This past year was filled with unprecedented events, that for many of us resulted in loss, additional stress, and kept us wondering when the next shoe was going to drop. But through it all, you found the time and energy to be there for FPC and for Forest Park.
We know that your commitment and connection to Forest Park is stronger than ever before. There are no words to express our gratitude and we are humbled by your generosity and unwavering support.
As we welcome the new year where uncertainty still lingers, one thing is very certain; your support and commitment as donors, volunteers, and partners will allow us to do more work in Forest Park this year than ever before.
From trail maintenance to restoring native habitat to increasing capacity in our educational Discovery Hikes Programs, you made it possible.
When our staff was unable to safely host our regular group volunteer events due to the pandemic, we designed individual volunteer programs to help us get the necessary work done to keep Forest Park’s trails safe and maintained. So many of you signed up to help. In fact, three times as many volunteers participated in our virtual trainings to become Forest Park Volunteer Ambassadors and Rapid Responders than in any year prior.
And, when we set a goal to increase individual donations by 20% during our fall campaign to help meet the increasing needs of the park, again you were there for us. Not only did we meet our goal, but surpassed it and increased individual support by 33%, and gained 126 new members!
Because of your support and dedication, we are feeling motivated and ready to accomplish our goals together in Forest Park and the community in the coming year. We promise to provide more creative opportunities to engage and keep you informed on all things Forest Park. We plan to share more stories of our impact and successes that you are making possible.
You are the true heart and soul of the Forest Park Conservancy and everything we stand for. You are the force that keeps us grounded in our mission and the energy and support that will allow us to keep growing.
My deepest gratitude,
Renée Myers, Executive Director
In 2021 the Forest Park Conservancy plans to:
- Restore 150 acres of habitat in Forest Park and save 4,000 trees from tree ivy.
- Increase the number of trail miles repaired by 20% to reduce environmental impacts, increase user safety, and enhance overall user experience.
- Increase individual volunteer opportunities to help accomplish critical trail and restoration work during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, through virtual workshops and trainings that give volunteers the required technical knowledge and expertise.
- Expand FPC’s Volunteer Ambassador Program to a year-round program to amplify messaging around responsible recreation and stewardship of Forest Park.
- Increase efforts towards a more diverse and inclusive organization and ensure FPC programs are inclusive, accessible, and provide culturally relevant opportunities for diverse communities to engage with the park.
- Build organizational capacity focused on increased philanthropic giving to meet the growing needs of Forest Park.