The Wetlands Initiative 2014 Annual Report

TWI at 20 We both have kids in their early twenties. Happily, leading the Wetlands Initiative is easier than parenting, but there are some similarities. TWI has really come into its own at 20, having made that sometimes bumpy transition to young adulthood. For many years after its founding in 1994, TWI was a scrappy start-up led by its visionary co-founders, Donald Hey and Al Pyott. These smart, driven, entrepreneurial conservationists made a name for the organization and attracted a small but generous cadre of donors who shared their commitment to wetland restoration. To thrive long-term, though, any sort of enterprise must figure out how to shift from a start-up operation to a mature organization. This is Our Mission never an easy transition and, in the case of a non-profit like the Wetlands The Wetlands Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to Initiative, a strong board of directors is essential to the process. restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to improve water quality, Surveying 2014, it’s clear that TWI is making its way in today’s more increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and reduce flood damage. collaborative and interconnected world of conservation. Our board-led project review committee is exploring a range of new opportunities and partnerships that can move the field of ecological restoration forward, and not simply replicate TWI’s past successes. Our staff ecologists and environmental engineer are increasingly engaged with their peers TWI at 20 We both have kids in their early twenties. Happily, leading the Wetlands through project work, conferences, and other Initiative is easier than parenting, but there are some similarities. activities. And more people are discovering TWI has really come into its own at 20, having made that sometimes the value of wetlands and choosing to support bumpy transition to young adulthood. For many years after its founding in TWI’s work. In fact, a full 27% more individuals 1994, TWI was a scrappy start-up led by its visionary co-founders, Donald donated to the Wetlands Initiative in 2014 Hey and Al Pyott. These smart, driven, entrepreneurial conservationists than the year before—and you may well be made a name for the organization and attracted a small but generous one of them! cadre of donors who shared their commitment to wetland restoration. Like all parents of twenty-somethings, the To thrive long-term, though, any sort of enterprise must figure out two of us know TWI still has more maturing how to shift from a start-up operation to a mature organization. This is to do in the coming years. But we’re proud from left to right: never an easy transition and, in the case of a non-profit like the Wetlands when we look at where the organization is now, and we know the TWI’s Dixon Refuge site Initiative, a strong board of directors is essential to the process. foundation is solid. We hope you’ll read further in this annual report: manager, Rick Seibert; executive director, Surveying 2014, it’s clear that TWI is making its way in today’s more It will tell you more about how TWI started in 1994, what TWI’s doing Paul Botts; co-founder collaborative and interconnected world of conservation. Our board-led now, and where we hope TWI will be in another 20 years. Al Pyott; and board project review committee is exploring a range of new opportunities and chairman, Steve Ryan. Here’s to TWI’s future. We hope you’ll be part of it with us. partnerships that can move the field of ecological restoration forward, and not simply replicate TWI’s past successes. Our staff ecologists Steve Ryan Paul Botts and environmental engineer are increasingly engaged with their peers Chairman of the Board Executive Director

1 Why wetlands? Wetlands are more varied than most people know. There are marshes, wet meadows, wet prairies, swamps, bogs, fens, seeps, and more. And they don’t exist in isolation but as part of a mosaic of habitats that together comprise a healthy ecosystem. That’s why TWI—despite the name— restores wetlands and their associated habitats. Wetlands are also varied in the “services” they provide for society and the environment. Besides sustaining a huge number of plant and animal species, they can improve water quality; reduce erosion and flood damage; and even moderate the effects of climate change. Not to 1994: A conservation start-up mention they’re often beautiful places for people Twenty years ago the Wetlands Initiative was to hike, paddle, birdwatch, and otherwise enjoy incorporated, and its board of directors met for the outdoors. the first time on February 8, 1995, in Chicago’s Looked at from the perspective of what they Monadnock Building. do, the value of wetlands becomes quite tangible Everyone in the room that day was there and quantifiable—as does the high cost of having because they shared the belief of TWI co-founders lost so many over the past 200 years. Donald Hey and Al Pyott that wetlands are a The big questions critical, yet undervalued part of the environment. Much of that first board meeting was dedicated And with so much of the wetland landscape to the prosaic business of getting a non-profit already lost in the Midwest, they all knew that organization off the ground—bylaws, budgets, TWI’s mission would need to be one of restoration and the like—but the minutes note a “lengthy to make a real difference, not simply preservation discussion” among board members about how to of remnants. turn their vision into reality. It’s easy to imagine

