverse and growing audience through recreation opportunities, world-class education programs and amazing special events.

Discovering the subtle beauties of the land has been a great joy to me as I have explored Springbrook’s natural habitats. As I have prepared to oversee our land and wildlife management projects, I have discovered a sense of peace, remarkable diversity of wildlife, and a quiet refuge from the bustle of city life.

What I enjoy most of all is talking with and observing those who pass through our doors or step onto our paths. We serve people of all ages and backgrounds who are each drawn here to find something uniquely meaningful to them.

I offer my thanks to all of you for the opportunity to guide and protect this amazing place and for the chance to make a difference in the lives of our visitors. As I look ahead to the coming year, I am thrilled to work alongside my colleagues and all of you to continue our growth and to provide opportunities to make meaningful connections to the natural world.

Mike MaherExecutive Director

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Did you know...Springbrook was founded win 1974

A 1986 tornado nearly wdestroyed Springbrook

Springbrook provides 127 wacres of wildlife habitat

Springbrook offers 3½ wmiles of hiking trails

2,000+ species live in wand/or migrate through Springbrook annually

Visitors from all 50 states wand 60+ countries have explored Springbrook

Springbrook accepts gifts wof stock, bequests and property

?

SNC Mailing Address:6431 University Avenue NEFridley, MN 55432

SNC Physical Location:100 85th Avenue NWFridley, MN 55432

Tel: 763.572.3588www.springbrooknaturecenter.org

Pamela JambeckKathleen and Richard KemperKey’s CafeLa CasitaLyric Arts TheatreDenny and Mary MarquardtMassage EnvyMidwest MountaineeringMinnesota Historical SocietyMinnesota VikingsMinnesota WildMinnestalgia Specialty Foods & GiftsMalcolm and Annette MitchellPatricia MusenbrockMystic Lake CasinoClem and Elizabeth NagelNational CameraNew Brighton Parks & RecOutback SteakhouseRobert PalkertPanera BreadParlin’s UpholsteryPerfect 10PerkinsPlymouth PlayhouseJeremy and Ruth PowersRapids LiquorReady MeatsRed LobsterRedStag Supper ClubTom and Glenda ReidVicki and Marvin ReynoldsRobert Metzger, DentistrySalon AmoréSammy Perrella’sSarna’sSchaaf FloralRonald and Mary SeekampShorewood Bar & GrillShortstopSlumberlandSt. Paul Saints

Summit BrewingSurley BrewingThree Rivers Park DistrictToroTwo Stooges Bar & GrillCatherine VossWells Fargo BankWild Birds UnlimitedWindows by MarneeXcel Energy FoundationLaures and Brent Young

Gift in Memoriam Angela N. Sangster, In Memory of Gordon Sanster

2013 FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSpringbrook Nature Center Foundation 501(c)3

1 2013 DONORS continued Friends of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation

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I would like to thank Siah St. Clair for the rock solid foundation he built for Springbrook over his 35 year career. His vision and hard work will continue to guide the future of Springbrook for many years to come as we implement projects he set into motion. I find inspiration in the way he nurtured the landscape and influenced the lives of so many.

Mike MaherExecutive Director

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Thank you!We do our best to honor the names of our supporters. If there are any errors, please contact us and we will update our records.

Balance SheetTotal assets and liabilities

2013Jan.1 to Dec. 31

2012Jan.1 to Dec. 31

278,703

61,70249,060

200 783

19,158661

34131,598

17,6654,3351,341 9,584

12,1901,4059,073

55,593

76,005

$

$$$$$$$$

$$$$$$$$

$

202,698

84,06323,910

560 --

20,204--

195128,932

12,65530,494

--8,348

12,861--

6,15370,521

58,412

$

$$$$$$$

$ $$$$$$$

$

Expenses Program support SPRING project Gift shop Special events Fundraising Communications Administration and misc. Total Expenses

