Apply to be a Board Member

Do you have a passion to serve, promote, support the development, programming and operation of the Nature Center?

FRIENDS OF Pioneers Park Nature Center BOARD MEMBER DESCRIPTION

Term: Three years, expiring at the January/February Annual Meeting. Can be reelected for a second term, but shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Meetings: Meetings for 2024 are scheduled on the following dates:

• Saturday January 27, 9:00 AM – Annual Meeting & Quick Board Meeting
• February 21, 6:30-8:00 PM
• March 20, 6:30-8:00 PM
• April 17, 6:30-8:00 PM
• May 30, All Day – Give to Lincoln Day
• June 19, 6:30-8:00 PM
• July 17, 6:30-8:00 PM
• August 21, 6:30-8:00 PM
• September 8 – Bites, Bikes & Bison (Not a board meeting but our annual major event, so save the date!)
• September 18, 6:30-8:00 PM
• October 23, 6:30-8:00 PM
• November 20, 6:30-8:00 PM

Additionally, board members also serve on a committee which may meet on different dates or times. As a board member you can expect to spend at least 5 hours a month average participating in events, meetings or planning.

Duties: Board members are required to:

• Become educated about the needs of the Nature Center
• Attend scheduled meetings
• Use your particular talent/expertise/interest to help on this Board
• Be informed of the Nature Center’s master plan
• Contribute annually by becoming a paid member of the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center
• Promote and advocate for the the Nature Center cultivate potential supporters and donors.
• Enjoy nature! Visit the Nature Center seasonally.

Dan Payzant is the Recreation Coordinator. He and the Nature Center Coordinator are both are board liaisons and attend all meetings.

Past and recent projects of the Board include:

• Purchasing new bison to increase the size of the herd at the Nature Center.
• Contributing funds toward replacing and upgrading the Prairie Building deck.
• Replacing Nature Center benches.
• Contributing funds toward purchasing 228 acres
• Contributing funds each year for staff to attend conferences
• Raising $10,000 for Lincoln schools to participate in Nature Center field trips
• Fun activities for Friends Members such as family hayrack rides, helping with the special Wild Adventures and Wild Fall Festival events, beer tasting and committee meetings at a coffee shop

Goals this year include funding new trail directional signage and to continue to cover a portion of the costs of school hikes for more than 7,000 children. We raise these funds through memberships and events such as Bites, Bikes & Bison.

Online Application

Applications will be reviewed by our Nominating Committee and those best meeting our current needs will be forwarded to the Annual Meeting for approval. Other applicants will be kept on file in the event any vacancies occur during the upcoming year.