2 Why wetlands? Wetlands are more varied than most people know. their questions were the same ones that propel What role can TWI play in the larger There are marshes, wet meadows, wet prairies, the board’s lively discussions today: scientific field of restoration ecology? swamps, bogs, fens, seeps, and more. And they Since we’ll never be able to restore all Twenty years on the Wetlands Initiative has don’t exist in isolation but as part of a mosaic the wetlands that have been lost, which accomplished a lot but never stopped asking of habitats that together comprise a healthy projects will make the most difference? the big questions. Occasionally, though, we’ve ecosystem. That’s why TWI—despite the name— Is there a way to promote more restoration taken a break to enjoy the restoration view. And restores wetlands and their associated habitats. by harnessing the economic value of what a view it is. Wetlands are also varied in the “services” wetland services? they provide for society and the environment. Besides sustaining a huge number of plant and animal species, they can improve water quality; TWI’s longest-running project reduce erosion and flood damage; and even Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Joliet, Illinois, is the restoration project where moderate the effects of climate change. Not to TWI has been involved longest—much to people’s surprise. Since 1997 we’ve partnered mention they’re often beautiful places for people with the U.S. Forest Service to restore native ecosystems there. to hike, paddle, birdwatch, and otherwise enjoy Once a major U.S. Army arsenal, Midewin is a restoration in progress, with work the outdoors. so far focused on creating a vast natural corridor on the west side of the Looked at from the perspective of what they 20,000-acre site. do, the value of wetlands becomes quite tangible Because there’s so much industrial infrastructure at Midewin, and quantifiable—as does the high cost of having restoration of each parcel usually begins with demolition. In 2014, the lost so many over the past 200 years. National Forest Foundation continued removing munitions bunkers on the South Prairie Creek Outwash Plain, with TWI following close behind The big questions to clear invasive species and sow native seed. Much of that first board meeting was dedicated In 2014, TWI also planted 100,000 native seedlings in Lobelia Meadows, where there’s globally rare dolomitic prairie and wetlands. to the prosaic business of getting a non-profit The dolomite bedrock close to the surface alters the soil chemistry so organization off the ground—bylaws, budgets, that very specialized plant communities grow there, including northern and the like—but the minutes note a “lengthy bedstraw, marbleseed, and federally endangered leafy prairie-clover. discussion” among board members about how to turn their vision into reality. It’s easy to imagine

3 2014: Expansion A change in plans TWI had never intended to manage the Dixon Refuge The Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at in perpetuity, but by 2014 we’d realized it’s the Hennepin & Hopper Lakes in north-central Illinois heart of the organization: a vivid demonstration of is TWI’s best-known project. The return of almost the potential for high-quality ecological restoration 3,000 acres of farmland to its original mix of on a landscape scale plus our learning laboratory backwater lakes, prairies, and wetlands began from which we can take tested techniques to in 2001. As one of only 37 sites in the United other heavily altered sites. States to be designated a Wetland of International Having decided to keep the Refuge, we made Importance under the global Ramsar Convention, its continued development a focus in 2014. We it’s in very good company with Everglades National kicked off the Oak Ridge Trail and Restoration Park and the San Francisco Bay and Estuary. Project, which will open the interior of the preserve to the public for the first time and more than double the trail system. We began planning to reopen the lakes to public fishing after formal surveys confirmed the success of our battle against the common carp. And the year ended with a bang: acquisition of a long-desired parcel along the Refuge’s southeastern border. Experts in demand While settling in for the long term at the Dixon Refuge, we’ve been expanding our collaborations with others throughout the region: in DuPage County with the Forest Preserve District to design the Spring Brook restoration, now under way; in Chicago with the Park District to plan work at two key Lake Calumet sites; and in the Middle Illinois

4 A change in plans TWI had never intended to manage the Dixon Refuge River Valley as part of a consortium to identify a in perpetuity, but by 2014 we’d realized it’s the significant restoration site for us to tackle together. Hennepin 26 heart of the organization: a vivid demonstration of No longer an opportunistic, “lone wolf” start- the potential for high-quality ecological restoration up, TWI has matured into a strategic, collaborative Dixon Refuge on a landscape scale plus our learning laboratory institution guided by a growing board of directors. from which we can take tested techniques to With an identity rooted in the successes of the other heavily altered sites. Dixon Refuge, we’re confident in our knowledge Having decided to keep the Refuge, we made and skills as we branch out into the wider its continued development a focus in 2014. We conservation world. Hennepin Lake kicked off the Oak Ridge Trail and Restoration Project, which will open the interior of the

