Give a Gift: Annual Fund
Dear Friends of the Preserve,
There’s a reason I don’t ski. I’m fairly confident that if I put on skis and hurl myself down a slope, I won’t survive to the bottom. While my own lack of physical coordination on slippery, shifting terrain informs my decision to stay off the slopes, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has proven its ability to navigate the slick, unstable landscape of our post-pandemic world with grace, skill and determination—thanks to you. Faced with an avalanche of labor market pressures, a bear market, significantly increased cost of goods and rising inflation, 2022 has been a slope dotted with obstacles and hazards.
Yet, as I look back on 2022, I am incredibly “Preserve Proud” of our
accomplishments together.
We’re investing in our future. This year we have completed our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, arguably the most vetted, benchmarked, detailed and ambitious strategic plan the Preserve has ever built. Since its adoption, we’ve laid the groundwork with big goals for the year ahead that will focus where we invest our efforts.
We’re investing in our Native Plant Nursery. Native plants matter! This year, our native plant sales shattered all previous records. This means more native plants in backyards and businesses, with more supporters who recognize the critical importance of natives. Look out for a refreshed plant sales floor for our season opening this spring.
We’re investing in our property, including:
- our ongoing tree hazard removal project to keep our trails beautiful and safe;
- our Cabin-Classroom Project, a grant-funded initiative that assesses our 1935 American chestnut log cabin and designs an adjacent outdoor classroom facility;
- a new entry sign on River Road that also promotes our Native Plant Nursery;
- enhanced interpretative signs on our well-traveled Penn’s Woods corridor, Moss Garden, New Pond and Visitor Center garden; and
- the grand re-opening of our newly-renovated Medicinal Trail.
We’re investing in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access initiatives that aim to engage diverse audiences with the Preserve, including the launch of our Access Card partnership with Art-Reach, a Philadelphia non-profit that connects people with disabilities with arts and culture organizations for a $2 admission. In addition, we leveraged our remarkable Forest Therapy program in a pilot study offering guided forest meditation free of charge to children with sensory needs and their families.
We’re investing in the next generation of changemakers. We hosted an inaugural Preserve @ Play family event featuring exploration, nature play and family friendly activities. The second annual event is slated for June 10, 2023 with more fun in store.
We’re investing in our members and volunteers. We’re transitioning to paperless membership and rolling out enhanced member benefits, including new events like Music in the Meadow slated for late summer. We’ve also added the permanent part-time position of volunteer manager that will focus solely on recruiting, engaging and recognizing our amazing volunteer corps.
It truly takes a village to accomplish all of this, poised as we are to leap ahead into 2023. As I consider the recipients of this letter, I’m so very “Preserve Proud” for the community of supporters that I know will stand with us every step of the way. Writing to you today gives me the confidence and pride to know that we will accomplish so much throughout the year to come with your continued dedication and generosity.
With big goals comes the need for crucial funding. Please consider a year-end gift to the Preserve's Annual Fund as we proudly embrace the opportunities ahead of us in 2023. A gift today is an investment in the Preserve's bright future. Show your “Preserve Pride!”
With gratitude,
Pete Couchman
Executive Director
