Chippewa Nature Center

“The organization has members of various levels, depending on contribution. All members have rights to vote on board members.”

“Board members are elected at the annual meeting by votes from cnc members. Nominations are named by november of the preceding year by the board nominating committee. The election is held at the annual meeting. If no nominations are made other than the slate announced by the nominating committee, then those nominated are elected with one ballot from the board secretary - also at the annual meeting.”

“The form 990 was reviewed by senior management of cnc prior to its approval for filing.”

“Conflict of interest policy covers members of the chippewa nature center (cnc) board of directors, any of its committees, and staff members. Covered persons shall readily disclose to cnc any personal interest which he or she may have in any matter pending before cnc and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter. Any member of the cnc board or staff, who is an officer, board member, or employee of an agency or other entity doing business with cnc, shall identify his or her affiliation with such agency or entity. Covered persons in connection with any policy committee or board action specifically directed to that agency or entity, shall not participate in the decision affecting that agency or entity, and the decision must be made and/or ratified by the full board without the vote of the affected member.”

“The executive committee develops a budget containing the executive director's salary which is approved by the board of directors. Competitive salary levels are compared at local, state, and national levels for compensation for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similarly situated organizations. The approval is documented in the executive committee meeting minutes.”

“Any requests for this information are directed to the executive director, who provides the documents as requested if legally mandated or constructively appropriate.”

“The chippewa nature center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate the enjoyment and understanding of our natural, historical and archaeological resources as relevant to the saginaw valley, to promote environmental awareness and to foster responsible stewardship.”

“Department of programs: throughout 2024, the program department has been continuing to build a solid foundation where people of all ages and abilities could connect to nature in meaningful ways. Drop-in visitors totaled 31,292 which is the highest count ever. Public programs welcomed 6,511 people to 227 public programs in 2024. Maple syrup day saw a dedicated team of volunteers serve 990 pancake meals along with 1,295 individuals who attended the event. Fall harvest festival welcomed 1,153 people who were able to see demonstrations including apple butter making, candle dipping, apple cider pressing and rope making. Nature at night was attended by 965 people who participated in many hands-on activities. In addition to public programs, cnc serves school aged children through nature preschool (140 children), nature day camps (1,188 children) and on and off site school programs (24,561 children).”

“Land and facilities: among the many accomplishments this year for land and facilities, two stand are certainly noteworthy. Construction began on a new building named nature education center. The building will primarily serve as the home for nature day camp, nature preschool and other school-aged childrens programs. The second major accomplishment was the purchase of just over 500 acres of land located along 1 mile of the chippewa river just west of chippewa nature centers west property edge. The land is predominately forested with a diversity of mature trees. A sand ridge adds varied topography, and numerous vernal pools can be found throughout the property. In addition to the two major accomplishments, maple syrup season yielded 20 gallons of maple syrup, and the deer harvest count was 112. The large deer population continues to pose a threat to vegetation at cnc due to heavy browsing. Land management work also continues with 1900 trees and shrubs being planted and either caged or tubed. Twenty-one specimen trees were added to the garret arboretum. Native wildflowers were plated in the wetlands area and at the river point area. Finally, land management consulting work continues as cnc collaborates with local partners to restore properties to native plantings.”