Caledonia Conservancy 2020 Volunteer Awards
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
The Caledonia Conservancy began in 1993 because of seven neighbors who had strong ties with local landowners, who allowed use of their land for horseback riding, and were searching for a way to save their equestrian trails from destruction by development. Now, a quarter of a century later, the Conservancy has grown into an accredited land trust preserving nearly 300 acres of greenspace within Caledonia, which includes both hiking and equestrian trails.
How was this done? One word. VOLUNTEERS.
Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours (and dollars) to the mission of the Caledonia Conservancy. And we are grateful.
A formal “thank you”
The Caledonia Conservancy annual awards program is a formal and public way for us to recognize the businesses and individuals who standout in their contributions to the Conservancy. Nominations are made by individuals or committees of the Caledonia Conservancy. All are then reviewed by the Board of Directors and final selections are made based on the criteria of each award category:
Outstanding Business Sponsor – A business that is active in the Caledonia Conservancy, promoting, encouraging and collaborating with the Conservancy. A business that encourages company employees to work together for the mutual benefit of both organizations; have a measurable impact through sustained volunteer involvement by sharing time, talent and resources.
Outstanding Volunteer – A person who has shown great dedication to the Caledonia Conservancy and its mission. Someone who volunteers in many or all aspects of the CC operation, programming and/or services of the Caledonia Conservancy.
Outstanding Supporter – This award may go to an individual that supports the organization through time, talent or monetary donations whether funds or in-kind. A person or business that has contributed to the success of the Caledonia Conservancy and its event / programs throughout the year.
Thank you to ALL Caledonia Conservancy volunteers – past, present and future – and congratulations to the 2020 Caledonia Conservancy Award Winners!
(Photos credited to Roy Bohn)
Trademark Graphics – Julie and Chris Becker – Outstanding Business Sponsor
The Conservancy has been blessed over the years with so many wonderful Supporters. This year, we are recognizing Julie and Chris Becker, who own Trademark Graphics.
It was through a walk in the Gordon section of Tabor Woods that Sandy DeWalt bumped into Julie and Chris. If you know Sandy, you know a conversation ensued. Turned out that the Becker’s lived near this particular Conservancy walking trail.
The Becker’s, as owners of Trademark Graphics offered to create any sign or banner that the Conservancy would need to support public engagement, events, and safety. The year was 2007. Since then, signs and banners have appeared as needed. Their staff graphic artist, Ariel has done such an outstanding job. For things like our business sponsors and the Mane Event, we are able to utilize the banners over and over. Sadly, the Becker’s have sold the sign and banner portion of their business, yet they made sure the Conservancy had digital copies of all the work they have done for us.
Thank you, Julie and Chris, for quiet, yet critical support over the past 14 years that has enabled the Caledonia Conservancy to achieve its Mission.
Marcia Wensing -- Outstanding Volunteer Award
Marcia is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and has shared that expertise with the Conservancy in so many ways and over so many years. Her knowledge and teaching skills have enabled other volunteers to fight the good fight against plant invasives, restore degraded areas on our properties like at the Neighborhood Central Walk property. She has helped the Conservancy acquire grants that resulted in improvements on several properties.
This past year, Marcia took on the huge task of designing a plan for the Tollaksen Memorial planting at King’s Corner. This project was done to honor Terry Tollaksen who was a part of the Caledonia Conservancy from its beginning. Marcia’s work encompassed the selection of over 100 trees, shrubs, and bushes native to Wisconsin. As this project landscape section of King’s Corner matures, everyone from the smallest child to mature adults can not only learn more about Wisconsin native plants, they will have a beautiful place to enjoy Nature.
Chad Ishman -- Outstanding Supporter Award
Sometimes when we think of the word, Supporter, we think in terms of financial support. Yes, that is one type of supporter, yet equally important are those who support the Caledonia Conservancy with a commitment of their time, equipment, and talent.
Chad Ishman happens to live adjacent to the Short Road Trailhead portion of one of our parcels of land that is a walking, hiking and picnic area. Over the last few years, he has quietly and consistently made access to the trail better, improved the usage of our resource shed and helped us take care of the trail area for the benefit of everyone. His donation of gravel for the parking lot was a huge improvement for everyone using the trail.
He mows in the summer, plows in the winter, steps in to help when there are tree issues, donating not just his time, but his equipment and expertise.
Just this past year when an enormous Ash tree went down, he helped with the removal of the tree and later coordinated the chipping of all the small branches. If you’ve ever had to have tree work done, you know just how much of a monetary savings this was to the Conservancy.
Here is what Chad said about why he enjoys and supports the work of the Conservancy, “After a few short conversations with Sandy DeWalt, and meeting other members like Joe Weinzatl, I learned that everyone in your organization believes that working alongside of people, neighbors, and the community builds stronger relationships and bonds that makes our community a better place. I figured if you are going to keep a beautiful place like the Short Road Trailhead in my backyard, then who better to help with the upkeep, so others can enjoy it as well. “