Mission
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1967, THE ASSOCIATION HAS ACQUIRED, PRESERVED AND MAINTAINED OVER 958 ACRES OF LOCAL NATIVE LANDSCAPES INCLUDING PRAIRIES, SAVANNAS, RAVINES, WOODLANDS AND WETLANDS FOR THE BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. WE CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO RESTORE THE LAND TO ITS HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE AND MAINTAIN THESE CRITICAL HABITATS. IN ADDITION, TO PROMOTE A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE LAND WITHIN IT, OUR PRESERVES ARE HOME TO OVER 20 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS WHICH ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YEAR ROUND.THE ASSOCIATION ALSO PROVIDES NATURALIST-LED ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENTS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN & SPECIAL WORKSHOPS OFFERED TO CHILDREN, ADULTS & FAMILIES. OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF AND A LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE NATURAL WORLD AROUND US BY INCLUDING HANDS-ON, PARTICIPATORY ACTIVITIES IN A NATURAL SETTING. ASSOCIATION ALSO COOPERATES WITH SEVERAL INSTITUTIONS PROMOTE THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF OUR PRESERVES.