Form990
Click to see attachment
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)

MediumBullet The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
A For the 2012 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2012 , 2012, and ending 12-31-2012
BCheck if applicable:
CName of organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Doing Business As
 
 
Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
400 S BADOUR RD
 
Room/suite
City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4
MIDLAND, MI48640
D Employer identification number

38-1859315
E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 7,696,097
F Name and address of principal officer:
MARC SNYDER
400 S BADOUR RD
MIDLAND,MI48640
I
Tax-exempt status: (   ) LeftBullet (insert no.) or
J
Website:MediumBullet
WWW.CHIPPEWANATURECENTER.ORG
H(a)
Is this a group return for
affiliates?
H(b)
Are all affiliates included?
If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)
H(c)
Group exemption number MediumBullet  
K Form of organization:
 
L Year of formation: 1966
M State of legal domicile: MI
Part I
Summary
Activities & Governance 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO FACILITATE THE ENJOYMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AS RELEVANT TO THE SAGINAW VALLEY, TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TO FOSTER RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
2 Check this box MediumBullet
3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........ 3 12
4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) ..... 4 12
5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2011 (Part V, line 2a) ...... 5 67
6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) ............. 6 656
7a Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........ 7a 0
b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 ......... 7b  
Revenues Prior Year Current Year
8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) ......... 613,314 327,350
9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) ......... 340,142 344,908
10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) .... 2,545,114 935,630
11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 19,357 28,574
12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)................... 3,517,927 1,636,462
Expenses; 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...   0
14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....   0
15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 1,605,283 1,721,755
16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e).....   0
b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) MediumBullet92,327    
17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e).... 1,099,335 1,067,614
18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 2,704,618 2,789,369
19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12....... 813,309 -1,152,907
Net Assets or Fund Balances; Beginning of Current Year End of Year
20 Total assets (Part X, line 16)............. 32,610,880 33,558,601
21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26)............. 62,139 133,120
22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20..... 32,548,741 33,425,481
Part II
Signature Block
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
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Signature of officer Date
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Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
 