Hopper Lake preserve to the public for the first time and more TWI’s latest fixer-upper than double the trail system. We began planning The Dixon Waterfowl Refuge got a bit bigger in December Dore to reopen the lakes to public fishing after formal 2014. Located along the Refuge’s southeastern border, Seep surveys confirmed the success of our battle the new addition will add even more habitat types to New Tract against the common carp. And the year ended this already-diverse site, but there’s much work to do with a bang: acquisition of a long-desired parcel on the 283 acres. Illinois River along the Refuge’s southeastern border. With a wooded ravine and intermittent stream running through it, the tract will be restored to a mix Experts in demand of upland habitats. The prairie, savanna, and woodland While settling in for the long term at the Dixon system will include several habitats that are now globally rare, including oak savanna and sand/dry Refuge, we’ve been expanding our collaborations prairie. It will also buffer and protect the Refuge’s Dore Seep—a large example of a rare with others throughout the region: in DuPage type of wetland found along the base of slopes where groundwater emerges. County with the Forest Preserve District to design Eventually there will be trails through the new tract, as well as a scenic overlook atop the Spring Brook restoration, now under way; in the bluff face, all part of a larger plan to increase public access to this internationally Chicago with the Park District to plan work at two recognized nature preserve. key Lake Calumet sites; and in the Middle Illinois

5 Good conservation practice Illinois is the #1 contributor of the nutrient pollution that fuels the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily from agricultural runoff. But with recent high-profile events like Toledo’s drinking-water crisis in the summer of 2014, people throughout the Midwest are realizing that nutrient pollution can cause serious water-quality problems much closer to home. There’s now strong interest in workable solutions, particularly among agricultural groups. The Big Bureau Creek landowners who’ll be installing the first TWI-designed wetlands on their farms in 2015 and 2016 are doing it because it’s 2034: A market for wetlands good for the environment, and they’re hoping some of their peers will be inspired to install their What will the Illinois River Watershed be like own, especially since TWI’s model doesn’t take 20 years from now? If TWI has its way, it will large amounts of prime farmland out of production. have many more acres in wetlands, but we won’t That’s the most immediate goal of the project: necessarily be doing all that restoring ourselves. demonstrating a new conservation practice that TWI has always thought that the best way makes sense in the working Farm Belt. to promote restoration on a really large scale is to leverage the ecosystem services wetlands Smart economic sense provide and create an economic incentive for Meanwhile, with pressure growing to reduce their restoration. This market-based approach is nutrient pollution, including the possibility that a goal of our project in the Big Bureau Creek local governments will have to meet new Watershed, where we’re partnering with farmers standards, these “in-line” wetlands could be to demonstrate just how efficiently small, precisely central to a water-quality trading market. Wetlands placed wetlands on agricultural land reduce are one of the most cost-effective methods for nutrient pollution before it enters local waterways.

6 Good conservation practice Illinois is the #1 contributor of the nutrient pollution reducing nutrient pollution, particularly compared The basic theory here isn’t a new one: There’s that fuels the notorious “dead zone” in the Gulf to building or upgrading a water-treatment facility. a successful credit trading market that has helped of Mexico, primarily from agricultural runoff. But If municipalities must lower nutrient levels in reduce acid-rain emissions, for example. How with recent high-profile events like Toledo’s rivers and streams, their most affordable option great, though, that a water-quality trading market drinking-water crisis in the summer of 2014, could be buying credits from farmers upstream could incorporate green infrastructure as well as people throughout the Midwest are realizing that who have installed nutrient-removing wetlands. make it profitable for farmers to “grow wetlands.” nutrient pollution can cause serious water-quality problems much closer to home. There’s now strong interest in workable farm-based solutions, How exactly do wetlands remove nutrients? particularly among agricultural groups. Though wetlands are often described as “nature’s kidneys,” what they The Big Bureau Creek landowners who’ll be do is actually more complex than just filtering out nutrients. Wetlands installing the first TWI-designed wetlands on their remove them through a combination of physical, chemical, and biological farms in 2015 and 2016 are doing it because it’s processes—all of them naturally occurring. good for the environment, and they’re hoping The main removal processes for nitrogen and phosphorus are some of their peers will be inspired to install their different, but both nutrients are used by wetland biota (plants, algae, own, especially since TWI’s model doesn’t take and bacteria). We’ll be planting a range of native vegetation in our farm-based wetlands to help fuel the nutrient-removal process and— large amounts of prime farmland out of production. with biodiversity in mind—we’ll plant milkweed in the buffer areas to That’s the most immediate goal of the project: support monarch butterflies. demonstrating a new conservation practice that TWI’s wetlands are designed to remove primarily nitrogen, but some makes sense in the working Farm Belt. phosphorus as well. Through a research partnership with Dr. Karl Rockne of the University of Illinois at Chicago, we’ll be using automated water Smart economic sense sampling equipment to gather data on various forms of nitrogen and Meanwhile, with pressure growing to reduce phosphorus in the demonstration wetlands, which will help us enhance nutrient pollution, including the possibility that the design to achieve maximum nutrient removal. local governments will have to meet new standards, these “in-line” wetlands could be central to a water-quality trading market. Wetlands are one of the most cost-effective methods for

