MASON CITY – The Lime Creek Nature Center recently received financial gifts from Cargill’s local office and corporate headquarters.
The first gift was received from Cargill Kitchen Solutions in Mason City. Each year employees pick a non-profit that they would like to donate to; then make individual donations and present the resulting amount to the chosen organization. This year Cargill chose Lime Creek Nature Center for their non-profit gift; and recently presented them a check of $3121.55.
Organizations that receive local grants may apply to Cargill corporate headquarters for a grant of 1.5 times the local amount, which the nature center did successfully, receiving another $4,600 from Cargill’s corporate headquarters. The combined grants provided a financial gift of $7721.55 to Lime Creek Nature Center from Cargill.
According to Conservation Education Manager Todd Von Ehwegen, the nature center plans to fund some exciting projects with the gift from Cargill.
“Our first priority will be to establish a series of “Smart Trails” at the Lime Creek Conservation Area,” Von Ehwegen said. “Smart trails use quick response (QR) codes that can be read by a reader on a mobile device. The trail user stops at a post with a QR code, scans it, and can then see pictures, videos, and explanations on their smart phone that interpret the natural resources of the area.”
Von Ehwegen said other possible projects include a county-wide “Nature Safari” treasure hunt, new nature center displays, exciting guest speakers and programs, and educational materials.
“We are very excited to get these projects initiated and put these generous gifts to work to provide more unique and engaging conservation education activities for area citizens,” said Mike Webb, Director of the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board. “We are extremely grateful to Cargill for their very generous support of Lime Creek Nature Center.”
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