Preparer's signature
Date
PTIN
Firm's name MediumBullet

Firm's EIN MediumBullet
Firm's address MediumBullet



Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) ............
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 11282Y
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 2
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part III ...............
1
Briefly describe the organization’s mission: THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO FACILITATE THE ENJOYMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AS RELEVANT TO THE SAGINAW VALLEY, TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TO FOSTER RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
2
Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? ......................
If “Yes,” describe these new services on Schedule O.
3
Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services? ............................
If “Yes,” describe these changes on Schedule O.
4
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.
4a (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 686,798 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 289,067 )
EDUCATION: CONNECTING CHILDREN WITH NATURE THROUGH POSITIVE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES IS THE ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. WE OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS. MANY OF OUR PROGRAMS ARE FOR GROUPS OF CHILDREN THAT ARE STRIVING TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF AN ESTABLISHED CURRICULUM (I.E., SCHOOLS AND SCOUTS). HOWEVER, WE ALSO OFFER YOUTH PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN WHEN THEY'RE ENJOYING THEIR FREE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IN THE END, OUR GOAL IS TO CONNECT OUR CHILDREN TO NATURE FOR THEIR POSITIVE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT (PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND COGNITIVELY). SEE SCHEDULE O. SCHOOL PROGRAMS: A TOTAL OF 12,194 STUDENTS ATTENDED SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN 2012. THESE STUDENTS WERE SERVED THROUGH 499 PROGRAMS HERE AT CNC AND 74 WERE "ON THE ROAD." AT HOME WITH NATURE: AT HOME WITH NATURE IS DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT SCIENCE AND HISTORY HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION THROUGH FUN, INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES. EACH SERIES CONSISTS OF THREE 1.5 HOUR PROGRAMS. IN 2012, 145 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAM. NATURE PRESCHOOL: NATURE PRESCHOOL IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLDS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP LIFELONG CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE. IN 2012-13 WE HAD 87 STUDENTS ENROLLED. WE OFFERED FIVE DIFFERENT HALF-DAY SESSIONS IN A RANGE FROM TWO TO FOUR DAYS PER WEEK. IN 2012 WE WERE AWARDED A GREAT START READINESS GRANT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR 18 AT-RISK 4 YEAR OLDS TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAM AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY. IN ADDITION, CNC OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES THAT MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR THE STATE-FUNDED PROGRAM, BUT HAVE A FINANCIAL NEED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE. IN 2012 WE HAD AN ALMOST EXACTLY 50/50 SPLIT BETWEEN FAMILIES PAYING FULL TUITION AND THOSE RECEIVING SOME LEVEL ASSISTANCE-A GREAT DIVERSITY OF ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS. EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS: IN 2012 WE OFFERED OUR SECOND-EVER NATURE PRESCHOOL INSTITUTE TO TEACH EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS ABOUT OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO PRESCHOOL EDUCATION. WE HAD 19 PARTICIPANTS IN OUR ON-SITE, 4 DAY TRAINING. INTEREST IN AND DEMAND FOR THE PROGRAM WAS SO GREAT THAT WE TOOK THE TRAININGS ON THE ROAD FOR OUR "NATURE PRESCHOOL TRAVELLING INSTITUTE" AND AT EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCES THROUGHOUT THE STATE. BETWEEN THESE TWO TRAVELLING WORKSHOPS WE TRAINED 771 PRESCHOOL TEACHERS. SCOUTS: SCOUT PROGRAMS AT CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP GROUPS WORK ON THE VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE BADGES AND OTHER ADVANCEMENTS. IN 2012 WE HAD 672 SCOUTS ATTEND PROGRAMS AT THE NATURE CENTER WITH THEIR DEN OR TROOP-ABOUT A 40% INCREASE IN NUMBERS OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. NATURE DAY CAMP: THIS PAST SUMMER 727 CHILDREN ATTENDED NATURE DAY CAMP WHICH WAS FULL CAPACITY. PROGRAMS WERE OFFERED FOR 3-17 YEAR OLDS AND WERE ONE TO TWO WEEKS IN LENGTH. A NEW CAMP OFFERING IN 2012 WAS "SURVIVAL VILLAGE," AN EXCITING NEW VERSION OF ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR CAMPS -"VILLAGE". YOUTH DROP-IN PROGRAMS: DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE WEE STROLL, STORY HOURS, NATURE FOR YOUTH AND SENSATIONAL SUMMER DAYS. WEE STROLL IS FOR OUR YOUNGEST NATURE CENTER VISITORS UP TO TWO YEARS OF AGE WITH AN ADULT, AND HAD 154 PARTICIPANTS. STORY HOURS ARE GEARED FOR THE NEXT OLDER AGE GROUP RANGING FROM 2-5 YEARS OLD WITH 777 PARTICIPANTS IN 2012. DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS PROGRAM IN PREVIOUS YEARS WE STARTED OFFERING TWO TIME SLOTS ON BOTH THE THURSDAY AND SATURDAY STORY HOUR DAYS. WE HAVE ONE DROP-IN PROGRAM LED BY AN EDUCATOR DESIGNED FOR OUR OLDER YOUTH VISITORS CALLED NATURE FOR YOUTH. NATURE FOR YOUTH IS A FREE, 1.5 HOUR PROGRAM OFFERED ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF MOST MONTHS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. IN 2012 WE HAD 84 CHILDREN ATTEND THIS PROGRAM. WE ALSO OFFERED A PRE-REGISTERED KAYAK PROGRAM FOR THE TEEN AUDIENCE CALLED "TEEN TREX", AND HAD 12 PARTICIPANTS. SEASONAL EXPLORATION DAYS: WHAT FAMILY DOESN'T LOOK FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO WITH THEIR KIDS OVER HOLIDAY BREAKS? THESE "EXPLORATION DAYS" PROVIDE AN INDOOR SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES TO EXPLORE AS THEIR TIME ALLOWS DURING WINTER, SUMMER, AND THANKSGIVING BREAKS. THESE DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF SELF-GUIDED, HANDS-ON EXPLORATION STATIONS. NATURE AT NIGHT & NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA: IN APRIL WE HELD NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA FOR 119 CHILDREN. THE EVENT INCLUDED AN EGG HUNT, ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS ABOUT EGG-LAYING MICHIGAN ANIMALS, AND PRIZES. IN OCTOBER WAS NATURE AT NIGHT, A SATURDAY EVENING EVENT FOCUSED ON THE WONDERS OF MICHIGAN'S NIGHTTIME NATURAL WORLD. ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS, NATURE SONGS, STORYTELLING IN THE WIGWAM, AN OBSTACLE COURSE WHERE CHILDREN WERE MICE TRYING TO SAFELY NAVIGATE, AND A JACK-O-LANTERN TRAIL KEPT THE 720 VISITORS WELL ENTERTAINED. BIRTHDAY PARTIES: IN 2012 WE ADJUSTED OUR BIRTHDAY PARTY OFFERINGS TO PROVIDE 5 THEMES FOR FAMILIES TO CHOOSE FROM. EACH PARTY INCLUDES THEMED INVITATIONS, DECORATIONS, AND ACTIVITIES FOR A 2-HOUR PROGRAM TAILORED FOR THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN. IN 2012 WE HAD 207 PARTICIPANTS IN BIRTHDAY PARTIES. NEW INITIATIVES IN 2012 NATURE KINDERGARTEN: IN SEPTEMBER 2012 WE BEGAN IMPLEMENTING THIS EXCITING NEW PROGRAM WITH BULLOCK CREEK SCHOOLS. THREE SECTIONS OF KINDERGARTEN AT FLOYD ELEMENTARY ARE NOW NATURE-BASED WITH A CNC EDUCATOR WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE TEACHERS TO DEVELOP CURRICULUM. THE GOAL IS TO INTEGRATE NATURE INTO AS MUCH OF THE DAILY REQUIRED CURRICULUM AS POSSIBLE. THE EDUCATOR ALSO VISITS EACH CLASS WEEKLY. NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOL CONFERENCE: MAY 29-31 WE HOSTED THE FIRST EVER NATURE BASED PRESCHOOL CONFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS IN NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOLS. THE CONFERENCE INCLUDED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND PEER -TO-PEER PRESENTATIONS WITH 51 ATTENDEES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE EXCITEMENT FROM THIS CONFERENCE SPARKED PLANNING FOR A 2013 CONFERENCE IN WISCONSIN AND DISCUSSION ABOUT CREATION OF AN ASSOCIATION FOR NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOL PROFESSIONALS.
4b (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 478,200 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 49,272 )
INTERPRETATION: DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO VENTURE OUT WITH CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IN 2012? THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DID AND THEY ENJOYED THE EXCITING INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE NATURAL WORLD. IN 2012 A TOTAL OF 9,280 PEOPLE ATTENDED INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS, UP OVER 1,000 PEOPLE FROM 2011 THE PROGRAM OFFERINGS ONCE AGAIN INCLUDED HIKES, OFF-SITE FIELD TRIPS, PADDLING TRIPS, HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS, AND LECTURES, AS WELL AS MAJOR EVENTS LIKE MAPLE SYRUP DAY AND THE RETURN OF BIOBLITZ AFTER A HIATUS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. DROP-IN VISITORS ARE ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS. SEE SCHEDULE O. INTERPRETATION (CONTINUED): IN 2012, IN ADDITION TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING NATURALIST-LED PROGRAMS, THERE WERE AN ADDITIONAL 18,582 PEOPLE WHO CAME TO THE VISITOR CENTER ON THEIR OWN - AN INCREASE OF JUST UNDER 3,000 PEOPLE FROM 2011 AND THE SECOND HIGHEST ANNUAL DROP-IN ATTENDANCE IN 10 YEARS EXPLORING NATURE AND HISTORY WITH FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS IN 2012 NATURE CENTER STAFF OFFERED 33 FIELD TRIPS ON LOCAL RIVERS, BIRDING THE SAGINAW BAY, A TRIP TO CRANE CREEK IN OHIO, AND A NEW PROGRAM SERIES EXPLORING MICHIGAN'S WILD PATHWAYS. PARTICIPANTS ON THESE FIELD TRIPS GET AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE OUTDOORS FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN POSSIBLE AT A 1 HOUR HIKE ON-SITE. WE WORK HARD TO DEVELOP A VARIETY OF EXCITING OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES TO BUILD SOLID CONNECTIONS TO NATURE. CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS IN 2012, INCLUDING SOAP MAKING, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, AQUATIC BIOLOGY, STONE TOOL MAKING, BASKET MAKING, FUNGI IDENTIFICATION AND MORE. HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS ARE A GREAT WAY TO DIG DEEPER INTO SPECIALIZED SKILLS RELATED TO OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, NATURAL WORLD AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS. MAJOR EVENTS CELEBRATE NATURE, HISTORY AND OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT MAJOR EVENTS ALWAYS PULL IN LARGE CROWDS EAGER FOR FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. MAPLE SYRUP DAY LED THE WAY IN 2012 WITH 1,705 ATTENDEES READY TO USHER IN SPRING BY PARTICIPATING IN A VARIETY OF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE UNOFFICIAL KICK-OFF OF SPRING. THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL SOLD OUT THE BULLOCK CREEK AUDITORIUM WITH NEARLY 600 TICKETS SOLD THE ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE ALSO PROVIDED A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GARDENERS TO "GO NATIVE" IN THEIR HOME LANDSCAPING PROJECTS. AFTER A SIX YEAR HIATUS BIOBLITZ RETURNED TO CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE 24-HOUR EVENT 809 VISITORS ENJOYED HIKES AND PROGRAMS WHILE SCIENTISTS COUNTED 413 PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES. NATURE ART SHOW AND SALE WRAPPED UP THE YEAR'S MAJOR EVENTS WITH 760 ATTENDEES FOR THE WEEKEND. HOMESTEAD FARM CELEBRATES RURAL LIFE THE 2012 SEASON OF SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE HOMESTEAD FARM WILL DEFINITELY BE ONE TO REMEMBER. IN SPITE OF SCORCHING TEMPERATURES IN JULY, MANY FAMILIES VISITED THE HOMESTEAD FROM MAY 24-SEPTEMBER 2 AND DURING A BUSY CIDER SUNDAY ON SEPT. 30. A TOTAL OF 1,782 VISITORS WERE COUNTED AT THE CABIN OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON, FAR OUTPACING OUR PREVIOUS RECORD. A DEDICATED GROUP OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES FOR ALL THESE VISITORS. THANKS GO TO OUR SEASONAL STAFF TEAM OF ANGELA OROS, GREG ALLINGTON AND ABIGAIL KEEL FOR LEADING ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING TOURS AND MANAGING OUR TALENTED VOLUNTEERS. HERM GIESELER SPENT MANY SUNDAYS CARVING SLIP BARK WHISTLES AND ROB MAXWELL LED A FANTASTIC TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, 20 VOLUNTEERS DONATED MORE THAN 425 HOURS OF THEIR TIME LEADING TOURS AND HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, CONDUCTING DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKING IN THE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN REACHED A POTENTIAL WE HARDLY DREAMED POSSIBLE IN THE PAST. IN ALL, OVER 600 POUNDS OF FRESH, ORGANIC PRODUCE WAS DONATED TO THE H.E.L.P. FOOD PANTRY AT MIDLAND'S MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FROM THE HOMESTEAD. DROP-IN AND CONNECT TO NATURE IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER WITHOUT THE SCORES OF INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS OFFERED WITH LITTLE OR NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS. THE GOAL OF THESE PROGRAMS IS TO HELP PEOPLE OF ALL AGES UNDERSTAND THE RICH RESOURCES OF THE SAGINAW VALLEY, OUR COLLECTIVE CONNECTION TO THOSE RESOURCES AND IN THE END, ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PROTECT THOSE RESOURCES. IN 2012 CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER OFFERED APPROXIMATELY 150 FREE, DROP-IN, INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAMS COVERED A RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING: BIRD WALKS, WILDFLOWER HIKES, FILM SCREENINGS, FUNGI FORAYS, MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS, LIFE ON AN 1870S FARM, BIRD BANDING, NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE, FULL MOON WALKS, ARCHAEOLOGY, ANIMALS TRACKS, FISHING, SNOWSHOEING, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE IN TOTAL, 4,300 PEOPLE ATTENDED THESE PROGRAMS CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A DEDICATED STAFF, COMMITTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND A WONDERFUL SITE AND FACILITY FROM WHICH TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS AND WORK WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. AS WE MOVE INTO 2013, WE HAVE ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF PROGRAMMING AHEAD OF US. IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO A PROGRAM RECENTLY, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME OUT TO ONE OF THE HUNDREDS OFFERED ANNUALLY AND RECONNECT TO THE NATURAL WORLD.
4c (Code:   ) (Expenses $ 1,043,080 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $   )
LAND & FACILITIES: FACILITIES THE 1776 HUBERT HOUSE PROPERTY, ON THE PINE RIVER, WAS SOLD IN THE SPRING, 2012. MANY UPDATES WERE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2012. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED REDOING THE RB HALLWAY AND KITCHEN FLOORS, REMODELING THE DUPLEX RESTROOMS, PURCHASING A NEW MINI VAN AND 15 PASSENGER VAN AND THE ADDITION OF A NEW SHED FOR THE PRESCHOOL TRIKES SEE SCHEDULE O. LAND UNIVERSAL ACCESS SITES - AFTER DOING SOME FINAL LANDSCAPING AND PAVING THE HILL DOWN TO THE LAUNCH, THE UNIVERSAL ACCESS SITE OPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MAY 1. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, USE WAS VERY HEAVY AND DURING MANY WEEKENDS THE PARKING LOT OVERFLOWED WITH USER VEHICLES. THE NEW DOCK WAS ALSO HEAVILY USED BY CNC STAFF LEADING PADDLING TRIPS AND THIS MADE RIVER ENTRY AND EXIT MUCH EASIER. DEER HARVEST - EVEN WITH MILD WEATHER THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, A TOTAL OF 32 DEER WHERE HARVESTED WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AT CNC DURING THE 2012 SEASON. OF THE 32 DEER HARVESTED 26 WHERE ANTLERLESS. 2012 WAS THE 20TH YEAR OF THE DEER HARVEST AND A TOTAL OF 633 DEER HAVE BEEN HARVESTED SINCE THE START. ALTHOUGH DEER NUMBERS ARE MUCH LOWER THAN 20 YEARS AGO DUE TO THE HARVEST, THERE ARE STILL LARGE NUMBERS OF DEER, AND THE IMPACT OF THEIR OVER BROWSING IS EVIDENT. IN ADDITION TO REPRODUCTION OF DEER THAT LIVE ON CNC'S PROPERTY, DEER MOVE IN FROM THE CITY, DOW AND GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES AS WELL. POWER LINE RIGHT-OF-WAY GRANT - NATIVE GRASSLAND SEED THAT WAS PURCHASED WITH A GRANT RECEIVED FROM ITC (A SUBCONTRACTOR OF CONSUMERS) WAS PLANTED UNDERNEATH SOME OF THE HIGH TENSION POWER LINES. BY MAINTAINING THE POWER LINES WITH NATIVE GRASSES, THERE WILL BE LESS DISTURBANCE COMPARED TO LETTING IT GROW UP AND THEN HAVING UNKNOWN CONTRACTORS COMING IN EVERY 4-5 YEARS TO DO MAJOR CUTTINGS. INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT CONTROL - ONCE AGAIN LARGE AMOUNTS OF INVASIVE PLANTS WERE REMOVED FROM CNC. THE HOMESTEAD AREA, NSB/SUGARBUSH WOODS, WETLANDS, RIVERPOINT, THE NATIVE GRASS FIELDS BY THE OXBOW AND BY THE HOMESTEAD, THE NATIVE GRASS FIELDS AT THE WETLANDS, THE ROADSIDE NEAR THE BICENTENNIAL FOREST, THE ENTRANCE ROAD, THE VISITOR CENTER AND MEADOW MOUSE AREA WERE THE MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS FOR 2012. IN ADDITION, A GENEROUS DONATION FROM DOW AGRI-SCIENCES OF HERBICIDES TO BE USED FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL WAS RECEIVED. BIRD BANDING SUMMARY - THE 9TH YEAR OF BIRD BANDING AT THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER'S WETLAND AREA WAS COMPLETED THIS SUMMER. THE PROJECT'S GOAL IS LONG-TERM MONITORING OF THE BREEDING SUCCESS OF BIRDS USING THE SITE WHILE ALSO EDUCATING THE PEOPLE ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF BIRD BANDING AS WELL AS BIRD IDENTIFICATION, ECOLOGY AND APPRECIATION. LARGE NUMBERS OF VISITORS ENJOYED SEEING THE BIRDS UP CLOSE, WHICH INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS LIKE A MOURNING WARBLER, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, EASTERN WOOD-PEEWEE, RUBY- THROATED HUMMINGBIRD AND MANY RECAPTURES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. PROGRAMMING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT MAPLE SYRUP COLLECTION - WITH THE YEAR'S SAP COLLECTION STARTING AND ENDING VERY EARLY AS A RESULT OF A MILD WINTER, OVER 30 GALLONS OF SYRUP WAS MADE
(Code:   ) (Expenses $ 76,875 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 6,569 )
VOLUNTEERS & OUTREACH: OUTREACH: THE DEPARTMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND OUTREACH SAW AN INCREASE OF CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER'S INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR 2012. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THERE WERE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN CNC WAS REPRESENTED AT MULTIPLE EVENTS ON ONE DAY. CNC PROVIDED ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION AT 53 DIFFERENT AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY EVENTS (UP FROM 44 EVENTS IN 2011) IN MIDLAND COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT THE GREAT LAKES BAY REGION. WHILE THE MAJORITY OF THE EVENTS WERE LOCAL, CNC COULD ALSO BE SPOTTED AT EVENTS IN BAY CITY, BEAVERTON, CLARE, FREELAND, GLADWIN, MT. PLEASANT, SAGINAW AND SANFORD. VOLUNTEERS: VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE AT CNC. ALONG WITH ASSISTING WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AT CNC AND VARIOUS EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEERS HAVE PROVIDED SUPPORT TO ALL DEPARTMENTS AT THE CENTER. FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS, FROM LAND MANAGEMENT TO CLERICAL SUPPORT, FROM NATURE DAY CAMP TO OUR HOMESTEAD PROGRAMS; VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES ASSIST CNC STAFF WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES. VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRONG AT CNC; HOWEVER, IN 2012 WE SAW A VERY SMALL DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS (13 LESS THAN IN 2011) AND THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER HOURS (663 HOURS LESS THAN 2011). THE DECREASE IN VOLUNTEER NUMBERS AND HOURS IS DIRECTLY TIED TO THREE CHANGES IN PROGRAMMING DURING THE YEAR; WE DID NOT DO THE LABOR DAY TRIDGE WALK (THIS IS NOW BEING COORDINATED BY THE ROTARY CLUBS OF MIDLAND), A RIVER CLEAN-UP DURING RIVERDAYS AND OUR 2012 MAJOR FALL EVENT WAS THE BIOBLITZ. CNC WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE COMPLETION OF ONE EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT IN 2012. RYAN MARTINI, WITH SUPPORT FROM HIS VOLUNTEER TEAM FROM TROOP 768, DESIGNED AND BUILT 14 BEAUTIFUL WOODEN STANDS TO USE AT COMMUNITY EVENTS TO DISPLAY BIRDS, BATS AND SEVERAL SMALL MAMMALS STORED IN PLASTIC TUBES. CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE AND A HEARTFELT "THANK YOU" TO THE 656 VOLUNTEERS THAT SHARED THEIR TIME (A TOTAL OF 10,397 HOURS), TALENTS AND EXPERTISE AT CNC DURING 2012.
4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
(Expenses $ 76,875 including grants of $   ) (Revenue $ 6,569 )
4e Total program service expensesMediumBullet2,284,953
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 3
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules
Yes
No
1
Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule AClick to see attachment........................
1
Yes
 