7 A few of the places you may have seen TWI in 2014

January June September Eagle Weekend at Corporate Volunteer Day at Midewin National Public Lands Day at Starved Rock State Park National Tallgrass Prairie Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

March Village of Hennepin October Betterment Association Meeting Chicago Wilderness Climate Change Presentation to the DuPage Task Force Strategic Planning Birding Club July May Oak Ridge Project Kick-off Mississippi River Network Celebration at the Dixon Refuge Annual Meeting Illinois Audubon Women’s Retreat at the Dixon Refuge Annual Conference of the Soil and Water Conservation St. James Farm Field Day Society in DuPage County Prairie Rivers Network Partners Des Plaines River SWAT Meeting (Sustainable Watershed Action Team) Meeting August Spotlight on Naperville Local TV Program

8 Statement of Activities 2014 2013 2014 Revenue Breakdown* Revenue Program grants $1,653,933 $392,751 Contributions 476,295 386,864 Program fees 29,207 37,057 Miscellaneous income 55,191 85,832 $2,214,626 $902,504 Net assets released from restriction 550,457 427,474 Total revenue $2,765,083 $1,329,978 Individuals 50% Expenses Program $1,231,336 $1,139,140 Administration 153,204 122,615 Fundraising 125,694 139,297 Total expenses $1,510,234 $1,401,052 Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets $1,254,849 $(71,074) Foundations 38% Temporarily Restricted Net Assets Corporations 5% Levee campaign $13,979 $27,408 Government and other 7% Program grants 2,601,275 271,323 Net assets released from restriction (550,457) (427,474) * Excludes funding for land acquisition; includes funding for Increase (decrease) in temporarily restricted net assets $2,064,797 $(128,743) regular operating and project activities. Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets $3,319,646 $(199,817) Net Assets at Beginning of Year 2,638,451 2,838,268 2014 Expense Breakdown* Net Assets at End of Year $5,958,097 $2,638,451 Statement of Financial Position 2014 2013 Assets Cash, cash equivalents, and investments $490,897 $643,869 Grants receivable 424,186 155,862 Accounts receivable/pledges receivable 2,405,218 543,107 Long-term notes receivable 897,416 897,416 Land held for resale 511,949 — Prepaid expenses 16,050 14,941 Land and leasehold improvements 2,547,365 1,452,873 Equipment 192,069 189,541 Less—accumulated depreciation (280,084) (248,091) Total assets $7,205,066 $3,649,518 Program 82%

Liabilities and Net Assets Administration 10% Accounts payable $66,022 $67,817 Fundraising Notes payable 1,132,333 899,932 8% Accrued expenses 38,781 34,985 * Excludes cost of land acquired; includes costs of regular operating Deferred revenue 9,833 8,333 and project activities. Unrestricted funds 3,104,323 1,849,474 Temporarily restricted funds 2,853,774 788,977 Total liabilities and net assets $7,205,066 $3,649,518

9 Donors $1,000,000 and above $50,000 to $99,999 Caroline and Peter Weck Charitable Trust The Hinrichs Foundation Mr. and Mrs. K. Blair Nagel Illinois Clean Energy Oberweiler Foundation Repenning Suzanne and Carl Yudell Pamela and Roger Hull Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Community Foundation Marion S. Searle Tom and Anne Rodhouse Michael B. Zeddies, Jr. David R. Hultgren and Nebenzahl U.S. Fish and Wildlife Steve and Ann Ryan Christy Schisler John and Alexandra Nichols $500,000 to $999,999 $1,000 to $4,999 Service, North American William Blair & Company Illinois Department of John P. Plante Grand Victoria Foundation The Allyn Foundation, Inc. Wetlands Conservation Foundation Natural Resources, John Raffensperger and $100,000 to $499,999 Act (NAWCA) William and Sally Barnard Wildlife Preservation Fund $5,000 to $9,999 Susan Luck National Forest Foundation Steve and Ann Bartram Jocarno Fund $25,000 to $49,999 Peter Barrett Doug and June Reimer Anonymous (1) Paul Botts and The Negaunee Foundation Michael Kelly Richards Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Heather McCowen Anonymous (1) Chandler James LaDuke Thomas Richie and Boyle Family Fund Mr. and Mrs. William Lake Forest Bank & Trust Diane Pascal $10,000 to $24,999 Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden Dooley Company/A Wintrust Doris D. Roskin Bruce and Patty Becker Maury Brucker and Community Bank Dynegy Hennepin Richard and Deborah Mrs. Molly Becker Emiko Yang Power Station The Lawlor Foundation Schroeder Christopher and Susan Christopher B. Burke EarthShare LeFort-Martin Family Sally Searle Burke Engineering, Ltd. Donor-Advised Fund of Wendy Freyer and John and Susan Sentell Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Bob and Chie Curley The DuPage Community Greg Beihl Sheffield Foundation Chandler Lawrence R. Desideri Foundation Hamill Family Foundation John B. Slater George Covington David and Lidia Devonshire The Loewenthal Fund Chris and Becky Hurley M. Jay Trees Dr. Scholl Foundation Thomas E. Dore, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. David Mabie Marquis Energy, LLC Dick and Liz Uihlein The DuPage Community Drive Current, Inc. MacFund Foundation Foundation Withrow W. Meeker The Abra Wilkin Fund Ecolab Foundation Mackie Consultants, LLC A barred owl surveys the Dixon Refuge. North American Power Full Circle Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Mark Maffei Winnetka Garden Club and Gas Services, LLC Samuel and Beatrice Ellis John K. Greene Elisabeth C. Meeker Wozencraft Charitable Fund Henry Safford Peacock Donald and Elizabeth Christopher and Shawn Foundation Gardner Morgan Stanley Smith $500 to $999 Kerns Barney Charlie and Jackie Pick Steve and Peggy Goulding Associated Colleges New Belgium Brewing Harold M. and Adeline S. of Illinois Company The Siragusa Foundation Allen and Carolyn Grosboll Morrison Family Sheila and Bob Berner Albert E. and Elizabeth Richard and Marietta Toft Hall Family Fund Foundation Lee Botts Pyott Karen and Jim Truettner Heller Foundation, Inc. Matthew Mueller Robert Bradner Clark and Joan Wagner Mary P. Hines

