2010-2011 Annual Report - Straub Environmental Center

2010-2011 Annual Report
In partnership with the community, we create an awareness and
understanding of our relationship to the environment.
President Jon Yoder
Governor Bob Straub and Pat Staub
We are excited to bring you the
Friends of Straub Environmental
Learning Center’s second Annual
Report. After eight years of hard
work, we wanted to showcase how
far we have come and some of the
highlights of this past year. We
are also very grateful and want to
thank all those in the community
who have supported our efforts.
The evolution of the Center is
an interesting one filled with
community partnerships and
collaborations. What started
as a North Salem High School
class restoration project along
Mill Creek in 1990 lead to a new
course of study and connections
to the outside community. As a
result of these collaborations, an
idea emerged to build a facility
along Mill Creek that would serve
as both a school and community
education center.
A small group was formed to develop this idea,
and after seven years of stops and starts, funding
was finally secured. In 2003, construction of the
Straub Environmental Learning Center began.
It was named after former Governor Bob Straub
and his wife, Pat, for their dedicated service
to Oregon and their interest in preserving the
natural legacy of this great state. Shortly before
the building opened in 2004, the nonprofit
group Friends of Straub Environmental Learning
Center was formed to develop and organize the
environmental education programs that would
provide opportunities and experiences for all ages
of the Salem community and mid-Willamette
Valley.
From these humble beginnings we have made
great strides in expanding our program offerings.
From our first year of primarily focusing on
only one program, the Lecture Series, we have
expanded our offerings to over ten programs
which served over 2,000 community members
in the mid-Willamette Valley in 2010-2011. In
addition, we have co-sponsored a number of
events and continue to seek out ways to meet the
educational needs of our community.
We have been committed to providing most of
our programs for free or for very low cost to our
participants. In order to deliver this number of
quality programs at little or no cost, we depend
upon grants, generous donations from community
members, business sponsorships, and our new
signature fundraising event: the Green Awards.
None of our work would have been possible
without the dedicated service of our Board of
Directors, the Education Committee, our current
Manager, and all of the devoted volunteers and
friends who have contributed to the Center in
some form or another. We sincerely appreciate all
of the time and support you have put forth, and
look forward to sharing another year of learning
with you all.
Warmly,
Jon Yoder
Introduction Letter
Dear Friends,
Due to the generous support of our donors,
over 90% of our environmental education
programs are offered at no cost to the public.
Amateur Naturalist Series
Adult-aged classes provide an introduction to a
wide variety of nature and science topics. The
Naturalist Series is open to the public, and no
previous knowledge of the topics is required!
2010-2011 attendance: 232
Climate Masters
Nearly 2,000 people from the
Mid-Willamette Valley attended
programs at the Center during the
2010-2011 season!
Developed by the University of Oregon’s
Climate Leadership Initiative, the Center
offered the Climate Masters training program
for the second time in 2010-2011. The
program trains individuals on home energy
and lifestyle conservation techniques and tips,
and demonstrates how this information can be
shared with family, friends and neighbors for
a combined effort in reducing our greenhouse
gas emissions.
2010-2011 attendance: 26
Straub Environmental Lecture Series
Another new program in partnership with Drift
Creek Camp, the one-day mushrooming retreat with
mushroom expert Jake Hurlbert taught the basics of
coastal mushrooming. Participants learned to identify
and collect a variety of local mushrooms, and had the
opportunity to enjoy dinner in Drift Creek Lodge.
2010-2011 attendance: 34
Native Plant Garden Tour
The Straub Environmental Lecture Series features noted
scientists, naturalists, and environmental advocates
speaking on environmental topics critical to Oregon
and the West. Past lecturers include renowned biologist
Lynn Margulis and award-winning reporter William
Dietrich. All lectures are free and open to the public!
2010-2011 attendance: 545
The tour, hosted by the Center and the Willamette
Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon,
highlights a variety of local native plant gardens. Plant
lists and guides at each location are provided to help
attendees learn how to get started on their own native
gardens. 2010-2011 attendance: 36
Native Plant Landscape Restoration Site
Every April, the Center co-sponsors a month-long
sustainability workshop series organized by Willamette
University students. Workshops have covered practical
topics such as repurposing items in the home and
“greening” your cuisine. The workshops draw an
audience from the general public as well as from the
university.