2
Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors (see instructions)? Click to see attachment...
2
Yes
 
3
Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part I..........
3
 
No
4
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part II........
4
 
No
5
Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C,
Part III............................
5
 
No
6
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IClick to see attachment........................
6
 
No
7
Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IIClick to see attachment...
7
 
No
8
Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment....................
8
Yes
 
9
Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IVClick to see attachment..............
9
 
No
10
Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VClick to see attachment......
10
Yes
 
11
If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable.
a
Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10?
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VI.Click to see attachment...................
11a
Yes
 
b
Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VIIClick to see attachment.......
11b
 
No
c
Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part VIIIClick to see attachment.......
11c
 
No
d
Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part IXClick to see attachment............
11d
 
No
e
Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment
11e
 
No
f
Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Part XClick to see attachment.........................
11f
 
No
12a
Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If “Yes,” complete Schedule D, Parts XI and XII Click to see attachment.................
12a
Yes
 
b
Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If “Yes,” and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment
12b
 
No
13
Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule E....
13
 
No
14a
Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States?.....
14a
 
No
b
Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........
14b
 
No
15
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or assistance to any organization or entity located outside the United States? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV
15
 
No
16
Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or assistance to individuals located outside the United States? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...
16
 
No
17
Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions).... Click to see attachment
17
 
No
18
Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part II............ Click to see attachment
18
Yes
 
19
Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule G, Part III................... Click to see attachment
19
 
No
20a
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If “Yes,” complete Schedule H....
20a
 
No
b
If “Yes” to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?
20b
 
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 4
Part IV
Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)
21
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to any government or organization in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II...
21
 
No
22
Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........
22
 
No
23
Did the organization answer “Yes” to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J.......................
23
 
No
24a
Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25................
24a
 
No
b
Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...
24b
 
 
c
Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds?......................
24c
 
 
d
Did the organization act as an “on behalf of” issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...
24d
 
 
25a
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I........
25a
 
No
b
Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I...................
25b
 
No
26
Was a loan to or by a current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, highest compensated employee, or disqualified person outstanding as of the end of the organization’s tax year? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L,
Part II..........................
26
 
No
27
Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part III.........
27
 
No
28
Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):
a
A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV ..........................
28a
 
No
b
A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If “Yes,”
complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................
28b
 
No
c
An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part IV...
28c
 
No
29
Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M..
29
 
No
30
Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If “Yes,” complete Schedule M.............
30
 
No
31
Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N,
Part I...........................
31
 
No
32
Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If “Yes,” complete Schedule N, Part II......................
32
 
No
33
Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part I........
33
 
No
34
Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1........................
34
 
No
35a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
35a
 
No
b
If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2...
35b
 
 
36
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2.............
36
 
No
37
Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If “Yes,” complete Schedule R, Part VI
37
 
No
38
Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............
38
Yes
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 5
Part V
Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part V ...............
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable ..
1a
2
b
Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .
1b
0
c
Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................
1c
Yes
 
2a
Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................
2a
67
b
If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file (see instructions)
2b
Yes
 
3a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O.....
3b
 
 
4a
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?..........................
4a
 
No
b
If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet
See instructions for filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.
5a
Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year?..
5a
 
No
b
Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?
5b
 
No
c
If “Yes,” to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............
5c
 
 
6a
Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions?...
6a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible?........................
6b
 
 
7
Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).
a
Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor?....................
7a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided?.....
7b
 
 
c
Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282?...........................
7c
 
No
d
If “Yes,” indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....
7d
 
e
Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?............................
7e
 
No
f
Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?..
7f
 
No
g
If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required?............................
7g
 
 
h
If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C?..........................
7h
 
 
8
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds and section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations. Did the supporting organization, or a donor advised fund maintained by a sponsoring organization, have excess business holdings at any time during the year?............
8
 
 
9
Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
a
Did the organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?..........
9a
 
 
b
Did the organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?.......
9b
 
 
10
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...
10a
 
b
Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities
10b
 
11
Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:
a
Gross income from members or shareholders .........
11a
 
b
Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........
11b
 
12a
Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?
12a
 
 
b
If “Yes,” enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year. ....................
12b
 
13
Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.
a
Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.
13a
 
 
b
Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....
13b
 
c
Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............
13c
 
14a
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....
14a
 
No
b
If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If “No,” provide an explanation in Schedule O..
14b
 
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 6
Part VI
Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each “Yes” response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a “No” response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VI ...............
Section A. Governing Body and Management
Yes
No
1a
Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year .....................
1a
12
If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.
b
Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent ...................
1b
12
2
Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................
2
 
No
3
Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .
3
 
No
4
Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? ...........................
4
 
No
5
Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .
5
 
No
6
Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................
6
Yes
 
7a
Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................
7a
Yes
 
b
Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................
7b
 
No
8
Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:
a
The governing body? .........................
8a
Yes
 
b
Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............
8b
Yes
 
9
Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If “Yes,” provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......
9
 
No
Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)
Yes
No
10a
Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............
10a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?
10b
 
 
11a
Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................
11a
 
No
b
Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....
12a
Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If “No,” go to line 13.......
12a
Yes
 
b
Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................
12b
Yes
 
c
Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If “Yes,” describe in Schedule O how this was done.......................
12c
Yes
 
13
Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............
13
 
No
14
Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........
14
Yes
 
15
Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?
a
The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........
15a
Yes
 
b
Other officers or key employees of the organization ................
15b
 
No
If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).
16a
Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................
16a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............
16b
 
 
Section C. Disclosure
17
List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filedMediumBullet
MI
18
Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.
19
Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how), the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.
20
State the name, physical address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the books and records of the organization:
MediumBulletROB DESCHAINE400 S BADOUR ROADMIDLANDMI48640 (989) 631-0830
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 7
Part VII
Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VII ...............
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees
1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."
RoundBullet List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

RoundBullet List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.
Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;
(1) MARK ROBERTSON........................................................................
SECRETARY
 1.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(2) BARBARA ANDERSON........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 2.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(3) ADAM BRUSKI........................................................................
VICE PRESIDE
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(4) MARC SNYDER........................................................................
PRESIDENT
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(5) MICHELLE WILKINS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(6) DR TRACY GALAROWICZ........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(7) CHRIS GAUMER........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(8) MARIANNE MCKELVY........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(9) LOIS ANN REED........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(10) KIRK FISHER........................................................................
TREASURER
 2.00
.......................   		X   X       0 0 0
(11) JOHN DAVIS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(12) COLETTE ST LOUIS........................................................................
DIRECTOR
 1.00
.......................   		X           0 0 0
(13) DICK TOUVELL........................................................................
EXECUTIVE DI
 40.00
.......................   		    X       120,311 0 5,921








Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 8
Part VII
Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)
(A)
Name and Title 		(B)
Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) 		(C)
Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) 		(D)
Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(E)
Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC) 		(F)
Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
Individual Trustee or Director; Institutional Trustee; Officer; Key Employee; Highest compensated employee; Former;


























