On behalf of the Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society, thank you for being a Friend! Your support helps us continue to facilitate interactive experiences and memorable moments at our Nature Centre.

Our organization exists: to provide environmental education programs and special projects; for enhancement of the resources of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre; and to foster the importance of nature in our community.

As we continue to grow as an organization, we are grateful for the support of members like you who show their leadership and commitment through a contribution. Whether it is sharing your time and expertise, purchasing Friends merchandise, attending an upcoming program, encouraging support from the community, or making a charitable donation.

In 2018 we accomplished a lot! We are proud to report the success of our grant writing and fundraising:

• $1,000 raised to find a new snake to work with the staff and volunteers at the Nature Centre as part of the Live-Teaching-Partner program;

• $3,300 raised through greeting card sales, Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley documentary DVD sales, donations, contributions, and event revenues;

• $5,000 granted by Alberta ECO-Trust Foundation in support of community engagement in river valley conservation projects like Coulee Clean-Up, Shoreline Clean-Up, and Invasive Weed Pulls; and,

• $93,000 granted by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Trout Unlimited Oldman River Chapter, and the City of Lethbridge’s Community Capital Program Grant in support of the Outdoor Learning Classroom & Amphitheatre project – this will replace aging infrastructure at the Nature Centre, refreshing the space to improve accessibility, capacity, comfort, and functionality – you can learn more at naturecentre.ca/classroom.

We are also proud to report that 2018 was an active year of programming:

• Partnered with Alberta Wilderness Association for the Lethbridge screening of “Our Public Lands: A Treasure to Protect” to emphasize the importance of wild natural areas;

• Hosted a Coulee Clean-Up to continue stewarding an area between Popson Park and Cottonwood Park;

• Hosted two Travel Adventures presentations, showcasing “New Zealand Contrasts” with Joanna Fraser and the “Marvelous Monarch Migration in Mexico” with Joan & Mark Wierzba;

• Presented 5 “Wildlife of the Oldman River Valley” documentary screenings with local filmmaker and wildlife photographer Rick Andrews – showcasing the local beauty of Lethbridge; and,

• Delivered 7 “Snake Safety” presentations in Lethbridge and at Writing on Stone Provincial Park, thanks to the Nature Centre volunteer Ken Moore, in an effort to help our community feel safe in snake country while understanding the important role snakes play in our ecosystem.

Please consider making a donation to help us continue our work in our community. Online donations are accepted at NatureCentre.ca/donate – while there you can learn how ATB will match 15% of every dollar donated to Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre Society! Help us support and grow the fantastic programming of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

We look forward to seeing you at the Nature Centre for an upcoming Travel Adventure:

• “Discover the Edge of the World – Haida Gwaii”
  with Deb & Ken Kellett, Tuesday January 22 at 2pm

• “Cape to Cape, 52 days at sea on Europa”
  with John Nightingale, Friday February 8 at 2pm

• “Sea Wolves of British Columbia”
  with Rick Andrews, Friday March 8 at 2pm

• “Botswana Safari”
  with Joanna Fraser, Friday April 26 at 2pm

Thank you for your support!