Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER MACATAWA GREENWAY
Employer identification number
38-2461102
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
293,116
595,105
488,740
570,775
1,116,402
3,064,138
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
293,116
595,105
488,740
570,775
1,116,402
3,064,138
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
694,366
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
2,369,772
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
293,116
595,105
488,740
570,775
1,116,402
3,064,138
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
3,064,138
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
116,150
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
77.340 %
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
78.670 %
16a
33 1/3% support test—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2011.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2009
(d) 2010
(e) 2011
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2011 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
16
Public support percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2011 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
18
Investment income percentage from 2010 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2011.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2011
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER MACATAWA GREENWAY
Employer identification number
38-2461102
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION
THE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER MACATAWA GREENWAY IS A NON-PROFIT OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION. THROUGH ITS PROGRAMS, DEMONSTRATION AREAS AND INTERPRETIVE EXHIBITS, THE ODCMG PROVIDES STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH UP-CLOSE VIEWS OF NATURE AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUT THE WEST MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENT. SINCE 2000, THE ORGANIZATION HAS SERVED MORE THAN 250,000 CHILDREN AND ADULTS THROUGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND RECREATION PROGRAMS. MORE THAN 70,000 PEOPLE ANNUALLY VISIT ODCMG SITES TO WALK THE TRAILS AND VIEW THE WILDLIFE. THANKS TO THE 2009 MERGER OF THE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER AND MACATAWA GREENWAY PARTNERSHIP, THE ORGANIZATION NOW PROTECTS OVER 1,200 ACRES ALONG THE MACATAWA RIVER IN OTTAWA COUNTY AND OPERATES A 136 ACRE NATURE PRESERVE IN FILLMORE TOWNSHIP.
EXPLANATION ON VOLUNTEERS AND TYPES OF SERVICES OR BENEFITS
FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6
VOLUNTEERS ARE UTILIZED IN VARIOUS ACTVITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: REPAIR AND SITE MAINTENANCE SERVICES: PAINTING, TRAIL MAINTENANCE, BUILDING DECKS AND BOARDWALKS, REMOVING INVASIVE SPECIES, TRASH REMOVAL, AND CLEANING OF SITE BUILDINGS. SEVERAL VOLUNTEERS ASSIST IN THE FOLDING AND MAILING OF PROGRAM NEWSLETTERS.
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A
ACCESS) TO THE VARIOUS ECOSYSTEMS. A HALF-MILE SENSORY TRAIL IS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE AND FEATURES INTERPRETIVE AREAS ALONG IT THAT ALLOW ALL VISITORS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITIES OR DISABILITIES, TO ENJOY AND LEARN ABOUT NATURE. LOCATED ALONG THE TRAILS ARE INTERPRETIVE SIGNS, WILDLIFE VIEWING POINTS AND OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREAS/EDUCATIONAL STATIONS. THE IMAGINATION FOREST, A NATURE PLAY AREA LOCATED NEAR THE TRAILHEAD, IS VERY POPULAR WITH YOUNG VISITORS WHO PLAY IN THE SAND BOX, ONE OF THE PLAY HOUSES, OR EXPLORE GRASSES, TREES, AND ROTTEN LOGS FOR NATURAL WONDERS. FOUNDERS HALL, THE EDUCATION BUILDING AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE PROPERTY, HOUSES WILDLIFE DISPLAYS AND SERVES AS A VISITOR'S INFORMATION CENTER AND CLASSROOM. THE FIELD STATION, A 4,000 SQ FOOT BUILDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NATURE PRESERVE, SERVES AS A RESEARCH LAB FOR LOCAL COLLEGES IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS A DISPLAY SITE FOR AN EXPANSIVE TAXIDERMY COLLECTION. THE ODC NATURE PRESERVE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND OFFERS MANY DIVERSE PROGRAMS THAT HELP FOSTER THE CONCEPTS OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND PRESERVATION. PROGRAMS INCLUDE: SNOWSHOEING, FISHING, HANDICAP SENSORY NATURE WALKS, BIRD WATCHING, ECOSYSTEM STUDIES, POND STUDIES, SUMMER CAMPS, NATURAL HISTORY AND WILDLIFE STUDIES. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE ODCMG PROVIDES ON-SITE CURRICULUM-CORRELATED PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS, AS WELL AS PRE AND POST VISIT ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOM. THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS, THE ODCMG PROVIDES AN UP-CLOSE VIEW OF NATURE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT AND BETTER APPRECIATE THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE LIVE. IN ALL OF ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THE ODCMG'S INQUIRY-BASED STYLE OF PROGRAMMING ALLOWS STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT AND EXPERIENCE NATURE AND CULTURE IN A HANDS-ON MANNER. IN A PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER, A WIND TURBINE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE ODC NATURE PRESERVE SITE WHICH NOW PROVIDES A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE CENTER'S POWER NEEDS. IT ALSO OFFERS VISITORS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY ABOUT A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE. A SOLAR POWERED OUTDOOR LIGHT PROVIDES SECURITY LIGHTING NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO THE EDUCATION BUILDING AND DEMONSTRATES ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE ENERGY USE WHILE SERVING AS A TEACHING TOOL. KEYSTONE PROGRAMS FOR THE ODCMG INCLUDE: NATURE SCHOOL, LIVE BIRDS OF PREY, NATIVE AMERICAN LIFEWAYS, CONNECTING CHILDREN AND NATURE, AND RIVER ENCOUNTERS. NATURE SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE MORE POPULAR PROGRAMS OFFERED WHERE PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN ARE INTRODUCED TO THE NATURAL WORLD THROUGH SONGS, GAMES, ACTIVITIES, AND AMPLE OUTDOOR EXPLORATION. LIVE BIRDS OF PREY IS AN EXTENSIVE, AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS WHICH FEATURES LIVE RAPTORS IN A SPECIALLY BUILT EDUCATION FACILITY. THE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE NESHNABE SUMMER VILLEGE IS A RECONSTRUCTED MICHIGAN NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE THAT IS USED TO FACILITATE NATIVE AMERICAN LIFEWAYS PROGRAMS THAT ARE LINKED TO THE MICHIGAN EDUCATION CURRICULUM STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS. CONNECTION CHILDREN AND NATURE PROGRAMS ADDRESS THE ISSUES OF DECREASED OUTDOOR ACTIVITY, LIVING OF A LESS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, AND INCREASED TIME IN FRONT OF VARIOUS ELECTRONIC MEDIA BY CHILDREN AND ADULTS. THE GOAL OF THIS SPECIAL TRACK OF PROGRAMS IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GO OUTDOORS, APPRECIATE THE NATURAL WORLD, ENJOY NATURE, AND TO DEVELOP A LIFESTYLE THAT INCLUDES OUTDOOR ACTIVITY. RIVER ENCOUNTERS ARE PADDLING TRIPS ALONG THE MACATAWA RIVER IN THE HOLLAND AND ZEELAND AREA WHICH HELP TO EDUCATION PEOPLE ABOUT THE RIVER, MACATAWA WATERSHED AND THE PLANTS AND ANIMALS THAT CAN BE FOUND THERE.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION
FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B
THREATS TO THE LAKE THAT ARISE FROM THE CONTINUED POPULATION GROWTH AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE WATERSHED. THE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE MACATAWA WATERSHED IS IDENTIFIED AS EXCESS SEDIMENT ENTERING THE LAKE AND THE ATTACHED NUTRIENTS (PHOSPHATES) THAT ACCOMPANY THE SEDIMENT. THIS IS THE MAIN REASON FOR THE EUTROPHIC STATE (WATER RICH IN NUTRIENTS) OF LAKE MACATAWA, WHICH IS MANIFESTED BY VISUALLY UNAPPEALING BROWN WATER, NUISANCE ALGAL BLOOMS EVERY SUMMER, POOR FISH POPULATIONS, AND FISH KILLS EACH SPRING. AN EMERGING THREAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE MICROBIAL POPULATIONS OF E.COLI THAT HAVE BEEN DETECTED SEASONALLY BY THE OTTAWA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THIS CONTAMINATION HAS BEEN PRESENT HISTORICALLY AT INTERMITTENT LEVELS, BUT THE LAST FEW SUMMER MONITORING SEASONS HAVE SEEN LARGE INCREASES IN BOTH POPULATION LEVELS AND DISTRIBUTION OF E.COLI, AND THIS HAS LED TO UNPRECENDENTED NUMBERS OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNINGS AND BEACH CLOSURES ON LAKE MACATAWA. IN RESPONSE, A COORDINATED RESEARCH EFFORT TO ADDRESS EACH OF THE PROBLEMS HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B
A DRAFT COPY OF THE FORM 990 WAS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. AFTER SAID REVIEW, THE BOARD APPROVED THE FORM FOR SUBMISSION.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C
ALL BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF SIGN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY STATEMENT ANNUALLY.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A
THE SALARY OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS DETERMINED ANNUALLY BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ELEMENTS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE USE OF COMPARABLE COMPENSATION FOR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SAID INDIVIDUAL.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR OFFICERS
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B
THERE ARE NO EMPLOYEES WHO FIT WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF "KEY EMPLOYEE."
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION
FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19
READILY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.