1b Sub-Total................MediumBullet
c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....MediumBullet
d Total (add lines 1b and 1c)............MediumBullet 120,311   5,921
2
Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organizationMediumBullet1
Yes
No
3
Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual ..............
3
 
No
4
For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such individual...........................
4
 
No
5
Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule J for such person ........
5
 
No
Section B. Independent Contractors
1
Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
(A)
Name and business address 		(B)
Description of services 		(C)
Compensation
2
Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization MediumBullet  
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 9
Part VIII
Statement of Revenue
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part VIII ..............
(A)
Total revenue 		(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue 		(C)
Unrelated
business
revenue 		(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512, 513, or 514
Contributions, Gifts, Grants and Other Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns..1a  
b Membership dues....1b 57,490
c Fundraising events....1c 10,510
d Related organizations...1d  
e Government grants (contributions)1e  
f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and
similar amounts not included above1f 		259,350
g Noncash contributions included in lines
1a-1f:$ 		1,337
h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......MediumBullet 327,350
Program Service Revenue Business Code
2a YOUTH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 611600 289,067 289,067    
b ADULT INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS 812900 55,841 55,841    
c
d
e
f All other program service revenue .        
g Total. Add lines 2a–2f........MediumBullet 344,908
Other Revenue 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and other similar amounts).......MediumBullet 432,222     432,222
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds..MediumBullet        
5 Royalties...........MediumBullet        
(i) Real (ii) Personal
6a Gross rents 9,082  
b Less: rental expenses    
c Rental income or (loss) 9,082  
d Net rental income or (loss).......MediumBullet 9,082     9,082
(i) Securities (ii) Other
7a Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory 6,535,125  
b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 6,031,717  
c Gain or (loss) 503,408  
d Net gain or (loss)..........MediumBullet 503,408     503,408
8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including
$ 10,510
of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ..
a 18,664
b Less: direct expenses ...b 6,131
c Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..MediumBullet 12,533   12,533
9a Gross income from gaming activities.
See Part IV, line 19 ...
a  
b Less: direct expenses ...b  
c Net income or (loss) from gaming activities...MediumBullet        
10a Gross sales of inventory, less
returns and allowances .
a 28,098
b Less: cost of goods sold ..b 21,787
c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..MediumBullet 6,311     6,311
Miscellaneous Revenue Business Code
11a MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 900099 648     648
b            
c            
d All other revenue ....        
e Total. Add lines 11a–11d ...... MediumBullet 648
12 Total revenue. See Instructions......MediumBullet 1,636,462 344,908   964,204
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 10
Part IX
Statement of Functional Expenses
Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part IX ...............
Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b,
7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. 		(A)
Total expenses 		(B)
Program service expenses 		(C)
Management and general expenses 		(D)
Fundraising expenses
1 Grants and other assistance to governments and organizations in the United States. See Part IV, line 21    
2 Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22    
3 Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16    
4 Benefits paid to or for members    
5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees .... 120,311 12,031 72,187 36,093
6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....        
7 Other salaries and wages 1,244,529 1,024,136 194,319 26,074
8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) .... 89,657 62,761 21,518 5,378
9 Other employee benefits ....... 149,116 104,381 35,788 8,947
10 Payroll taxes ........... 118,142 82,700 28,354 7,088
11 Fees for services (non-employees):        
a Management ......        
b Legal .........        
c Accounting ........... 9,994   9,994  
d Lobbying ...........        
e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17    
f Investment management fees ......        
g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) ........        
12 Advertising and promotion .... 42,101 32,810 1,842 7,449
13 Office expenses ....... 38,647 29,596 8,977 74
14 Information technology ...... 24,471 18,353 4,894 1,224
15 Royalties ..        
16 Occupancy ........... 76,027 69,889 6,138  
17 Travel ............ 16,724 15,888 836  
18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials ......        
19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings .... 10,081 8,569 1,512  
20 Interest ...........        
21 Payments to affiliates .......        
22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..... 621,484 609,054 12,430  
23 Insurance .............. 11,055 9,949 1,106  
24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a YOUTH EDUCATIONAL 70,522 70,522    
b LAND & FACILITIES 60,944 60,944    
c ADULT INTERPRETIVE 46,527 46,527    
d OFFICE AND OPERATIONS 19,296 8,049 11,247  
e All other expenses 19,741 18,794 947  
25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 2,789,369 2,284,953 412,089 92,327
26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here MediumBullet if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).        
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 11
Part X Balance Sheet Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part X ...............
(A)
Beginning of year 		(B)
End of year
Assets 1 Cash—non-interest-bearing ............. 53,366 1 54,786
2 Savings and temporary cash investments ......... 1,547,654 2 1,136,019
3 Pledges and grants receivable, net ........... 286,819 3 155,322
4 Accounts receivable, net ............. 83,800 4 37,402
5 Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of
Schedule L ..................
  5  
6 Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
  6  
7 Notes and loans receivable, net .............   7  
8 Inventories for sale or use .............. 15,958 8 16,349
9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges .......... 13,391 9 18,850
10a Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 10a 11,667,023
b Less: accumulated depreciation ..... 10b 3,897,872 8,436,255 10c 7,769,151
11 Investments—publicly traded securities .......... 22,173,637 11 24,370,722
12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....   12  
13 Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 .....   13  
14 Intangible assets ...............   14  
15 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........   15  
16 Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)...... 32,610,880 16 33,558,601
Liabilities 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses ......... 42,819 17 105,350
18 Grants payable .................   18  
19 Deferred revenue ................ 19,320 19 27,770
20 Tax-exempt bond liabilities .............   20  
21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D..   21  
22 Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..........   22  
23 Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..   23  
24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ....   24  
25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D....................   25  
26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25......... 62,139 26 133,120
Net Assets or Fund Balance Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27 Unrestricted net assets .............. 8,506,262 27 7,658,438
28 Temporarily restricted net assets ........... 20,335,888 28 22,055,052
29 Permanently restricted net assets ........... 3,706,591 29 3,711,991
Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here MediumBullet and complete lines 30 through 34.
30 Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds ........   30  
31 Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund .....   31  
32 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds   32  
33 Total net assets or fund balances ........... 32,548,741 33 33,425,481
34 Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........ 32,610,880 34 33,558,601
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990 (2012)
Page 12
Part XI
Reconcilliation of Net Assets
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XI ...............
1
Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............
1
1,636,462
2
Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............
2
2,789,369
3
Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............
3
-1,152,907
4
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..
4
32,548,741
5
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............
5
2,029,647
6
Donated services and use of facilities .................
6
 
7
Investment expenses .....................
7
 
8
Prior period adjustments .....................
8
 
9
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........
9
 
10
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))
10
33,425,481
Part XII
Financial Statements and Reporting
Check if Schedule O contains a response to any question in this Part XII ..............
Yes
No
1
Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990:  
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.
2a
Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?
2a
 
No
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
b
Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?
2b
Yes
 
If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:
c
If “Yes,” to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?
2c
Yes
 
If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.
3a
As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?
3a
 
No
b
If “Yes,” did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits
3b
 
 
Form 990 (2012)
Form 990, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

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.
right arrow Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrow See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Employer identification number

38-1859315
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
f
g
(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 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 monetary support
Yes No Yes No Yes No
Total                  

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990EZ.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (f) Total
1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... 4,013,830 328,923 393,168 592,029 327,350 5,655,300
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 4,013,830 328,923 393,168 592,029 327,350 5,655,300
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)..           2,447,857
6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.           3,207,443
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (f) Total
7 Amounts from line 4.. 4,013,830 328,923 393,168 592,029 327,350 5,655,300
8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... 1,150,156 622,612 609,069 610,794 441,304 3,433,935
9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..            
10 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.).. 4,511 2,137 9,817 150 13,181 29,796
11 Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).           9,119,031
12
12
1,440,728
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........................................right arrow
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
14
35.170 %
15
15
30.620 %
16a
b
17a
b
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 ..................................................... right arrow
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (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) right arrow (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011 (e) 2012 (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
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
15
 
