1991: A change in IRS status from a private foundation to a public charity was made so that corporations and foundations could continue making taxfree
gifts.
Now: Dodge Nature Center meets all standards of the Charities Review Council, an organization that encourages greater confidence in giving and fosters public trust in charitable organizations.
1992: Olivia Dodge resigned as board president but continued to contribute to the nature center as a donor, volunteer and friend.
Now: Her philosophy remains, “We must give to our young people the realization... we are all part of one another... whatever happens... effect(s) the whole chain of nature, even us.”
1993: Collaboration with school district 197 initiated the first fullday summer camps for children.
Now: Full-day, half-day, off-site, and overnight camps are offered to children in preschool-8th grade.
1994: Accessible renovations were added to “The Museum”
classroom.
Now: The majority of the nature center’s facilities meet ADA standards.
1997: “Reaching for a Dream” capital campaign was started to raise $2M to establish a preschool and to make improvements of the facilities available for the children, families and schools in our community.
Now: The Farm Education Building was completed 2 years later. The Dodge Nature Preschool opened in 2000 and is now a national leader among preschools with nature-based curriculm. 200 children are currently enrolled.
1997: A water pumping windmill was salvaged from the Lilly Preserve, restored and erected at the Farm.
Now: A solar panel was constructed near the wetlands with plans now to include a wind turbine. DNC uses these examples to teach about clean
sustainable energy sources.
1991: A change in IRS status from a private foundation to a public charity was made so that corporations and foundations could continue making taxfree
1992: Olivia Dodge resigned as board president but continued to contribute to the nature center as a donor, volunteer and friend.
1993: Collaboration with school district 197 initiated the first fullday summer camps for children.
1994: Accessible renovations were added to “The Museum”
1997: “Reaching for a Dream” capital campaign was started to raise $2M to establish a preschool and to make improvements of the facilities available for the children, families and schools in our community.
1997: A water pumping windmill was salvaged from the Lilly Preserve, restored and erected at the Farm.