Change in net assets

Statement of Activities Revenues Contributions Program SPRING Project Memorials Gift shop sales Special events Legacy Gifts (In Honor of Siah) Interest and other income Total Revenues

1 The above unaudited financial statement does not include the direct operating revenues and expenses provided by the City of Fridley to support Springbrook Nature Center. In 2013, tax revenue received by Springbrook was $327,965 and earned income generated by programs at the Nature Center was $99,418. The Nature Center’s operating expenses for 2013 were $442,738. Combined, 2013 Springbrook Nature Center and Springbrook Nature Center Foundation total revenues were $558,981 and total expenses were $498,492.

A BEAUTIFUL AND LIFE-GIVING

ENVIRONMENTSpringbrook Nature Center is broadly recognized for its exceptional environmental education

programs and special events. Perhaps lesser known is the significance of Springbrook’s high quality natural environment, which supports many familiar youth and adult programs, such as bird banding, water quality studies, and winter survival activities. The environment also provides a beautiful setting for hundreds of regular park visitors to observe and enjoy nature.

In 2013, several efforts were underway to monitor and improve Springbrook’s environment to ensure high quality experiences for all visitors, as well as sustain these habitats for the variety of creatures that call Springbrook home.

Springbrook Nature Center received a $198,500 Conservation Partners Legacy grant in 2012 to restore the native prairie and upland forest habitat. This grant was recommended by the Lessard-

Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and approved by the Minnesota State Legislature. The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund will provide $187,500, and the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation and the City of Fridley will provide $11,000.

Work is being overseen and coordinated by Great River Greening, a non-profit that works with a large variety of conservation partners throughout the Metro area to restore ecological health to critical nature areas, parks, and open spaces. The restoration began with buckthorn removal and will continue with removal of non-native species such as garlic mustard, nodding thistle, and

Great Egret Donors(gifts of $250 to $499)Ruth and Paul BauhahnMary DawsonJerry and Trish HartlaubMichael and Kimberly Schroer

Barred Owl Donors(gifts of $500 to $999)Kathleen and Gerald BuryMichael EllingsworthFrederick Haugh, Jr. Beverly KronstedtHeidi Olson Glenn Soine and Marilynn Diane Fallstrom Siah St. Clair Michael Stedman Foundation

Eagle Donors(gifts of $1,000 or greater)Rita and John BurgesonTimothy DessKevin GramsBennie Loro and Tom Keerl Malcolm and Annette MitchellSusan and Stephen Stedman

Businesses & OrganizationsBob’s Produce RanchECM Publishers, Inc.Gardens of Rice CreekMichael Servetus Unitarian Society

Northeast BankSpringbrook Garden ClubWalMart Foundation

Individual Gifts to SPRING ProjectsTimothy DessBennie Loro and Tom KeerlMalcolm and Annette Mitchell

Foundation & Corporate Program Grants Darden Restaurants FoundationMedtronicMedtronic FoundationMinneapolis FoundationXcel Energy Foundation

Matching Gifts 3M FoundationAmeriprise FinancialCenturyLink Clarke Williams FoundationGlobal Impact - SymantecXcel Energy Foundation

Gifts to the SpringbrookSpree AuctionAnoka County ParksApplebee’s St. AnthonyAramarkBachman’sDonna and Jerold BahlsJeffrey and Julie Basche

Beisswenger HardwareBen Saefke PhotographyBlarney Pub and GrillBob’s Produce RanchBrave New WorkshopBrightwood Golf CourseBroadway PizzaBrunswick Zone XLCaribou CoffeeChamppsCulver’s St AnthonyEagle OpticsKathy and Edwin EastburnEastside COOPMark EmmeRebecca (Becky) ErvastiFehn CompaniesFox ConsultingFridley Community CenterFridley Optical, Inc.Stevan FriskGardens of Rice CreekGary’s AutomotiveGrand CasinoCelia Fehn-HaagensenHalf Priced BooksRobert and Gayle HarmonHart Lake MassageNeal HayfordHeights BakeryHeights TheaterSteven HelsethHoskins Fine JewelryIke’s Wine & Spirits

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others. Controlled prairie and forest burns will be used along with other methods. Work provided by this grant will continue in 2014 and 2015.