10 Mary and Chip Brennan Henry Pope Foundation Kathryn J. Dickman Marie and David Hopkins Cicely and Bob Michalak Ken Peterson Bridgeport Coffee Company Patricia and Richard H. DuPage Birding Club John Hutchins John and Nonie Morris Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey R. The Burghardt Family Schnadig Marcia S. and W. Dow Anthony and Amy Jones David and Christine Ramsay Charitable Fund Dick Schoenberger Edgerton Terry and Barbara Judd Murdoch Mark Richman Marilyn Fern Campbell Trust Stephen and Rebecca Laura Ferrell and Thomas E. Keim Margaret and Bernard Karl Rockne Schuster Grant Riedesel Namovic Carroll Family Foundation Susan S. Langan John Rogner and Sue Elston Charles H. & Beverly E. John B. Gardner Frances P. O’Connell Caterpillar Foundation Mautz Family Foundation Gary M. Ropski Shaw Foundation Richard Ginsburg Jane and Charles Pak David and Liz Chandler John McCrosky and Jeff Smith and Susan Kaley Bong and Jessica Shinn Clearwater Paper Mr. and Mrs. James J. Deborah Walens Missy and Roger Pascal Douglas and Francie Stotz Michael and Barbara Glasser William Cox Simpson Pete and Alice Cruikshank David St. Pierre Arthur DuBois Margaret and Mark Stephan Special thanks: Adding to the Dixon Refuge Dean Fischer Dr. and Mrs. Harry C. Stone In December of 2014, TWI purchased from Vulcan Lands, Inc., a 417-acre Karen and Bob Fisher Susman and Asher parcel adjacent to the southeastern border of the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge Rick and Tracy Fox Foundation at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes. The acquisition would not have been possible Cindy and Mark Fuller Laura and David Urban without grants from Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, Grand Mrs. Charles C. Haffner III Richard H. Vlerick Victoria Foundation, and Oberweiler Foundation, and a bridge loan from Ted and Mirja Haffner Mrs. Henry D. Wheeler The Conservation Fund. Illinois Audubon Society Stanford K. Williams All the funders were not only generous in their support but speedy Judy Istock $250 to $499 in reviewing the grant proposals, allowing TWI to take advantage of Ned Jannotta Brian and Alison Attar the unexpected opportunity to add to the internationally recognized John and Jenny Kinsella Randy and Lorraine Barba nature preserve. Mary E. Lane Thomas and Dorothy TWI has since sold the southernmost 134 acres of the new parcel Jack and Lynn Loacker Borders subject to a permanent conservation easement. Funds from the resale Brent and Cathy Manning Ann S. Carton were used to pay off the bridge loan and are helping to cover initial costs for restoration Mr. and Mrs. David F. Charles F. Custer Myers, Jr. of the 283 acres being added to the Refuge, nicknamed Hickory Hollow by TWI staff Robert Jensen Dau because of the wooded ravine and intermittent stream running through it. North Central Bank Charitable Family Trust

