Funding

Swiss Valley Nature Center Display Campaign

With the addition to the Nature Center complete and renovations to the old section well underway, the Friends and the Conservation Board have undertaken a fundraising campaign to complete the interpretive displays. Nature Center staff, with the assistance of Will Thomson of Armadillo Arts, have developed 29 interpretive displays that will create a valuable resource for environmental education for young and old alike. All of the displays were designed to create more awareness and appreciation of our natural resources, and to encourage all of our citizens to incorporate sound conservation practices into their everyday life. The Nature Center is an important component in educating students from the Tri-State area. Over 11,000 students visit the center each year to learn about the natural and cultural resources of the area. The total cost to complete all of the interpretive displays designed for the center totals $200,000. This includes $177,000 for the displays and $23,000 for educational supplies and equipment for the center. To date, over $40,000 has been received for the interpretive displays. The response to the project has been tremendous, but we have a long way to go to realize our goal. Individual display and room sponsorships are still available and range from $350 to $20,000. General contributions can also be made towards the entire Nature Center project. All contributions will be recognized in the Friends Newsletter and at the Nature Center on special Donor Recognition Boards. GIVING LEVELS: Belted Kingfisher $5 - $99 Gray  Fox $100 - $499 Brown Trout $500 - $999 Brook Trout $1000 - $4,999 Pileated Woodpecker $5,000 - $9,999 River Otter $10,000 - $19,000 Bobcat $20,000 and up Please consider how you might participate. Gifts may be given as a one-time gift or as a multi-year pledge. Remember-- every gift is appreciated and important to achieve the goal. All gifts are tax deductible and will be recognized by the Friends and the Swiss Valley Nature Center. If you wish to assist us in these efforts, please call us at 563-556-6745. Contributions can also be sent to the Swiss Valley Nature Center, 13606 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta, IA 52068. All contributions are truly appreciated!   Tax Time This is a reminder to consider a contribution to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on line 59 of the Iowa 1040 tax form. Formerly known as the Chickadee Check-off, this fund is used to support non-game projects in Iowa. As stated on the tax form, contributions to this fund must be in whole dollar amounts and will reduce your refund or add to the amount you owe.