With these efforts underway, volunteer groups have continued to help with the restoration at Springbrook. In 2013, individuals from Cummins Power Generation, Xcel Energy, and other corporate partners worked hard to improve Springbrook’s appearance and function. The efforts of these groups were facilitated by a grant from the Darden Foundation, which supplied weed wrenches for pulling buckthorn and garden carts for hauling refuse.

A grant from the Xcel Foundation provided for the purchase of two canoes and other equipment that

will be used by school students when studying Springbrook wetlands. Student science continues to be used to monitor the health of the wetlands and determine if action is needed to improve water quality.

Finally, three 25 year old weirs, or dams, that control water levels at Springbrook are being replaced by the City of Fridley. Their function is to prevent downstream flooding and sustain the wetland habitat by holding water within the wetlands. Installation of the new weirs was planned for the winter of 2012-2013 but was postponed due to insufficient

Virginia MayRoberta Lynn McKechnieRaymond McKenzie, Jr. Dianne and Charles McKusick Karen McNevin David MechConstance MetcalfEdward Meyer and Barbara JacksonLillian MeyerLisa Monson-Hokenson and Scott HokensonHelen MooreSali Moore Mary Mueller and Terry DussaultLeonard and Murphy Patricia MusenbrockClem and Elizabeth Nagel Thelma and Myron Nash Robin and Paul NelsonLance and Gloria Nelson Sheila NordinDavid Novak and Jeannette ZaunerLora Polack and Joseph OberleBecky Oishi Rhonda and Cameron Ollila Dean Olson Warren OlsonWendell and Leone OlsonRobert Palkert Robert and Bonnie PanningRon Peterson Susan PetersonBeth Pickering Jason and Crystal PierceSteven and Arlene PineClarice PolzinRonald and Jennifer PrasekAnna PribulaDawn and Peter Ralston Jannine and Stephen RanalloSegwald and Martha Reckdahl

Frinnie RehmTerry and Connie ReyesDana ReynoldsLaRue Riewe and Carolyn AndersonKaren RobinsonKeith and Vi RocekEloise and Dennis RoelkeLinda RohrbachScott RolekMark and Bambi Saastad Donna and Rodney SaloAngela SangsterJulie SchmidtJoyce and Robert Schmidt Paul and Janice Schmidt Lynn and James Schonrock Janet ScottGraham SedamMaija and Frank SedzielarzJane and Jeffry ShawSharon and Glen SibellJane and Wayne SimoneauBarbara SloneRolf SmebyCynthia Jane SmithDale Sorensen

James and Joy Sovada Glenda and Rodney Stickler Joyce and Richard Storla Ione and Harold Swanson Howard Tappe, Jr. Lee and Margo Tech Jim and Jean Terry Kathleen and Jeffrey Thayer Susan and Jerry Tienter Kimberly and John Tophen Marikris and Thomas Treuenfels Janice Trustheim Stephen Varichak and Delores Martinez-Varichak Alissa and Andrew Ventura Mary Ellen Vetter Catherine Voss Lynette and Thomas Ward Mary and William Wever Patricia Whittlef David and Cheryl Wold-Zahner Elaine and Donald Wolf Richard and Dawn Young Stanley and Rita Mae Zdon Peter and Katey Zeleny Brandon Zembal Patricia and Leonard Zolna, Jr.

2013 DONORS continued Friends of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation

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Xcel Energy Volunteers

MN Conservation Corps Volunteers

ice. With the help of the “polar vortex” weather systems in late 2013 and early 2014, work is proceeding.