16
16
 
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
17
 
18
18
 
19a
b
20
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; and 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) 2012

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Schedule of Contributors
Arrow Bullet Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Employer identification number

38-1859315
Organization type (check one):
Filers of:
Section:
Form 990 or 990-EZ





Form 990-PF




Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.  
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.
General Rule
Special Rules
......................... Arrow Bullet   $    
Caution. An organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2 of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on Part I, line 2 of its Form 990-PF, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.
Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 2
Name of organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
  		Employer identification number

38-1859315
Part I
Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
     
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
 

     
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED  
RESTRICTED, RESTRICTED   RESTRICTED

$RESTRICTED


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a)
No.		 (b)
Name, address, and ZIP + 4		 (c)
Total contributions		 (d)
Type of contribution
 
 
 

     
 
   

$  


(Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 3
Name of organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
  		Employer identification number

38-1859315
Part II
Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
     
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b)
Description of noncash property given		 (c)
FMV (or estimate)
(see instructions) 		(d)
Date received
 
$    
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)
Page 4
Name of organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
  		Employer identification number

38-1859315
Part III
Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., individual contributions to section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organizations
that total more than $1,000 for the year. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry.
For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc.,
contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet$  
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
(a) No.
from
Part I		 (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held
 
(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee
 
 
       
 
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2012)

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
SchDMd Bullet Complete if the organization answered "Yes," to Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b
SchDMd Bullet Attach to Form 990. SchDMd Bullet See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Employer identification number

38-1859315
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts
1 Total number at end of year .........    
2 Aggregate contributions to (during year) ...    
3 Aggregate grants from (during year) .....    
4 Aggregate value at end of year ........    
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ............
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ...................................
Part II
Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a Total number of conservation easements ....................... 2a  
b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements .................. 2b  
c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) ..... 2c  
d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register .................... 2d  
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during
the tax year SchDMd Bullet  
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet  
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and
enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? .............................
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet  
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet $  
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .......................................
9
In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ........................SchDMd Bullet $  
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ..............................SchDMd Bullet $ 37,022
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:
a
Revenues included in Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ..........................SchDMd Bullet $  
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X ...............................SchDMd Bullet $  
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
Page 2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):
a
d
b
e
 
c
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?........
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990,
Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:
Amount
c Beginning balance ................................. 1c  
d Additions during the year .............................. 1d  
e Distributions during the year ............................. 1e  
f Ending balance ................................... 1f  
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21? .....................
b
If “Yes,” explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........
Part V
Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)Current year (b)Prior year b (c)Two years back (d)Three years back (e)Four years back
1a Beginning of year balance .... 23,475,470 25,886,499 24,573,409 23,478,052  
b Contributions ........ 5,400 30,835 114,050 6,750  
c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses 2,990,069 -986,093 2,676,524 4,378,135  
d Grants or scholarships .....          
e Other expenditures for facilities
and programs ........ 		1,184,058 1,427,867 1,449,918 3,263,489  
f Administrative expenses .... 24,792 27,904 27,566 26,039  
g End of year balance ...... 25,262,089 23,475,470 25,886,499 24,573,409  
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet  
b
Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet14.690 %
c
Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet85.310 %
The percentages in lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes
No
(i) unrelated organizations ........................
3a(i)
 
No
(ii) related organizations ........................
3a(ii)
 
No
b
If "Yes" to 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........
3b
 
 
4
Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property (a) Cost or other basis (investment) (b)Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value
1a Land .................   1,539,672 1,539,672
b Buildings ................   7,303,106 2,292,093 5,011,013
c Leasehold improvements ............        
d Equipment ................   619,453 505,905 113,548
e Other .................   2,204,792 1,099,874 1,104,918
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).).......SchDMdBullet 7,769,151
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
Page 3
Part VII
Investments—Other Securities. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a) Description of security or category
(including name of security)		 (b)Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives    
(2)Closely-held equity interests    
Other








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)Small Bullet  
Part VIII
Investments—Program Related. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a) Description of investment type (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)Small Bullet  
Part IX
Other Assets. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a) Description (b) Book value








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........Small Bullet  
Part X
Other Liabilities. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.(a) Description of liability (b) Book value
Federal income taxes  








Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)Small Bullet  
2. Fin 48 (ASC 740) Footnote. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII .....................................................
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Schedule D (Form 990) 2012
Page 4
Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements ....... 1 3,672,240
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a Net unrealized gains on investments .......... 2a 2,029,647
b Donated services and use of facilities ......... 2b  
c Recoveries of prior year grants ........... 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d ..................... 2e 2,029,647
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 1,642,593
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ........... 4b -6,131
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c -6,131
5 Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ...... 5 1,636,462
Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return
1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ........... 1 2,795,500
2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a Donated services and use of facilities .......... 2a  
b Prior year adjustments .............. 2b  
c Other losses ................ 2c  
d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 2d  
e Add lines 2a through 2d...................... 2e  
3 Subtract line 2e from line 1..................... 3 2,795,500
4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .. 4a  
b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............ 4b -6,131
c Add lines 4a and 4b....................... 4c -6,131
5 Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ...... 5 2,789,369
Part XIII
Supplemental Information
Complete this part to provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
COLLECTIONS AND RELATION TO EXEMPT PURPOSE SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4 THE CENTER'S HISTORY COLLECTION COMPRISES OBJECTS RELATED TO CULTURAL HISTORY IN THE MICHIGAN AREA, INCLUDING VARIOUS INSECT COLLECTIONS, ANIMAL MOUNTS, TOOLS AND UTENSILS, AND CLOTHING. THE COLLECTION IS HELD FOR EXHIBITION AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
INTENDED USES FOR ENDOWMENT FUNDS SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART V, LINE 4 THE ORGANIZATION'S ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE INTENDED TO BE USED TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND VARIOUS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.
REVENUE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 4B DIRECT EXPENSES -6,131
EXPENSE AMOUNTS INCLUDED ON RETURN - OTHER SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 4B DIRECT EXPENSES -6,131
Schedule D (Form 990) 2012

Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  




SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part. right arrowAttach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. right arrowSee separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Employer identification number

38-1859315
Part I
Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 17.
1
Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.
a e
b f
c g
d
2a
Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees
or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?
b
If “Yes,” list the ten highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.
(i) Name and address of individual
or entity (fundraiser) 		(ii) Activity (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? (iv) Gross receipts
from activity 		(v) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
fundraiser listed in
col. (i) 		(vi) Amount paid to
(or retained by)
organization
Yes No
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
Total .................right arrow      
3
List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit funds or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 50083H
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 2
Part II
Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.
(a) Event #1

TAPAS, TOAST, &
(event type) 		(b) Event #2

 
(event type) 		(c) Other events

 
(total number) 		(d) Total events
(add col. (a) through col. (c))
VerticalRevenue 1 Gross receipts . . . 29,174     29,174
2 Less: Contributions . . 10,510     10,510
3 Gross income (line 1
minus line 2) . . . 		18,664     18,664
VerticalDirectExpenses 4 Cash prizes . . .        
5 Noncash prizes . . 727     727
6 Rent/facility costs . . 294     294
7 Food and beverages . 1,773     1,773
8 Entertainment . . . 1,300     1,300
9 Other direct expenses . 2,037     2,037
10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) ........... right arrow 6,131
11 Net income summary. Combine line 3, column (d), and line 10. .......... right arrow 12,533
Part III
Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" to Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.
VerticalRevenue (a) Bingo (b) Pull tabs/Instant
bingo/progressive bingo 		(c) Other gaming (d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))
1 Gross revenue . . . .        
VerticalDirectExpenses 2 Cash prizes . . . .        
3 Non-cash prizes . . .        
4 Rent/facility costs . . .        
5 Other direct expenses . .        
6 Volunteer labor . . .
 