2010-2011 attendance: 90
The Straub Center has been restoring our local grounds
along Mill Creek with native plants and shrubs for the
past 6 years. Volunteer restoration days occur once a
month, and hundreds of volunteers from the community
and school groups have helped with the continued
maintenance of the site.
2010-2011 attendance: 74
Sustainability Workshops
Adult Programs
Adult Programs
Mushroom Retreat
Due to the generous support of our donors, over
90% of our environmental education programs
– including all of our youth-only programs – are
offered at no cost to the public.
Family Nature Night
The Center organizes an annual Family Nature
Night at a local elementary school. Parents and
their children share a meal and participate in a
number of fun learning activities geared to the
earth and biological sciences. Past host schools of
Family Nature Night have included Hallman, Bush
and Swegle Elementary Schools. 2010-2011 attendance: 311
“The Straub Center provides so much with lecture series and
their camp. I am so very impressed with all it offers, and have
referred many to its resources.” - Kristi, 2010
Nature Kids Youth Naturalist Series
Through classes and field trips, students in grades
2-5 learn about geology, the water cycle, tree
science, plant identification, Oregon wildlife, the
food web, and careers in natural resources, among
other topics. Classes are offered once per month,
after school, and are completely free thanks to
the support of our donors and sponsors.
2010-2011 attendance: 231
Summer Camp
The Center offers a week-long nature day camp
for students entering 4th-5th grades and 6th-8th
grades in Fall 2011. Students learn first-hand
about ecology, forest systems, and watersheds
through hands-on activities and field trips
throughout the Willamette Valley and Coast
Range.
2010 Summer Camp attendance: 39
Youth & Family Programs
Youth & Family
Programs
Family Nature Retreat
A recent addition to our slate of programming,
families enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Coast
Range and some quality outdoor time together
at Drift Creek Camp. The overnight trip includes
hikes throughout the old growth forest and
activities with professional naturalists as we
explore the trails.
2010-2011 attendance: 33
Income
Expenses
Fundraising
33%
Events
54%
Administration
21%
Individuals
11%
Businesses
Foundations
18%
11%
Programs
46%
Class Fees
5%
Businesses
$ 12,989.00
Programs
$ 34,706.41
Foundations
$ 8,000.00
Fundraising
$ 24,950.48
Individuals
$ 8,224.01
Administration
$ 15,763.85
Events
$ 38,940.00
Total
$ 75,420.74
Class Fees
$ 3,484.00
Other
$
Total
$ 71,637.14
0.13
Financial Summary
Financial Summary
“I [wanted] to attend summer camp because I want to learn
more about the environment. This year at school, I have been
learning about ecosystems but I would love to actually see
them instead of looking at them on the computer screen.
That’s why I [wanted] to attend this camp.”
- 6th Grade Summer Camp Participant
Special thanks to the Green Awards 2011
donors to our fundraising auction. Their
generous donations helped the Center raise
over $15,000 for our educational programs:
2011 Green Awards
Auction Contributors
Ed and Karen Arabas
Barnwood Naturals
Bella Arco
Blue Elephant Car Wash
Bon Appétit
Caruso’s Italian Cafe
Center for Sustainable Communities,
Willamette University
Comcast Roberson
Copper Creek Mercantile
Courthouse Athletic Club
Curtin Family
Dobbes Family Estate
Drift Creek Camp
Everything Pawsible, Inc.
Pamela Ewing
Gallagher Fitness Resources
Illahe Hills Country Club
Indigo Wellness Center
Inn at 7th Mountain
Jade Earth Acupuncture
Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School
Keizer Renaissance Inn & Conference Center
Let It Shine Cleaning Company
LifeSource Natural Foods
Marine Discovery Tours
McNary Golf Club
Karen Mingo
Nathan Good Architects PC
Nature’s Pet Market
Oregon Garden Resort
Oregon Symphony Association in Salem
OSU Extension Office
Pemberton’s Florist and Greenhouse
Pentacle Theater
Pringle Creek Community
Rebekah Rigsby
Salem Bicycle Taxi
Salem Chamber Orchestra
Salem Cinema
Salem Conference Center, LLC
Salem Grand Hotel
Salem Pops Orchestra
Salem Ropes Course - YWAM
Sea Lion Caves
Seven Oaks Native Nursery
The Celestial Dance, LLC
Town and Country Bowling Lanes
Wandering Aengus Ciderworks
Warpaint International
Whole World Bags
Wild Pear Catering
Willamette Queen
Willamette Valley Fruit Company
Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
Jon Yoder
2011 Green Awards and
Lecture Series Sponsors
AAA Cleaning
Bliss Sequoia Insurance
Bon Appetit
Center for Sustainable Communities,
Willamette University
City of Salem
Ron Eachus
Garten Services
Grand Hotel Salem
Green Acres Landscaping, Inc.
