Leonardo Academy Launches KickStarter Project to Restore Prairie
(3BL Media) Madison, WI - August 6, 2012 - Leonardo Academy announced the launching of a KickStarter.com project, an online threshold pledge system for funding projects, to restore a prairie and create a pictorial history of this prairie restoration project at the Valley Ridge Preserve. The Valley Ridge Preserve is a 145-acre parcel located in the Driftless Region (non-glaciated) of southwestern Wisconsin, near Richland Center. This project will create a pictorial history of the establishment of prairie on four acres of former farm field over a four-year period, including the planting, growth and flowering of a prairie.
Leonardo Academy President Michael Arny said, “We only get the pledged funds if we reach or exceed our funding target, so we are counting on people to make pledges to support the project and receive project pledge rewards. So please visit the KickStarter web site to see the pledge rewards, make a pledge and to ask your friends to make a pledge as well.”
Barbara McCabe, PhD, Sustainability and Emissions Services Manager, Leonardo Academy, added, “The Valley Ridge Preserve is a very special place. We are excited about establishing the prairie and sharing the process with our supporters. Leonardo Academy is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability and searching for creative ways to fund this project led us to KickStarter. Additional support beyond our goal will enable us to plant more acres of prairie and/or plant a greater number of species. We are looking forward to the opportunity to plant this prairie and share to its story.”
Before European settlers arrived in the 1800’s, the ridges and valleys of this preserve were covered with a mix of prairie, oak savannah and sugar maple and elm woods. Now only .5 percent of the prairie is left. The Valley Ridge Preserve was permanently protected from development in 2003 by a conservation easement through the Driftless Area Land Conservancy.
To participate in this project and let others know about it, visit: http://www.KickStarter.com/projects/leonardoacademy/preserving-a-prairie-in-pictures?ref=email
About Leonardo Academy
Mission Statement
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone.
We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
Programs and Services
Leonardo Academy works on a broad range of sustainability issues and provides comprehensive sustainability programs and services to help companies, organizations, families and individuals implement sustainability. Our programs and services include: organizational sustainability assessments and implementation; emissions footprints, reduction strategies and offsets; event emissions footprints, sustainability assessments and implementation; sustainable event certification through our Cleaner and Greener® Program; LEED® assessments, implementation and certification application preparation; sustainable land management; sustainability training; and sustainability standards development.
Join Our Work
Individuals, organizations and companies are invited to join in Leonardo Academy’s work on advancing sustainability. One important way to join in our work is by making a charitable donation to support these efforts. Online donations can be made at: www.leonardoacademy.org.
For More Information about Leonardo Academy
Web: www.leonardoacademy.org
Phone: 608-280-0255
Email: info@leonardoacademy.org