11 Donors (continued) The Thorson Foundation $100 to $249 Paul Benjamin William and Mary Breen Cotton and Diane Fite Richard and Elaine Tinberg AmazonSmile George and Martha Jack and Mel Brown The Freyer Family Mr. and Mrs. C. Bradley Tips Don Axt Bermingham Denise and David Bunning Foundation John E. Titus and Bill and Ann Baker Frank Blair John Burke and Dr. R. Galliani Cynthia J. Krendl Jim Ballowe and Patricia and Gregory Bluhm Vicky Sroczynski Anne Gardner Waste Management Ruth Ganchiff Galen Bodenhausen Suellen Burns and David and Pamela Goles Stanley Yates James and Mei Yen Bee Darcy R. Bonner Weston Morris Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Bill and Nancy Yurek James W. Behnke Alan Botts Michael S. Campbell Gorman Jerry and Jody Zamirowski Cal Beisswanger Melvin Boule Peter R. Carney Bruce and Sue Gottschall Clarks Fork Foundation Nan and Wally Greenough Mr. and Mrs. John A. Peter and Chris Greulich Special thanks: Clemetsen John Gschwind Summer celebration at the Dixon Refuge Nancy K. Colbentson Rudolf Habben Mr. and Mrs. William A. On July 26, 2014, TWI officially kicked off the Oak Ridge Trail and Restoration Meyer and Raena Crane Hammerman Foundation Project at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes with a Nancy and Dewey Crawford Jim Hampson party. Kids and adults of all ages spent the day canoeing, going on guided Linda and Michael Davis Hennepin Betterment nature walks, and doing a “wild things” scavenger hunt. Four and Twenty Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Association Cafe from nearby Princeton prepared a farm-fresh dinner under a tent by the lakeshore, Dew III Bob and Alice Henry while a fiddle band played into the evening. Byram Dickes Devin Hogan Gaylord & Dorothy Craig Holderness The day was made possible by a generous group of supporters: Donnelley Foundation Lyle and Sally Honnold • Marquis Energy, LLC • Uline Scott and Celia Drane Stephen A. House • Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. • North Central Bank A. M. Dyrek Steve Howard and • Mackie Consultants, LLC • Dynegy Hennepin Power Station Paul Earle and Ellen Rudnick Kathy Look Rebecca Eisel • Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company/ • Hennepin Betterment Association Samuel and Celia Hunt Mrs. Mildred Eisenstadt A Wintrust Community Bank Robert T. Isham Jr. Michael and Kathy Elliott Robert Judd You can be sure we’ll have another celebration when the Oak Ridge Project is completed! Nancy Emrich Peter J. Kane

12 Colleen Karr Stephen Packard Annette Stillerman John Baker Drs. David Freedman and Ruby Jung and Thomas Karras Mr. and Mrs. John S. Palmer Jean Stremmel Derek and Kerry Benedyk Audrey Stillerman Stephen Alvin George Karzas Jerry Paulson Harold Sudakoff Marilyn Bodine Glenn Gabanski Ann Kaizerman Connie and Dennis Keller Arthur Pearson George W. Vieth Beth Botts Deb Gaither Jon Kartman Greg H. Kenney Michael Pehanich Phil and Tracy Voth Glen and Darlene Brin Helen Galliani Roger Keding Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kirby Paul and Carole Perona Mr. and Mrs. Frederick G. Barbara E. Brown Jim Genden and Justin Kerr Alma Koppedraijer Robert W. Krebs Mario Piombo Wacker III Jennifer Browning Walter Kielar Ralph and Kathy Gensini Linda M. Kurtz Tom and Bunny Power Clark D. and Andrea Denise Burr Beth and Joe Klein Wagner Christine Golden George Kurylak Juliet K. Priebe Alan and Margie Busic Jeffrey Klocek Suzanne L. Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gunn Rick Ladenburger John and Betsey Puth Andrew and Beth Bussan Pete Kodat and Ana Koval Bernard Weisman Dale and Amy Hamilton Richard and Peggy Lami Harry Richter Robert and Pamela Byrne Karen Korienek Kurt Weissenborn Mary C. Hartwick John K. Lane Mark and Kay Riley Mrs. Robert Adams Carr Glen R. Wherfel Lisa Haskin Ronald H. Leopold Chris and Kathy Rintz Margaret Clay Agnes Wojnarski James and Norma Haug Vera Leopold and Bernard G. Roer Tom and Sarah Conrad Mr. and Mrs. Alain Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Heinrich David Miller Dana and Sue Rose Jim and Madison Considine Wood-Prince John L. Henning Maggie and Tom Lovaas Mrs. Roberta H. Rubin Erin Cox Wrigley Company Gregory Maze and Nancy Rob Hilsabeck and Bill Schult Foundation Arthur Diers Chadbourne Maze Lora Deckert Harold O. Schulz Chester and Diane Zarnicki Joe Dolcini Laurel and Henry Maze Susan Himmelfarb Gene and Paula Seibert Anonymous (4) Kathleen Doruff-Butler John and Cindy McKee Pamela Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Sarah Dugan James M. Miller Under $100 Natalie Holden Sheffield, Jr. R. Yvette Duncan Greg and Rose Alberts James and Wanda Sarah J. Miller Mr. and Mrs. William A. Audrey and Robert Echales Hollensteiner Diana and David Moore Shiel Andrew Aldrich Dr. Marlene Eisen Judith and Michael Horsley Luigi H. Mumford Eleanor and William Shunas Melanie Anderson TWI’s summer 2014 restoration crew at Midewin, Marcela Fanning Luanne O. Hurst led by our project manager Trevor Edmonson. Earl and Jeanne Naue John and Ann Snyder Craig Arbet Christine Favilla Martyn and Kim Hyman Nitin Navale Marshall Sorkin and Karen Asa Stephen Fluett Susan Irion Nancy Nazarian Joanne Kalnitz John and Kirsten Augspols Sara C. Foster Mary and Tim Nelson Robert E. Spitzer Kim Ogden Avrutik