Kettle Foods
Lifesource Natural Foods
Marion County Public Works,
Environmental Services
Natural Choice Directory
Gary Nishioka, MD
Pringle Creek Sustainable Community
SAIF, Inc.
Salem Conference Center
Salem Electric
Salem Weekly
John Savage
David Smedema
West Coast Bank
Wildwood Mahonia
Willamette Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Plastics
Willamette Valley Bank
2010-2011 Foundations and Grants
Salem Foundation
Charla Richards Kreitzberg Foundation
Ennis Paint, Inc.
Marion County Soil and Water
Conservation District
Green Awards Supporters
Supporters
Green Awards
We raised over $20,000
for the Center’s programs
at this year’s Green
Awards, and honored 8
businesses, organizations
and individuals for their
outstanding sustainability
efforts in our community.
Supporters
Individual Supporters
Susan Ackerman
Aislinn Adams & Tom O’Connor
George & Janet Adkins
Laurie Aguirre
Joseph Allan
James & Stephanie Allen
Cheryl Anderson
Gloria Anderson
Ed & Karen Arabas
Marvin Baker
David Ball
Lori Beamer
Tanya Beard
Russ & Delana Beaton
Dennis Bell
Ken & Linda Bierly
Carla Bird
Carolyn Bolton
Bill Bradbury & Katy Eymann
Beth Brown
Philip H. Carver & Marie Gravelle
Mary Chamness
Tom & Susan Clark
Elly Collier
Nicole Collings
Cassandra Cooper
Karen Cooper
Lia & Gerald Cottam
Ben & Emily Deumling
Sarah Deumling
Steven Doten
Bill Drumheller
Ed Durrneberger
Kristen Duus & Fariborz Pakseresht
Ron Eachus
Diane Edwards
Russell Elliott
Pamela Ewing
Bob & Apryl Ferris
Mr. & Mrs. Ficker
George Fitzgerald
Bruce & Laurie Fontaine
Charles & Janet Foster
Andrea Foust
Kathryn N. Fox
Harvey Gail
Maury Galbraith
David Gasser
Jim & Georgia George
Mike Gotterba
Mary Grainey
Larry & Sharon Gray
Gail Gredler
Jim Green
Brian Gregor & Gail McEwan
Leona Guthrie & Alan Pennington
Steve & Pamela Hall
Barbara Hanneman
Lyn Harbaugh
David Harrison & Joyce Millen
Bill & Theda Hastie
Judy Hauser & Raymond Williams
Lisa Heller
Roger & Bonnie Hull
Miriam Hulst
Elaine Hultengren
Judi Imel
Geoff & Elizabeth Irwin
Michael & Terri Jackson
Ronald & Kelli Jaecks
Dari Jongsma
Sarah Keirns
Kristi Kokes
Anne Koreski
Gabriel & Wendy Laudette
Bill Lear & Jen Akeroyd
David J. Lichter
Jim Liskey
Jennifer Lloyd
William & Janet Long
Thomas & Elizabeth Manson
John Matthews
Michelle Maynard
William & Janet McLennan
Jenny McNally
James & Jane Mehlschau
Diane Miller
Susan Miller
Kendra Mingo & David Craig
Jennifer Larson Morrow
Terry Murphy
Jeff Murray
Beth Myers-Shenai
Mary Narey
Gary & Linda Nishioka
Kelly Noor
Bonnie O’Connell
Arley Oddo
Lisa & Chris Olivares
Darrol Olson & Terese Barkley
Genevieve Orr
Ellen O’Shea
Mark Ottenad & Beth Anne Huffine
Sue Owen & J.P. Monroe
Kathleen Patterson
Cheryl Pellegrini
Scott Pike
Bob & Lori Ponec
Janet Rafalovich
Charles & Liz Redon
Kristi Reed
Bridget Riley
Don & Ruth Roberts
Tim Rocak
Nancy Rockwell
James & Carol Sanner
James & Jackie Santana
Leigh Santy
John Savage
Erik Schmidt & West, Stacy West
Lisa Schwartz
Gary & Jane Servais
Rosalyn Shirack
Dave & Kathryn Smedema
Barbara Snead
Samar Sobhy
Lee & Sophie Sparling
Marie Stephens
Dorald Stoltz
Donna Stor
Robin Straughan & David Condon
Loraine Stuart
Rachel Stucky
Richard & Kelly Swartzentruber
Patricia Tilley
Leroy & Janet Tornquist
Pamela Triplett
Peter Uglesich
Jim Vu
Aleece Wallace
Ann & Mel Wheeler
Jon & Joyce Yoder
Royce Young
Ted Young
Individual Supporters
We partner with over 30 organizations
and educators in and around Salem, many
of which volunteer their time, to provide
the variety of high-quality environmental
programs that we offer.
