Long Term Goals
2012 and beyond
One of our long-term goals is to continue our success with multiple ongoing enhancement projects. Every year we have diligently worked on wildlife and stream restoration projects throughout our properties. Concentrating on a “Holistic Approach” is a method where we evaluate the entire ecosystem and all wildlife needs. We believe this approach is the best philosophy for our native wildlife and HEF. An example of this is Federal and State Agencies have used the Cozy Valley Creek and Pond Enhancement Projects numerous times as an educational tool. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has lead tours through these project sites to agency members from other states, like Michigan, Ohio and Washington DC. To "Lead By Example” is a minimum standard of operation for us and we want to continue this methodology for years to come.
To have the ability to continue with these types of projects, it is imperative that we receive adequate funding from our donors, regional state and federal agencies, as well as, support of our members and with various donations.
To continue with these wonderful on the ground projects we are always looking for a variety of land acquisitions to add to our properties. There are several excellent properties in our watershed that would be great candidates for future projects. These parcels have Threatened and Endangered species existing on or using the properties for habitat. Over the past decade we have added additional habitats to our protected properties. We are dedicated to finding unique habitats and properties to purchase, like prairies, forested areas, wetlands, streams, and tributaries. We will work diligently to incorporate more of these critical natural resources into our protected 900 acres.
Other goals are to continue with our Outreach and Education providing a resource for any and all citizens within our ecoregion. One of the ways we can provide that resource is to build and Environmental Education Center. With this possibility, the magnitude of resources we could provide would be limitless. Hopefully in the near future we can locate a funding source that will provide us with the means to actually make this happen!
Meanwhile, we will continue to contribute other activities that we we know will propel environmental awareness in our region like; working with our local school districts, surrounding organizations, Federal and State Agencies sharing information about our Environment. Going into a classroom and experiencing the excitement of the students wanting to learn about the environment and what is happening right in their backyard is amazing! They are invariably intrigued and always ready for more. It never fails, everyone is enjoying the session and we inadvertently we run out of time with lots more questions they want to ask. Those are the days that you walk a way feeling satisfied and believing you are contributing something positive that will be passed on for generations to come.
