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Springbrook Nature Center Foundation
The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (SNCF) is a non-profit 501C(3) tax exempt organization, dedicated to enhancing and serving the Springbrook Nature Center. The SNCF works collaboratively with the City of Fridley and the Nature Center Staff to advise, fund raise and do projects.
The Foundation Board of Directors (Board) is composed of adult members of the community who are passionate about preserving the natural environment and educating people, especially children, about the natural environment. The SNCF, governed by the Board, follows Bylaws and Policies it has established. The Board is a working Board who greatly enjoys the camaraderie of common passions. The Foundation has no employees. The following statements guide the Board’s work.
MISSION
The mission of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (SNCF) is to:
Provide guidance and improvements that will help fulfill the Mission of the Springbrook Nature Center.
The SNCF will strive for:
- Integrity, honesty, and excellence in all matters
- Inclusiveness of all people without regard for race, gender, sexual orientation, social-economic status, age or disability
- Great hope in the future through expressed dreams and applied innovation
- Full partnership with the SNC personnel, Fridley Parks and Recreation Department, and Fridley City Leaders
- Commitment to the SNC Mission by all SNCF members
To Make a Donation
Click on the donate button. You will be redirected to the Springbrook Foundation PayPal. By clicking on the button, please be aware you will be making a donation to the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, not Springbrook Nature Center or the City of Fridley.
Paver Recognition
If you are interested in purchasing a recognition paver, complete an interest form online or send an email with the following information to Springbrook Nature Center Manager, Tara Rogness.
Donor Name, Address, Phone #, and Email Address
Paver Size
- Small $125 5.5" x 8.25" Up to 4 lines, 14 characters per line
- Medium $225 5.5" x 11" Up to 4 lines, 20 characters per line
- Large $400 8.25" x 11" Up to 6 lines, 20 characters per line
- Tribute $1,000 13.75" x 13.75", Up to 6 lines, 20 characters per line
Payment should be mailed to or dropped off at Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432.
Events & Projects
Springbrook Spree
Springbrook’s Spree has been our big annual fundraising event. Watch for event updates.
Want to work with a creative, enthusiastic fun group of volunteers for a great cause, then join the Springbrook Spree planning team. The Springbrook Spree is a spring time casual fundraiser sponsored by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Foundation Board members team with other volunteers to organized and staff this fun event. Planning meetings begin about 6 months before the event. Call 763-572-3588 to learn how you can help. Funds earned by each Spree are dedicated to camp scholarships and various improvements to the Nature Center.
The typical Spree includes a keynote speaker, tasty buffet meal, a fun informative program, some politicians, and both live and a silent auctions – just lots of fun. The both auctions can provide excellent merchandise that may be won at bargain prices. The event is held at the Interpretive Center and there is a modest fee to attend.
Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter
Please sign up for our regular email newsletter to stay informed about Springbrook events, learn about nature, and more. We take your privacy seriously and will not sell or rent your email address. Fill out an interest form or send an email to info@springbrookfoundation.org to be included in our next mailing.
Annual Reports
Click on the document link below for a PDF of each annual report.
2021
Foundation Board
The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (SNCF) is a non-profit tax exempt organization, governed by a Board of Directors, dedicated to enhancing the Springbrook Nature Center (SNC) in Fridley, Minnesota. Board members are volunteers and receive no remuneration for their time serving on the Board. Board members are selected by the current Board to serve three-year renewable terms. The current Board members are listed. While not being a Board member, the SNC Executive Director participates in most Board meetings. We are always looking for new Board members. If you are interested in serving on the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Board, send an email to info@springbrookfoundation.org.
Committees
In order to do its work, the Foundation Board has established Committees composed of both Board members and other volunteers from the community. Generally, Committees are led by Board members and meet on an as needed basis. Meetings are often virtual or via telephone. The SNC Executive Director or designee serves as liaison to the Board and several Committees. Typical Committees are the Events, Nominations, Development, Finance, Executive, and Communications Committee.
Foundation Board Members
Gary Bank - Chair New Brighton, MN | Neal Hayford – Vice Chair Brooklyn Center, MN |
Allison Egan – Secretary Fridley, MN | Kim Tillberry –Asst Treasurer Fridley, MN |
Richard Walch – Treasurer Fridley, MN | Ryan Verhulst Blaine, MN |
Ed Meyer Vadnais Heights, MN | Ross Meisner Fridley, MN |
Nathan Obrestad Fridley, MN | Jerry Hartlaub New Brighton, MN |
OPEN | OPEN |
OPEN | OPEN |
OPEN | Tara Rogness – Manager Springbrook Nature Center Fridley, MN |
History
The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (SNCF) was founded in 1974 to help protect and improve the Springbrook Nature Center. Since founding the Board has met monthly with many citizens contributing as Board members. Perhaps the biggest accomplishment was spearheading a community wide effort to “save Springbrook” in 2003-2004. Fortunately, the Fridley citizens voted to save and modestly fund the Nature Center.
Since 1974, the SNCF has received many donations, gifts, memorials, and grants to help the Springbrook Nature Center grow and thrive. These contributions have funded many of the trails, signs, benches, equipment, programming as well as scholarships. To date (December 2017), the Foundation has participated in raising more than $5.7 million with many partners and individual donors to enable all aspects of Springbrook’s growth, operation, and management. In addition, through tireless work over many years by Board members, in 2014 the State of Minnesota awarded Springbrook a $5 million grant to design and construct all components of the SPRING Project.
Over its history the SNCF Board has worked collaboratively with state legislators, City of Fridley staff, governmental agencies and the Nature Center Staff on many significant initiatives. In addition, these same Board Members have actively volunteered and participated in many Nature Center events and programs offered each year.
Contact Us
ADDRESS:
Springbrook Nature Center Foundation
100 85th Ave. NW
Fridley, MN 55432
Phone: 763-572-3588 (Nature Center Phone)
Email Address: chair@springbrookfoundation.org
Federal Non-profit Identifying Number: 23-7401835
The Minnesota Secretary of State Identifying Number: L-298