With the exception of the Lecture Series,
nearly all of our presenters, teachers, and
educators for our programs offer their
services at no charge to FSELC.
Who We Are
Staff
Education Committee
Alexandra Ninneman, Manager
Barbara Snead, Education Consultant
Jon Yoder
Aislinn Adams
Laurie Aguirre
Emily Deumling
Traci Hamer
Craig Lenz
Kendra Mingo
Lisa Olivares
Meg Rowe
John Savage
Bonny Shepard
Bobbie Snead
Michael Taylor
Deborah Topp
Rachel Walker
Sally White
Board of Directors
Jon Yoder, President
Aislinn Adams
Laurie Aguirre
Karen Arabas, Vice-President
Nitin Joshi
Gail McEwen, Secretary
Jenny McNally
Kendra Mingo
Linda Nishioka
Alan Pennington
Meg Rowe
James Santana
John Savage, Treasurer
Robin Straughan
David Smedema
Aislinn Adams
Julia Adelsheim
AliRaie Aguirre
Laurie Aguirre
Lizzy Balding
Wilbur Bluhm
Erin Boers
Joe Bowersox
Judy Brunkal
Trish Bunsen
Emily Burke
Travis Conley
Cassandra Cooper
Dana Crosby
Ron Crouse
Emily Deumling
Emily Dougan
Dylan Edwards
Gabi Esser
Pamela Ewing
Keara Gann
Kelli Gano
Oliver Giramma
Katie Grauel
Gail Gredler
Sandra Haller
Katie Hanschen
Bill Hastie
Jessica Heupel
Dan Hoynacki
Jake Hurlbert,
Morris Johnson
Eli Kass
William Kleeman
Doug Knudson
Mark Leppin
Joan Lloyd
Adam Logan
Surabhi Mahajan
Jonathan Mayer
Kimber Mattox
Allana McDonald
Pete McDowell
David McKorkle
Lisa Olivares
Katie Rigsby
Monique Rodriguez
Erik Schmidt
Barbara Smith
Robert Smith
Barbara Snead
Lowell Spring
Samantha Strong
Tana Watanabe
Sally White
Joel Zak
Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, Silver Falls State Park
Phil Carver, Oregon Public Utility Commission
Karen Hans, Oregon Fish and Wildlife
Allison Hensey, Oregon Environmental Council
Karen Hoyt, Salem Audubon Society
Melissa Hunting, Portland General Electric
Matt Iacovone, Consultant to Energy Trust of Oregon
Marshall Johnson, Energy Trust of Oregon
Betsy Kauffman, Energy Trust of Oregon
Mark Kendall, Kendall Consulting
Alan Pennington, Marion County Environmental Services
Rangers Brendan and Katherine, Santiam State Forest
Lizzie Rubado, Energy Trust of Oregon
James Santana, Pringle Creek Community
Bobby Shepard, Oregon State Parks
Deborah Topp, City of Salem
Rachel Walker, The 4H Center
Abiqua School
AC Gilbert Discovery Village
Drift Creek Camp
HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Honoring Our Rivers
Native Plant Society of Oregon
Salem Audubon Society
Salem-Keizer School District
Salem Progressive Film Series
Swegle Elementary
Turtle Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Willamette Agate and Mineral Society
Who We Are
Educators, Volunteers, & Partnerships
Contact Us
The Straub Environmental Learning Center
Site Address: 1320 A Street NE • Salem, OR 97301
Mailing Address: PO BOX 12363 • Salem, OR 97309
(503) 391-4145 www.fselc.org