The Seven Ponds Capital Campaign

Four decades ago, Seven Ponds Nature Center was created to provide a special setting for anyone seeking an understanding and appreciation of nature. We started in 1967 with 100 acres, a small building, a single staff person, dozens of volunteers, and a few programs. Over the years, more than a half million people, representing four generations, have participated in the center's programs. Several hundred thousand school children have walked our trails. All have been enriched by the experience.

Today, the nature center has 468 acres, an Interpretive Building, 10 staff members, hundreds of volunteers, and a busy, year-round schedule featuring programs for all ages and interests. The number of programs offered and the number of people served by the nature center has increased dramatically in the last forty years. The number of children served has gone from 2,000 in 1967, to approximately 12,000 today. Also, many more people live near the nature center now, and thus casual visitation has increased. We have grown so much, in fact, that we cannot accommodate everyone in the community who wants to experience the wonders of exploring life in a pond, learn about a tallgrass prairie from a trained naturalist, or watch wild turkeys at a bird feeder from close range. We have run out of room.

Our present facilities are not adequate for the number and variety of activities taking place at the nature center. The 35-year old building is well-used, and has been operating above capacity for years. Parents and teachers attending with school groups frequently have to stand at the back of the room, or even in the gift shop or adjacent hallway during programs. Activities often spill over into the library, back room, basement, or front porch. When programs are in session, visitors are unable to obtain information, view the exhibits, enjoy watching birds at the observation windows, or visit the gift shop. On days when several activities are scheduled, cars and buses must be parked on the lawn, in the field, and in our neighbor's driveway.

Today, Seven Ponds' role as a nature sanctuary, environmental education center, and peaceful retreat is as important as ever. You can help the nature center expand and improve its facilities with a contribution to the Seven Ponds Nature Center Capital Campaign Fund. Help provide a pathway to the natural world so that more people can enjoy the wonderful opportunities provided by the nature center.

If you would like to contribute to this project, please call the center at 810-796-3200 to receive an information packet explaining in detail the Capital Campaign Fund drive.

Campaign News

Lapeer County Community Foundation Provides Capital Campaign Grant

Seven Ponds was very pleased to receive a grant for $50,000.00 from the Lapeer County Community Fund of the Lapeer County Community Foundation to help fund the building addition, building renovation, and site improvements in the center's Capital Project. The Lapeer County Community Foundation provides grants that enhance the quality of life in Lapeer County. The Foundation manages endowments totaling almost $8 million in 45 funds for a variety of charitable purposes, including projects at Seven Ponds.

The Four County Community Foundation recently awarded a grant for $25,000.00 to support the Capital Campaign. The Foundation is celebrating its twentieth anniversary of service to the corners of Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. It is making a difference in the lives of people in Almont, Armada, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City, Lake Orion, Metamora, Oxford, and Romeo/Washington. The Foundation's original endowment was created from the sale of the Community Hospital on Van Dyke for $2.5 million. Since that time the endowment has grown to over $10.5 million. To date, they have funded 3,332 grants totaling $4,912,871, including a variety of grants to Seven Ponds Nature Center.

Campaign and Co-chair Nancy Murray featured in Oxford Leader article: Second Front - Addison woman leads nature center's campaign

Capital Campaign progress report
We have seen a tremendous response to the Capital Campaign over the past three months. Since early June, when we mailed the campaign brochure to our members and announced the campaign to the general public, we have received approximately $150,000 in gifts and pledges. Total funds pledged toward our campaign goal of $1.8 million now stand at $1.375 million. The campaign continues to make excellent progress and we are pleased to see so many members and others contribute toward this important project.

With over $400,000 still needed to reach our goal, however, we have our work cut out for us. The center's Capital Campaign Committee continues to explore funding sources and fundraising activities. As with all fundraising efforts at Seven Ponds, support from our membership is essential. We hope every Seven Ponds member will make a pledge to the campaign. We want to see your name on the growing Honor Roll of supporters for the building project. If you have misplaced the campaign brochure and pledge materials you were sent in the mail, please contact us so that we can send you replacements.