(Okoboji)– Fundraising for the Nature Playscape project at the Dickinson County Nature Center is getting a major boost. Amy Heibult, Community Relations Coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board tells KUOO news they’ve been awarded an $80,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP Grant…
“We were awarded third out of 12 projects that are going to be funded by the program this year. This funding will be used toward our Nature Playscape Program with experiences inside of the whole feature. So educational features, features that will help with cognitive and sensory development, mental health, social growth and nature-based connection. This program really helps statewide in encouraging educational experiences with their natural resources.”
She says the grant award brings them to more than half way of meeting their fundraising goal…
“We’re waiting to hear back on a few other grants, so fundraising has been really good. We also want to extend a huge thank you to REAP and also other partners and those who have given in any capacity towards the project thus far as we still continue to fundraise. If you want to be a part of making it come to life, folks can donate online at dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/donate. You can also stop in at the Nature Center and drop your gift off there or you can mail it to the Nature Center’s address at 22785 Nature Center Road, Okoboji.”
Donations are tax deductible through the Dickinson County Conservation Foundation. On somewhat of a related note, Heibult says they’ll be hosting the annual REAP Assembly meeting coming up in July…
“We’ll be meeting on July 23rd at 1:00 pm at Maser Monarch Lodge just across from the Nature Center. It’s a great time to ask questions and connect with others and see some of the locally funded projects in the region.”
Regarding the Playscape project, Heibult says depending upon fundraising, they’re still planning to start construction this coming fall.