 
 
7 Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) ........... right arrow  
8 Net gaming income summary. Combine lines 1 and 7 in column (d) .......... right arrow  
9
Enter the state(s) in which the organization operates gaming activities:
a
Is the organization licensed to operate gaming activities in each of these states? ............
b
If "No," explain:
 
10a
Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? .....
b
If "Yes," explain:
 
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Page 3
11
Does the organization operate gaming activities with nonmembers? .................
12
Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity
formed to administer charitable gaming? ..........................
13
Indicate the percentage of gaming activity operated in:
a
The organization's facility ......................
13a
 
b
An outside facility ........................
13b
 
14
Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
15a
Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming
revenue? ......................................
b
If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow $   and the
amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow $   .
c
If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:
Name right arrow
Address right arrow
 
 
16
Gaming manager information:
Name right arrow
Gaming manager compensation right arrow $  
Description of services provided right arrow
 
17
Mandatory distributions:
a
Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to
retain the state gaming license? ............................
b
Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent
in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow$  
Part IV
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v), and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information (see instructions).
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012
Additional Data


Software ID:  
Software Version:  
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.
MediumBullet Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2012
Open to Public
Inspection
Name of the organization
CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER
 
Employer identification number

38-1859315
Identifier Return Reference Explanation
ORGANIZATION'S MISSION FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO FACILITATE THE ENJOYMENT AND UNDERSTANDING OF OUR NATURAL, HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AS RELEVANT TO THE SAGINAW VALLEY, TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND TO FOSTER RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP.
FIRST ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A SCHOOL PROGRAMS: A TOTAL OF 12,194 STUDENTS ATTENDED SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN 2012. THESE STUDENTS WERE SERVED THROUGH 499 PROGRAMS HERE AT CNC AND 74 WERE "ON THE ROAD." AT HOME WITH NATURE: AT HOME WITH NATURE IS DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT SCIENCE AND HISTORY HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION THROUGH FUN, INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES. EACH SERIES CONSISTS OF THREE 1.5 HOUR PROGRAMS. IN 2012, 145 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAM. NATURE PRESCHOOL: NATURE PRESCHOOL IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THREE AND FOUR YEAR OLDS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP LIFELONG CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE. IN 2012-13 WE HAD 87 STUDENTS ENROLLED. WE OFFERED FIVE DIFFERENT HALF-DAY SESSIONS IN A RANGE FROM TWO TO FOUR DAYS PER WEEK. IN 2012 WE WERE AWARDED A GREAT START READINESS GRANT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR 18 AT-RISK 4 YEAR OLDS TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAM AT NO COST TO THE FAMILY. IN ADDITION, CNC OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES THAT MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR THE STATE-FUNDED PROGRAM, BUT HAVE A FINANCIAL NEED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE. IN 2012 WE HAD AN ALMOST EXACTLY 50/50 SPLIT BETWEEN FAMILIES PAYING FULL TUITION AND THOSE RECEIVING SOME LEVEL ASSISTANCE-A GREAT DIVERSITY OF ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS. EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS: IN 2012 WE OFFERED OUR SECOND-EVER NATURE PRESCHOOL INSTITUTE TO TEACH EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS ABOUT OUR UNIQUE APPROACH TO PRESCHOOL EDUCATION. WE HAD 19 PARTICIPANTS IN OUR ON-SITE, 4 DAY TRAINING. INTEREST IN AND DEMAND FOR THE PROGRAM WAS SO GREAT THAT WE TOOK THE TRAININGS ON THE ROAD FOR OUR "NATURE PRESCHOOL TRAVELLING INSTITUTE" AND AT EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCES THROUGHOUT THE STATE. BETWEEN THESE TWO TRAVELLING WORKSHOPS WE TRAINED 771 PRESCHOOL TEACHERS. SCOUTS: SCOUT PROGRAMS AT CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP GROUPS WORK ON THE VARIOUS REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE BADGES AND OTHER ADVANCEMENTS. IN 2012 WE HAD 672 SCOUTS ATTEND PROGRAMS AT THE NATURE CENTER WITH THEIR DEN OR TROOP-ABOUT A 40% INCREASE IN NUMBERS OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. NATURE DAY CAMP: THIS PAST SUMMER 727 CHILDREN ATTENDED NATURE DAY CAMP WHICH WAS FULL CAPACITY. PROGRAMS WERE OFFERED FOR 3-17 YEAR OLDS AND WERE ONE TO TWO WEEKS IN LENGTH. A NEW CAMP OFFERING IN 2012 WAS "SURVIVAL VILLAGE," AN EXCITING NEW VERSION OF ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR CAMPS -"VILLAGE". YOUTH DROP-IN PROGRAMS: DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE WEE STROLL, STORY HOURS, NATURE FOR YOUTH AND SENSATIONAL SUMMER DAYS. WEE STROLL IS FOR OUR YOUNGEST NATURE CENTER VISITORS UP TO TWO YEARS OF AGE WITH AN ADULT, AND HAD 154 PARTICIPANTS. STORY HOURS ARE GEARED FOR THE NEXT OLDER AGE GROUP RANGING FROM 2-5 YEARS OLD WITH 777 PARTICIPANTS IN 2012. DUE TO HIGH DEMAND FOR THIS PROGRAM IN PREVIOUS YEARS WE STARTED OFFERING TWO TIME SLOTS ON BOTH THE THURSDAY AND SATURDAY STORY HOUR DAYS. WE HAVE ONE DROP-IN PROGRAM LED BY AN EDUCATOR DESIGNED FOR OUR OLDER YOUTH VISITORS CALLED NATURE FOR YOUTH. NATURE FOR YOUTH IS A FREE, 1.5 HOUR PROGRAM OFFERED ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF MOST MONTHS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. IN 2012 WE HAD 84 CHILDREN ATTEND THIS PROGRAM. WE ALSO OFFERED A PRE-REGISTERED KAYAK PROGRAM FOR THE TEEN AUDIENCE CALLED "TEEN TREX", AND HAD 12 PARTICIPANTS. SEASONAL EXPLORATION DAYS: WHAT FAMILY DOESN'T LOOK FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO WITH THEIR KIDS OVER HOLIDAY BREAKS? THESE "EXPLORATION DAYS" PROVIDE AN INDOOR SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES TO EXPLORE AS THEIR TIME ALLOWS DURING WINTER, SUMMER, AND THANKSGIVING BREAKS. THESE DROP-IN PROGRAMS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF SELF-GUIDED, HANDS-ON EXPLORATION STATIONS. NATURE AT NIGHT & NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA: IN APRIL WE HELD NATURE'S EGGS EXTRAVAGANZA FOR 119 CHILDREN. THE EVENT INCLUDED AN EGG HUNT, ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS ABOUT EGG-LAYING MICHIGAN ANIMALS, AND PRIZES. IN OCTOBER WAS NATURE AT NIGHT, A SATURDAY EVENING EVENT FOCUSED ON THE WONDERS OF MICHIGAN'S NIGHTTIME NATURAL WORLD. ACTIVITIES IN THE CLASSROOMS, NATURE SONGS, STORYTELLING IN THE WIGWAM, AN OBSTACLE COURSE WHERE CHILDREN WERE MICE TRYING TO SAFELY NAVIGATE, AND A JACK-O-LANTERN TRAIL KEPT THE 720 VISITORS WELL ENTERTAINED. BIRTHDAY PARTIES: IN 2012 WE ADJUSTED OUR BIRTHDAY PARTY OFFERINGS TO PROVIDE 5 THEMES FOR FAMILIES TO CHOOSE