Thoughts on Beanblossom Bottoms
Over the years, many wonderful families, businesses, and foundations have supported land acquisition and stewardship at Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. The 1,574 acres we care for in the conservation area would not be protected forever without the support of these people.
From the 200+ people who made gifts of any size to the Bicentennial Nature Trust challenge grant in 2015-16, to major donors whose $1 million gifts helped purchase hundreds of acres, we’re grateful for the generosity of every person. Here are comments from just a few of these people.
Sam Shine, Sam Shine Foundation
“As I have watched the over-development and fragmentation of our rural landscape it becomes more important than ever to preserve natural areas like Beanblossom. Once gone they can’t be brought back. I am proud to have had a hand in helping Sycamore saving Bleanblossom.”
Monica Kindraka Jensen, Ropchan Foundation
“The Ropchan Foundation is committed to helping the state’s environmental organizations protect, restore, and expand our all too fragile natural landscape, so that those who choose might marvel in its wonders. Beanblossom Creek Conservation Area is exactly the sort of natural treasure—an undeveloped mix of wetland and woodland with rare and endangered species living there—that needs to be preserved for future generations. Congratulations to Sycamore Land Trust, in concert with foundations such as the Ropchan Foundation, for orchestrating this major nature preserve.”
Mike and Bev Baker, former board member (Mike) and conservation easement holder
“Our family has lived near Sycamore’s Beanblossom Bottoms since many years before its inception. We have seen firsthand the increased wildlife, especially bird species, with spectacular migrations of sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and so many ducks! We’ve hiked the boardwalk in every season including our favorite spring night with a full moon to listen to the spring peeper frogs and experience the nighttime sounds all around.
“Bald eagles are now common, and the experience of hiking through different terrain from mash to deep woods reveals all kinds of different plants, sounds, and experiences.
“There is no better place to go to experience a unique piece of land in Monroe County and see land preservation at its best.”
Jim DeCoursey, donor and former board member
“Protecting any piece of land is a good thing. Protecting hundreds of acres of contiguous land is extraordinary — creating diverse habitat and its own little ecosystem. Wild things need diversity to thrive, food, water, nesting, escape, pollination. Wild things don’t ask for much other than diversity of habitat, a peaceful place for them to live — a place where they can be Wild, Magnificent, and Free. At more than 1,500 acres, Beanblossom Bottoms provides such a place.”
Loren Wood, Loren Wood Builders
“Even when conditions are bad [working on the boardwalk], being outside is beautiful. If you look at this project from the opportunity to work in a beautiful natural environment you can look past the uncomfortable aspects. Every time I drive out there, I’m excited about what I’m going to see and hear.”
