By Jill Erickson
We would like to thank all of our Alliance members for joining us this month to celebrate nature in our city at the 8th Annual Partnership Summit. We were proud to feature stories about the Blue River from a variety of lenses. Stories like these inspire us to continue to protect our rivers, creeks, forests and open space throughout the watershed.
As you know, Heartland Conservation Alliance purchased the Heartland Overlook Preserve--affectionately known as the HOP—at a public auction with help of a loan from The Conservation Fund. For the Summit this year, we set a tall goal to raise $22,000 – funds needed to meet or first major milestone in the capital campaign to save the Heartland Overlook Preserve. We are so excited to share that we soared past that goal because of generous donors and raised $23,500!
We are in the home stretch to meet our goal to raise $250,000 for the HOP. This fall we invite you to join our efforts to reach our next milestone to save this very important forest – 40 acres of oak and hickory trees nestled on the bluffs overlooking the Blue River in south Kansas City. We need to raise $15,000 to establish a stewardship fund for the land. There are many demands – now more than ever – of your generosity, and we do not ask lightly. Please consider a gift of $50 to make your community a beautiful and bountiful landscape. Your gift will help us save the HOP and allow us to continue providing high quality, nature focused programs.
Our ability to protect nature and the Blue River through our programs depends on the support of our community. Your donation is an investment in our region’s natural places and the health of the local ecosystem. Your tax-free donation helps keep natural places beautiful. Your support strengthens the connection between neighbor and nature. No gift is too small.
The mission of Heartland Conservation Alliance is to protect places in our city that benefit our community and our ecosystem. Our goal for the land is to build trails and create a model for how urban land can be sustainably managed to enhance the benefits of natural resources, create economic opportunities and provide more access to natural areas like the Blue River Corridor.
Humans need nature, and we never realize how much we value these places until they are gone. Please consider a donation to ensure our work preserving and restoring natural areas may continue. Nature needs you just as much as you need nature. Nature keeps us healthy and whole. Nature is essential.
Thank you for your support!