We have a choice: lose the woods next to the preserve, or raise money to save them.

In 2005, a real estate development company purchased a 20-acre parcel adjacent to the Nature Preserve, with a plan to build approximately 60 homes on the property.The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation approached the developers and agreed to purchase the property for $585,000. The Foundation secured a low-interest (4.3%)  loan in 2005, paying $105K down (using unrestricted funds from the Foundation’s budget and some funds from the city’s Greenspace Acquisition Fund), leaving $480,000 in principal.

• If taken to term, interest on the loan would be $110K.  Fundraising efforts have the potential to reduce the interest by half.  
• Campaign has raised a total to date of $74,000: Greenspace Acquisition Fund ($30,000), wine and cheese fundraisers ($6,000), and private gifts, principally from neighbors of the property ($38,000).

 The property is the last large wooded area within city limits, providing one of the last natural habitats for wetlands, 250-year old native trees, animals, as well as native plants and birds.

• Such areas once dominated NW Ohio, but less than 3% of similar areas exist today. 
• The 20-acre parcel would increase the Nature Preserve by 25%.

Will you join us and add your gift to the effort? 

Click here for printable pledge form

Benefits to the Community

Brochure

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