13 Donors (continued) Larry D. Kukielski Robert Minto Brad B. Suster In-Kind Gifts Diana and David Moore In honor of Charlie Pick Joann H. Lee Nancy Mores Cathy and Thomas Taylor Auditorium Theatre Mr. and Mrs. K. Blair Nagel Greg H. Kenney Judith I. Linquist Amy Mosely Paul N. Taylor The Field Museum Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth In honor of John Allan Leigh Maca Bob and Patti Myers Elaine M. Tejcek Goodman Theatre Nebenzahl Raffensperger, M.D. Susan Malkowski Daniel R. Needham Gilbert and Diane Tonozzi Justin Kerr Mr. and Mrs. Shelby E. L. Harry Richter Pruett Cele Malvin Christopher Overstreet Mike Underhill Loews Hotels In honor of Marion Searle Douglas Seaman, Jr. John and Diane Marlin Anna Nessy Perlberg William and Cassie Wagner Orvis Sally Searle Marion S. Searle Roberta Mattick Kurt and Joan Peterson Lou Wasilewski Patagonia Chicago In honor of Annie Stone Mr. and Mrs. Frederick G. Diane Meiborg Mr. and Mrs. Shelby E. L. Bill Watson Magnificent Mile Wacker III R. Yvette Duncan Byron and Laura Menides Pruett John Watson Suzanne L. Wagner In honor of In honor of Gary Sullivan Martha Meyer and Mike Quine Paul West Tribute Gifts Karen and Bob Fisher Richard and Peggy Lami Rick Kinnebrew Nancy Reichen Dennis and Kathy Wiggins In honor of Paul Botts Jon Kartman In honor of Gary Sullivan Jim and Bonnie Miller Mary Rice Nancy Emrich Cathleen Wolff and Michelle Cordrey Rick and Joanne Miller Herbert and Shirley Roskin In memory of H. Ross Workman In honor of Benjamin Cox M. “Doc” Hall John E. Titus and Sima H. Miller Christine A. Rotondi Virginia Woulfe-Beile Christopher Overstreet Thomas Karras Cynthia J. Krendl Douglas Seaman, Jr. William Yacktman In honor of Sue Dixon In memory of In honor of TWI’s Nicole Semplinski and Anthony J. Zoia Jack and Lynn Loacker Frank and Ona Kelly 20th anniversary Kevin Bullock Steven Zwicker Sally Searle Christopher and Shawn The Abra Wilkin Fund Heather Shaffer Anonymous (2) Kerns In honor of Clark L. Wagner Robert and Janet Smith In memory of Wes Dixon James and Wanda Matching Gifts Peter Barrett In memory of Tony and Peter and Cindy Smyser Hollensteiner Caterpillar Foundation Darcy R. Bonner Martha Kuchan Franklin M. Spalding Christine A. Rotondi Gaylord & Dorothy Denise and David Bunning In honor of Carl Yudell Alex L. Spiegel Paul Earle and Ellen Rudnick Donnelley Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. In memory of Mike Love Mike Staffeldt Morgan Stanley Smith Dew III Missy and Roger Pascal John B. Gardner Elizabeth Stegner Barney Robert T. Isham Jr. Thomas Richie and Margaret and Bernard David and Dale Steinberg Namovic Wrigley Company Robert W. Krebs Diane Pascal Kevin Sullivan Foundation An eastern garter snake blends well amid the Mary Sullivan dried vegetation.

