2020 Impact Report

Due to Covid-19, we pivoted our outreach and education operations to focus on outdoor activities and smaller groups. Out of an abundance of caution, we closed our office twice and canceled events April 2020 onwards. Conversely, we saw a large up-tick in pedestrian traffic on our trails.

Trail Visitors

In 2020, our trail system welcomed 29,105 visitors who enjoyed the natural beauty and tranquility of our 49-acre property with over a mile of crushed granite trail.

Youth & Family Seminars

We offered 17 Youth & Family seminars, engaging 160 participants in educational and interactive experiences, tailored to small groups to maintain safety during the pandemic.

Partnership with Grand Companion’s Animal Shelter

A new partnership with Grand Companion’s Animal Shelter was established, in which participants could hike on our trails with dogs available for adoption, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the well-being of both humans and animals.

Events Canceled Due to Covid-19

In response to the pandemic, we were forced to cancel 65 events, impacting 1,998 potential participants. However, we remained committed to our mission and adapted our outreach strategies to prioritize the health and safety of our community.

Outreach Programs

We conducted 30 presentations across 7 schools, reaching 671 participants. These programs maintained our connection with local students and educators, while adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols.

Sibley Nature Center Podcast

In mid-2020, we launched the Sibley Nature Center Podcast to stay in touch with our followers and provide educational content during the pandemic. The podcast became an innovative way to share our knowledge and passion for the natural world with a wider audience.

Museum Redesign

During the closure, we utilized the opportunity to redesign the floorspace in our museum, adding new exhibits to enhance the visitor experience once we reopened.

Volunteer Hours

Despite the challenges of 2020, our dedicated volunteers contributed 835.25 hours of their time and expertise to support our mission, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to our cause.

As we reflect on the resilience and adaptability demonstrated throughout 2020, we are immensely grateful for the ongoing support from our community. We remain committed to our mission of fostering understanding and appreciation of the nature and history of our region, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities and facing challenges together in 2021.