asbury woods annual appeal brochure

Asbury Woods Partnership Inc.

4105 Asbury Rd. • Erie, PA 16506

Non-profit Org.US PostagePAID

Permit No. 869 Erie, PA

The Asbury Woods Nature Center Annual Appeal is printed on 10% Post Consumer waste paper

Now More Than EverNow More Than Ever

2009 /10ANNUAL APPEAL

Env i ronmenta l Educa t ionOutdoor Rec rea t ionGreen Bu i l d ing and Sus ta inab le L i v ingWi ld l i f e Sanc tua ry and Open Space

A partnership for supportAsbury Woods was established in 1957 through a generous gift from Dr. Otto Behrend to the Millcreek Township School District. The school district is the legal and governing entity for Asbury Woods and provides a portion of the operating budget as well as support for curriculum, technology and maintenance.

The Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc. was established as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit charity to assist with the capital and operating needs of the Nature Center. The Partnership provides support and counsel through fund raising, strategic planning and advocacy. Gifts and grants to the Asbury Woods Partnership provide financial assistance for community programs and activities at the nature center

The Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization- contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, 1-800-732-0999 or at www.dos.state.pa.us/char. Registration does not imply endorsement.

To inspire a life long appreciation, understanding and stewardship of nature.

To provide the region with opportunities to experience, study and enjoy nature and to be a model site for sustainable environmental practices.

Our Vision

Our Mission

Annual Appeal Goal – $90,000

Our focus remains on environmental education programming with a new emphasis on outdoor nature play experiences for children utilizing our 205-acre park:

Funds from the Asbury Woods Partnership’s Annual Appeal support community programming, exhibits and trails. This year’s Annual Appeal will help fund the goals outlined above. Now more than ever, we need places like Asbury Woods. Your generous contribution to the Asbury Woods Partnership is needed to continue Dr. Behrend’s legacy of providing a natural place for people of all ages to experience, study and enjoy Nature.

Donations may be sent to:

Asbury Woods Partnership 4105 Asbury Road Erie, PA. 16506

Call 814-835-5356 or visit us at www.asburywoods.org

Highlights from 2008/09

Asbury Woods Partnership Goals for 2010• Develop a new green building curriculum for middle school students.

• Launch an initiative to encourage outdoor nature play for children.

• Complete a new landscape site plan that includes a Celebration Garden to recognize gifts of tribute and build endowment funds.

• Reach new underserved audiences including urban students, high school students and special needs students.

• Improve 4.5 mile trail system with two boardwalk projects to improve access, education and protection of wetlands.

• Establish the organizational structures to provide for financial sustainability of the Nature Center.

Autumn brings the beginning of our year-long school environmental education programs - more than 13,000 students learning about nature and their role in preserving it.

For two generations, pre-schoolers to teens have spent summers at Asbury Woods day camps, enjoying the great outdoors and making new friends.

The aroma of maple syrup, the excitement of a night hike, lessons in gardening and composting, a celebration for Earth Day – all these are a part of each spring at Asbury Woods.

While activity inside the nature center continues, cross country skis and snowshoes find their way to the solitude of Asbury Woods’ snow-covered trails.

WIntER

SPRInG

SuMMER

Now more than ever we need places like Asbury Woods… • Families have increased use of public parks for recreational opportunities

• Children need natural places to play and explore to improve creativity, physical and mental well being and environmental awareness

• Teachers need access to natural resources and hands-on programs to enhance classroom learning

• Adults are seeking ways to improve their health with activities such as walking, running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

• Wildlife need places of refuge among growing urban sprawl

Now more than ever we need Asbury Woods!In 1954 life was simpler. In that year, our founder, Dr. Otto Behernd set aside his beloved 100-acre farm in his will, donating it to the Millcreek Township School

District to be used for education and recreation. This single gift inspired a public park that now encompasses 205 acres, 4.5 miles of trails, and serves over 29,000 attendees to scheduled events and over 100,000 park and trail users annually.

Much has changed since 1954,yet now more than ever we need places like Asbury Woods Nature Center.

The Asbury Woods Partnership continues the legacy of Dr. Otto Behrend by supporting the community programs, exhibits and trails at the Nature Center. In partnership with the Millcreek Township School District, the Partnership manages community programs and activities and raises the funds necessary for operations and capital improvements.

It was a busy year as we continued our popular education programs, reaching out with new initiatives and planning for our future:

• 750 scheduled programs and events; 29,614 attendees

• 13,696 students attended 310 education programs

• Offered scholarships to 291 underserved program participants

• Initiated outdoor nature play area with donated materials and labor

• 10,100 volunteer hours valued at $121,000

• Received awards for Outstanding Program and Environmental Educator

• Established General Operating Agreement with Millcreek Schools and Asbury Woods Partnership for sustainable future of Nature Center

• For more details, see our 2008/09 Annual Report at www.asburywoods.org or call 835-5356 for a copy

on-line contributions are accepted through the Erie Community Foundation at their website, www.eriecommunityfoundation.org, click on “Donate Today” and the Asbury Woods Partnership receives 100% of all on-line gifts.