About the Foundation

The mission of the Harris Nature Center Foundation is to provide a reliable source of funding for special projects to enhance the quality of nature appreciation and education at the Harris Nature Center.

The Harris Nature Center Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
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All donations to HNCF are tax deductible!

History

The Harris Nature Center Foundation was established by Meridian Township in 2006 to support the Harris Nature Center by raising funds for program, exhibit, and nature center building improvements. After spending some time with administrative duties, such as writing the by-laws and applying for non-profit status, the Directors turned their attention to early fundraising efforts towards enriching the nature center and introducing the Foundation to the community. 

The following details major HNC Foundation achievements and efforts:
  • 2008: Initiated its first project - the Red Cedar River Overlook 
  • 2010: Initiated the School Bus Scholarship Fund 
  • 2012: Commissioned local artist Doug DeLind to design and build the Eastern Box Turtle Sculpture
  • 2013: Contracted Viridis Design Group for architectural drawings of the future Nature Exploration Area; established an endowment fund
  • 2014: Completed Sticks and Stones feature and initial pathways and fencing of the Nature Exploration Area; designed and initiated Log Jam and Fossil Dig features
  • 2015: Completed Log Jam and Spider Web climbing structures, Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club Gathering Circle, fence and benches for the Nature Exploration Area
  • 2016: Completed Michigan Fossil Dig, including 3 interpretive signs and began the Beaver Lodge Play House
  • 2017: Started building for the Beaver Lodge--the newest Nature Exploration Area attraction
  • 2018: Received $25,000 grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation to contribute to the construction of an outdoor pavilion with viewing deck
  • 2020: Started building the Observation Deck and the Pavilion with the Brick Patio
  • 2021: Donated bench risers and rental snowshoes

Directors
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The Harris Nature Center Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors-at-large who serve for renewable three-year terms.
Directors serve as volunteers, so all donations to the Foundation go directly to projects. Directors are members of the community who are interested in supporting the Harris Nature Center and have interests, skills, or knowledge that help fulfill the Board's mission.

Annual Reports

Beginning in 2009, the Foundation President prepares an annual report for the Meridian Township Parks Commission. The annual reports are linked below:

2009       2010       2011       2012       2013       2014       2015      2016      2017    2019