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North America's Prairie Wetland Region Nature stages her
seasonal drama for all to see across the rolling landscape at the heart of North
America.
Here people, wildlife and the land interact in a rich
annual saga… bold, riveting, graceful.
Here visitors will soon experience firsthand an ecosystem
both timeless and in urgent need of broader understanding: the great resource of
North America's prairie wetlands.
Harmony between agriculture and wildlife will be the focus
of the North America Prairie Wetlands Interpretive Center, to be constructed
near Interstate 94, South of Medina, N.D., in the heart of North America's
prairie wetlands.
Now individuals and organizations from all walks of life
are joining forces to build the Center and support programming that tells the
region's fascinating and complex story.
Exhibits and programs being developed for the North
American Prairie Wetlands Interpretive Center will share one of the continent's
most absorbing stories. They will tell of generations of farmers and ranchers
who have built their lives and prospered on this land, creating a productive
agricultural region of global significance. They will introduce visitors to the
native plants and wildlife that flourish here, in the vast prairie
wetlands.
Amidst well-tended fields and pastures, North America's
great migratory flocks stage and renew themselves. One of the world's largest
breeding colonies of white pelicans nest each summer at the Chase Lake National
Wildlife Refuge, surrounded by countless other waterfowl.
With your help and contributions, the Center will
encourage both educational and public debate - research on wetlands and all the
ways in which they enrich and preserve the circle of life.
People will come with curiosity and questions … and
carry away a clearer, more complete understanding of the region's people,
economy and wetland resources.
A Priceless Natural Resource
Themes of the North American Prairie Interpretive Center include:
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Prairie wetlands have unique hydrological,
physical and chemical characteristics. |
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Prairie wetlands and the plants and animals that
live there have significant biological and ecological values. |
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Prairie wetlands are an integral part of earth
systems (land, air, water, and sunlight). |
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Prairie wetlands have economic value to land
owners and the public (agriculture, recreation and tourism, and
wildlife). |
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Prairie wetlands exist within a variety of social
and economic contexts (agricultural, rural and urban). |
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Prairie wetlands are part of North America's rich
historical and cultural heritage. |
A Variety of Exhibits and
Resources The Center will tell its stories through a variety of exhibits and
resources:
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Permanent and traveling exhibits. |
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Interactive high-tech displays and models. |
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Art, photographs, and sculpture. |
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Research and reference collections. |
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Formal and informal education workshops and
lectures. |
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Theater. |
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Hands-on science and technology experiments |
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Meeting rooms Outdoors on the site. |
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Guided and self-guided interpretive walks and
programs. |
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Special events, festivals and ceremonies in other
locations. |
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Guided and self guided tours to agricultural and
wetlands/wildlife demonstration sites located near the Center and the Chase
Lake National Wildlife Refuge. |
The North American Prairie
Wetlands Interpretive Center will…
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Introduce learners of all ages to the unique
resource of prairie wetlands. |
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Provide information on the relationships between
private landowners, wetlands and wildlife. |
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Help visitors understand the challenges and
opportunities facing agriculture in the prairie wetlands region. |
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Showcase land and water management practices that
promote economically viable options for managing, restoring and protecting
wetlands. |
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Highlight the scientific state-of-the-art
technologies used in production agriculture, wildlife and wetlands
management, and ecosystem protection. |
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Provide schools with a living laboratory for
hands-on learning. |
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Explore historical perspectives of wetlands in
relation to the settlement and development of the region, such as
transportation, energy and agriculture. |
Celebrate North Dakota's -and the entire prairie wetlands region's-rich
cultural and natural heritage.
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Ways for
you to get involved!
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People and groups can
participate in construction of the North American Prairie Wetlands
Interpretive Center by contributing to these programs: |
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General
Contributions/Unrestricted Donations
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The easiest way to support the
Center is by direct contribution. Complete the enclosed card, and return it
to the Foundation with your donation and/or your pledge. |
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Grants
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The Chase Lake Foundation is
seeking public and private support for the Center's construction through
applications for grants from public and private foundations, individuals,
agencies, businesses and organizations. |
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If your family or group is
interested in playing a part in this exciting project, please contact the
Chase Lake Foundation Development Office. · |
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Naming Opportunities
Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can be honored and
recognized through the naming of various components that they fund. |
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Please contact the Development
Office for more information on these possibilities. |
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Pennies for Pelicans
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Youth and Community Involvement
Everyone can play a part in building the Center through his or her
contributions - one penny at a time. The Foundation's Pennies for Pelicans
bank canisters will be available for distribution by people and groups
throughout the prairie wetlands region in July 1998. |
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After Phase One (construction)
fund-raising has been completed, additional efforts will be launched to
underwrite remaining projects at the Center. · |
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Natural Heritage Pathway and
Plaza |
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The Paver Program is your
opportunity to honor or memorialize friends, loved ones, businesses and
organizations. |
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Engraved granite pavers will
line the outdoor pathway and plaza. |
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Four categories are
planned: |
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Unrestricted gifts
(construction, dedication monument, sculptures, lighting, flagpoles) |
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Individual/family pavers
$250 |
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Nonprofit Organization pavers
$2,500 |
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Business/Corporate pavers
$5,000 |
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Artifacts, Art, Sculpture,
Photographs and Significant Documents |
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A list of materials needed to
complete the Center's resources will be available after the construction
phase has been completed. · |
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Vehicles and Equipment |
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The Chase Lake Foundation will
welcome contributions for its vehicle and equipment needs. |
Meeting the Center's Long-Term Needs ·
North American Prairie Wetlands Interpretive Center Endowment
The long-term development, operations and maintenance of the Center are the
Chase Lake Foundation's priority. The Foundation will raise a minimum of $3
million for investment as an endowed fund, with earnings earmarked for the
Center's operating costs.
For more information on the many ways in which you can join the campaign,
call, write, or e-mail Chase Lake Foundation Development Office P.O. Box xxxxxx
Medina, N.D. 58467 Telephone (701) 486-XXXX Fax (701)-486 XXXX Email CLF@chaselakefoundation.com |
