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Taking stock of the Preserve's new truck, acquired through
a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development, are (left to right): Bill MacDowell,
Chairman of BHWP Board of Trustees; Chuck McIlhinney,
State Representative (143rd Congressional District) who
supported our grant; Miles Arnott, Executive Director
of BHWP, and Bernie O'Neill, Republican candidate for
State Representative for the 29th District. |
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| What Do Donated Funds Support? |
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Hot Wheels!
In early April the Preserve received $15,000 from the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development for the acquisition
of a new truck. We are happy to report that we have purchased
a new Toyota Tacoma to replace our aging old vehicle. The
new truck will be used, primarily by the grounds crew, to
improve the property and to maintain our system of trails.
So during your next visit to the Preserve, keep an eye out
for our new silver truck sporting the Bowman's Hill Wildflower
Preserve Twinleaf logo! Special thanks to State Representative
Chuck McIlhinney for his support of our grant application
during this fiscal cycle, and his commitment to the important
mission of BHWP.
WPA Cabin to be Refurbished
The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission has allocated
$50,000 to renovate the 1930's era log cabin on the Preserve's
property. Work will include replacing several of the rotted
logs, replacing the roof and whitewashing the interior of
the cabin. Once the work is completed this fall, we will have
a structure that is both structurally sound and aesthetically
pleasing. Our hope is that we will be able to staff the cabin
with volunteers during peak season to give out information
and directions, and perhaps use it as a stop during educational
tours of the property.
Interns
This summer the Preserve hosted two interns over 12 weeks.
They helped with the educational programs, developed a children's
self-guided tour, refurbished the educational displays outside
the Visitor Center, and assisted the grounds crew with nursery
duties and plantings. The interns come to the Preserve with
a just a passing knowledge of native plant issues, but after
12 weeks of intensive study, they leave with a wealth of knowledge
and a deeper understanding of biodiversity and watershed issues.
The Intern Endowment Fund, in part, supports the interns each
year so that they can come to the Preserve to learn, deepen
their understanding of native plant issues, and contribute
to the educational mission of the Preserve. The Preserve's
internship program is a win-win scenario: The interns earn
a modest income while receiving a unique experience in ecology
and horticulture, and the Preserve benefits from their creative
input and dedication and receives much needed assistance during
a busy time of year. We are very proud of our internship program
and we believe it is one of the most important contributions
we make.
General Operations
Unrestricted gifts to the Preserve (those that are not designated
to a specific project) are used for the daily operations of
the Preserve. These funds are the most important kind of support
the Preserve receives - they help keep our doors open to the
visiting public. General operating support comes in the form
of your Annual Appeal gift, admission fees paid by non-members
and from generous gifts made to the Preserve that have no
stipulations on how the gift is to be used. The general operating
support gifts we receive from members and friends are of paramount
importance in achieving our mission of education, conservation
and appreciation.
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