News : Cargill becomes first major sponsor of new Nature Center

As part of its longstanding commitment to support the communities in which it does business, Cargill has donated $50,000 to the Benton County Conservation Foundation to help fund the new Nature Center adjacent to Rodgers Park near Vinton. The Center is a retrofitted 4,000 square foot ranch home. With a mission to develop an educational facility, the Conservation Board has worked closely with school systems in the county to develop an environmentally-focused, year-round program for both students and the people of Iowa. Some of these activities will include frog and toad studies, agricultural field studies, hunter education, and kayaking. “We will use the new nature center to educate the public on topics around land stewardship, water quality and wildlife issues,” said Karen Phelps, naturalist for the Benton County Conservation Board. “We appreciate Cargill’s support in providing this donation to help bring these opportunities to people in our community.” “Environmental innovation is very important to our company and the continued success of our communities,” said Tom Stueck, controller for Cargill’s oilseed processing facility.“We believe that the nature center will provide the people of Benton County with tools and resources to better understand how we can work together to preserve and protect the environment for years to come.” Stueck, of rural Vinton, presented the check to Conservation Board member Bob Mahood. Several other Conservation Board members and Phelps were also at the Nature Center during the check presentation. Work continues, and Phelps is in the process of moving into her new office. It will be the first time, she said, that she has had a set office of her own. Conservation Director Will Heber will also have an office at the new Nature Center. The Foundation is the non-profit entity that accepts donations for the Benton County Conservation Department; the Board oversees the department's parks, facilities and employees. Julie Zimmer is one of the people organizing the Foundation's fund-raising efforts. Soon, she said, the group will announce its a chairperson who will lead fund-raising activities. Phelps said the goal is to raise $1 million to pay off the debt for the building, fund future projects and fill the building with nature displays.