Collectively, these activities improve the appearance and function of Springbrook’s multiple

habitats, enhancing the visitor experience and ultimately making Springbrook a better home to thousands of native plants, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and more. Come experience the wonder of nature! -DB

2013 DONORS Friends of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation

We thank all who support the mission of Springbrook Nature Center and proudly recognize these contributors who made financial gifts in 2013.

Gifts from Individuals

Gifts of $1 to $249Gregory and Sandra AckermanKaren AmundsonLindsay AndersonJune AndersonGary and Shannon AndersonLilas AndersonBart AndersonFlorence and Howard AndersonRolan and Muriel AndersonLynn and Robert AntoineRandee ArfmannJanine BackerDonna and Jerold BahlsGeraldine BergMarcelyn and Charles BergRoger and Peggy BergDonald and Leesa BetzoldDon and Susan BlakesleeCarole BlaskaJerrilynn BoehlandGeorge Anthony and Linda BolfTherese BrennanLloyd and Carol BrouillardWilliam BrownKent Buell, Sr.Kathleen and Edward BurekRoseanne and Bill BurnsMargaret and Michael BurzynskiKimberly and Christopher CarlsonHelen CarsonClaire ChaseJo Ellen ChristiansenAlan and Marie CiesielczykElaine CobournJoan Crawford-Dietsch

Janice and George DeanJohn and Linda DelsingRoy DobieKaren and Robert DoveLois and Roy DownsJames and Sharon EastwoodPatricia and Daniel EcholsB. William EkstrumJohn and Lynda EllisDonald Enerson and Suzanne WrightJ. D. and Laure EngelMargaret and John ErbeEric ErdahlTom and Rebecca ErvastiNorma Jean FalinkJohn Ficklin, Jr.Debra FieldCharlotte FieldsJudith and William Finn, Jr. Bruce Frank Barbara Franklin Patricia FreeburgStevan FriskJulie FryerJanice and Ronald GagebyGary GertzenBarbara and Dave GoodwinJerome and Sharon GrangerLois GrantstromWalter and Karen GrivnaDorothy and Paul GrovenCleone HannemanEllen HansenJennifer Hanson Jason and Janine HansonNeal HayfordJoseph Hendren Amy Hennen Kathleen HindererBarbara Hovey Diane and James Jachymowski Pamela Jambeck

Renee and Daniel JaroscakKeith and Jill Dutot Johansen Marilou JohnsonAlice Johnson and Richard JeffersonKatherine and Byron JohnsonJanet and Les JohnsonDavid JorgensonRichard and Judith JudgeKathy Nelson JuneauJanet and Donald KamisDeanne and Randall KavanaghKathleen and Richard KemperCarol and Kenneth KidderElizabeth and Thomas Kiekhafer Nancy King Jack and Debra Kirk Patricia and Jerred Gregory Kline Mary KnickelbineDiane KolhoffMarvin KollingMary and Dave KondrickLarry and Kathy KorzenowskiMyrna KostuchSue KramolischThomas and Jean KuehnTimothy KuenstingBeverly and Arnold KundeMarsha LeClairKristy and Alan Lieder Alfred and Nancy Yee Litt Martin Lueders Mary Ann Luniewski Harry and June Lydeen Carol and Lawrence Madison Gerald and Margaret Maeckelbergh Patricia & Michael Maher John and Susan Maki Jim and Nancy Malkowski Thomas and Helfride Manning Denny and Mary MarquardtBrian Marszalek

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2013 Springbrook Nature Center Statistics

Total Program Attendance 23,419

Total Number of Programs 692

Total Number of Participant Hours 41,210

Total Number of Student Contacts as 12,686 Part of School Science Curriculum

Total Special Event Attendance 4,623

Total Number of Volunteers 1,055

Total Number of Volunteer Hours 13,480

Total Number of Summer Camps 23

Total Number of Camp Attendees 353

Total Number of Camp Scholarships 26

Estimated Total Park Visits 180,000