14 Wetland Superheroes Campaign In support of the Dixon Refuge and the Big Bureau Creek Watershed Project Greg and Rose Alberts Devin Hogan Kevin Sullivan All donations to the Andrew Aldrich Susan Irion Mary Sullivan Wetland Superheroes Campaign Melanie Anderson Anthony and Amy Jones Clark D. and Andrea Wagner were generously matched by Marquis Energy, LLC. John Baker Beth and Joe Klein Suzanne L. Wagner Lee Botts Pete Kodat and Ana Koval Bill Watson All donations by DuPage Birding Club members to the Jennifer Browning Linda M. Kurtz Virginia Woulfe-Beile campaign were generously matched Alan and Margie Busic Ronald H. Leopold Steven Zwicker by Karen and Bob Fisher. Kathleen Doruff-Butler Vera Leopold and Marcia S. and W. Dow David Miller Edgerton Susan Malkowski Dr. Marlene Eisen Diane Meiborg Marcela Fanning Martha Meyer and Christine Favilla Rick Kinnebrew Karen and Bob Fisher Rick and Joanne Miller Cotton and Diane Fite Michael Pehanich Stephen Fluett Charlie and Jackie Pick Glenn Gabanski Tom and Anne Rodhouse Deb Gaither John and Susan Sentell Ralph and Kathy Gensini Heather Shaffer Christine Golden Jeff Smith and Susan Kaley TWI’s 2014 e-campaign featured Water Woman Lisa Haskin Robert E. Spitzer and Biodiversity Man promoting wetland The real-life Water Woman and Biodiversity Man, Elizabeth Stegner “superpowers.” TWI environmental engineer Dr. Jill Kostel and ecologist Dr. Gary Sullivan.

15 TWI Board of Directors TWI Staff TWI 2014 Seasonal (as of December 31, 2014) (as of December 31, 2014) Restoration Technicians Steven M. Ryan Mark D. Maffei, Ph.D. Paul Botts Jim Monchak Nathan Bogner Chairman Brent Manning Executive Director Senior GIS Analyst Joseph R. Brehm Edward K. Chandler Charles T. Pick Mark Bogner Sue Rose Christina L. Campagnola Co-Vice Chairman Assistant Site Manager, Finance & Operations Albert E. Pyott Emma K. Christopher Christopher Kerns Dixon Waterfowl Refuge Manager Caroline Repenning Erin Cox Co-Vice Chairman Marcia S. Edgerton Rick Seibert Thomas I. Rodhouse Heidi Goetsch Carl R. Yudell Administrative Assistant Site Manager, Secretary & Treasurer John W. Sentell Trevor D. Edmonson Dixon Waterfowl Refuge Monica J. Komorowski Bruce M. Becker Douglas F. Stotz, Ph.D. Restoration Specialist/ Gary Sullivan, Ph.D. Kathleen M. Lech Midewin Project Manager Senior Restoration Ecologist Paul Botts (ex officio) Richard P. Toft Mark C. Messer Jill A. Kostel, Ph.D. Suzanne L. Wagner Christopher B. Burke, Ph.D. Michael B. Zeddies, Jr. Navdeep Pandher Senior Environmental Director of Development George M. Covington Engineer & Communications Christina N. Paton Emeritus Nicholas Rolando William F. Dooley Vera Leopold Wendy Freyer Paul F. (Pete) Cruikshank, Jr. Development Associate/ Shelby Ruettiger Allen D. Grosboll Richard T. Schroeder Grants Manager Gina Seibert Becky Bair Hurley Clark L. Wagner

16 AnnualAnnual ReportReport CreditsCredits DesignDesign Lisa Lisa Haskin Haskin PrintingPrinting Yorke Yorke Printe Printe Shoppe Shoppe TextText Suzanne Suzanne L. L. Wagner/TWI Wagner/TWI Photography/IllustrationsPhotography/Illustrations Dreamstime:Dreamstime: cover cover (eggs) (eggs) • • Colleen Colleen Edmonson: Edmonson: page page 13 13 •• Trevor Trevor Edmonson/TWI: Edmonson/TWI: page page 3 3 • • Lisa Lisa Haskin: Haskin: page page 15 15 (cartoon)(cartoon) • • Jill Jill Kostel/TWI: Kostel/TWI: pages pages 2, 2, 8 8 (top (top middle, middle, bottom bottom left)left) • • Vera Vera Leopold/TWI: Leopold/TWI: page page 15 15 (left) (left) • • David David Miller: Miller: pagespages 8 8 (top (top right, right, bottom bottom right), right), 9 9 (top), (top), 12 12 • • Jim Jim Monchak/TWI:Monchak/TWI: page page 5 5 (map) (map) • • Charlie Charlie Pick: Pick: page page 18 18 •• Izabella Izabella Redlinski/TWI: Redlinski/TWI: pages pages 9 9 (bottom), (bottom), 14, 14, 17 17 •• Gary Gary Sullivan/TWI: Sullivan/TWI: cover cover (all (all but but eggs); eggs); inside inside front front cover; cover; pagespages 1, 1, 4, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8 8 (top (top left), left), 10, 10, 11 11 CopyrightCopyright © © 2015 2015 by by the the Wetlands Wetlands Initiative Initiative

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