FROM. EACH PARTY INCLUDES THEMED INVITATIONS, DECORATIONS, AND ACTIVITIES FOR A 2-HOUR PROGRAM TAILORED FOR THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN. IN 2012 WE HAD 207 PARTICIPANTS IN BIRTHDAY PARTIES. NEW INITIATIVES IN 2012 NATURE KINDERGARTEN: IN SEPTEMBER 2012 WE BEGAN IMPLEMENTING THIS EXCITING NEW PROGRAM WITH BULLOCK CREEK SCHOOLS. THREE SECTIONS OF KINDERGARTEN AT FLOYD ELEMENTARY ARE NOW NATURE-BASED WITH A CNC EDUCATOR WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE TEACHERS TO DEVELOP CURRICULUM. THE GOAL IS TO INTEGRATE NATURE INTO AS MUCH OF THE DAILY REQUIRED CURRICULUM AS POSSIBLE. THE EDUCATOR ALSO VISITS EACH CLASS WEEKLY. NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOL CONFERENCE: MAY 29-31 WE HOSTED THE FIRST EVER NATURE BASED PRESCHOOL CONFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS IN NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOLS. THE CONFERENCE INCLUDED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND PEER -TO-PEER PRESENTATIONS WITH 51 ATTENDEES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THE EXCITEMENT FROM THIS CONFERENCE SPARKED PLANNING FOR A 2013 CONFERENCE IN WISCONSIN AND DISCUSSION ABOUT CREATION OF AN ASSOCIATION FOR NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOL PROFESSIONALS.
SECOND ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B INTERPRETATION (CONTINUED): IN 2012, IN ADDITION TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING NATURALIST-LED PROGRAMS, THERE WERE AN ADDITIONAL 18,582 PEOPLE WHO CAME TO THE VISITOR CENTER ON THEIR OWN - AN INCREASE OF JUST UNDER 3,000 PEOPLE FROM 2011 AND THE SECOND HIGHEST ANNUAL DROP-IN ATTENDANCE IN 10 YEARS EXPLORING NATURE AND HISTORY WITH FIELD TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS IN 2012 NATURE CENTER STAFF OFFERED 33 FIELD TRIPS ON LOCAL RIVERS, BIRDING THE SAGINAW BAY, A TRIP TO CRANE CREEK IN OHIO, AND A NEW PROGRAM SERIES EXPLORING MICHIGAN'S WILD PATHWAYS. PARTICIPANTS ON THESE FIELD TRIPS GET AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN THE OUTDOORS FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN POSSIBLE AT A 1 HOUR HIKE ON-SITE. WE WORK HARD TO DEVELOP A VARIETY OF EXCITING OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES TO BUILD SOLID CONNECTIONS TO NATURE. CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS IN 2012, INCLUDING SOAP MAKING, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, AQUATIC BIOLOGY, STONE TOOL MAKING, BASKET MAKING, FUNGI IDENTIFICATION AND MORE. HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS ARE A GREAT WAY TO DIG DEEPER INTO SPECIALIZED SKILLS RELATED TO OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, NATURAL WORLD AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS. MAJOR EVENTS CELEBRATE NATURE, HISTORY AND OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT MAJOR EVENTS ALWAYS PULL IN LARGE CROWDS EAGER FOR FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES. MAPLE SYRUP DAY LED THE WAY IN 2012 WITH 1,705 ATTENDEES READY TO USHER IN SPRING BY PARTICIPATING IN A VARIETY OF CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE UNOFFICIAL KICK-OFF OF SPRING. THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL SOLD OUT THE BULLOCK CREEK AUDITORIUM WITH NEARLY 600 TICKETS SOLD THE ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE ALSO PROVIDED A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR GARDENERS TO "GO NATIVE" IN THEIR HOME LANDSCAPING PROJECTS. AFTER A SIX YEAR HIATUS BIOBLITZ RETURNED TO CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE 24-HOUR EVENT 809 VISITORS ENJOYED HIKES AND PROGRAMS WHILE SCIENTISTS COUNTED 413 PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES. NATURE ART SHOW AND SALE WRAPPED UP THE YEAR'S MAJOR EVENTS WITH 760 ATTENDEES FOR THE WEEKEND. HOMESTEAD FARM CELEBRATES RURAL LIFE THE 2012 SEASON OF SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE HOMESTEAD FARM WILL DEFINITELY BE ONE TO REMEMBER. IN SPITE OF SCORCHING TEMPERATURES IN JULY, MANY FAMILIES VISITED THE HOMESTEAD FROM MAY 24-SEPTEMBER 2 AND DURING A BUSY CIDER SUNDAY ON SEPT. 30. A TOTAL OF 1,782 VISITORS WERE COUNTED AT THE CABIN OVER THE COURSE OF THE SEASON, FAR OUTPACING OUR PREVIOUS RECORD. A DEDICATED GROUP OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES FOR ALL THESE VISITORS. THANKS GO TO OUR SEASONAL STAFF TEAM OF ANGELA OROS, GREG ALLINGTON AND ABIGAIL KEEL FOR LEADING ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING TOURS AND MANAGING OUR TALENTED VOLUNTEERS. HERM GIESELER SPENT MANY SUNDAYS CARVING SLIP BARK WHISTLES AND ROB MAXWELL LED A FANTASTIC TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, 20 VOLUNTEERS DONATED MORE THAN 425 HOURS OF THEIR TIME LEADING TOURS AND HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, CONDUCTING DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKING IN THE GARDEN. THIS YEAR, THE HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE GARDEN REACHED A POTENTIAL WE HARDLY DREAMED POSSIBLE IN THE PAST. IN ALL, OVER 600 POUNDS OF FRESH, ORGANIC PRODUCE WAS DONATED TO THE H.E.L.P. FOOD PANTRY AT MIDLAND'S MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FROM THE HOMESTEAD. DROP-IN AND CONNECT TO NATURE IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER WITHOUT THE SCORES OF INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS OFFERED WITH LITTLE OR NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS. THE GOAL OF THESE PROGRAMS IS TO HELP PEOPLE OF ALL AGES UNDERSTAND THE RICH RESOURCES OF THE SAGINAW VALLEY, OUR COLLECTIVE CONNECTION TO THOSE RESOURCES AND IN THE END, ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PROTECT THOSE RESOURCES. IN 2012 CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER OFFERED APPROXIMATELY 150 FREE, DROP-IN, INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAMS COVERED A RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING: BIRD WALKS, WILDFLOWER HIKES, FILM SCREENINGS, FUNGI FORAYS, MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAMS, LIFE ON AN 1870S FARM, BIRD BANDING, NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE, FULL MOON WALKS, ARCHAEOLOGY, ANIMALS TRACKS, FISHING, SNOWSHOEING, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE IN TOTAL, 4,300 PEOPLE ATTENDED THESE PROGRAMS CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A DEDICATED STAFF, COMMITTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND A WONDERFUL SITE AND FACILITY FROM WHICH TO RUN THESE PROGRAMS AND WORK WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. AS WE MOVE INTO 2013, WE HAVE ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF PROGRAMMING AHEAD OF US. IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO A PROGRAM RECENTLY, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME OUT TO ONE OF THE HUNDREDS OFFERED ANNUALLY AND RECONNECT TO THE NATURAL WORLD.
THIRD ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C LAND UNIVERSAL ACCESS SITES - AFTER DOING SOME FINAL LANDSCAPING AND PAVING THE HILL DOWN TO THE LAUNCH, THE UNIVERSAL ACCESS SITE OPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON MAY 1. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, USE WAS VERY HEAVY AND DURING MANY WEEKENDS THE PARKING LOT OVERFLOWED WITH USER VEHICLES. THE NEW DOCK WAS ALSO HEAVILY USED BY CNC STAFF LEADING PADDLING TRIPS AND THIS MADE RIVER ENTRY AND EXIT MUCH EASIER. DEER HARVEST - EVEN WITH MILD WEATHER THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, A TOTAL OF 32 DEER WHERE HARVESTED WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AT CNC DURING THE 2012 SEASON. OF THE 32 DEER HARVESTED 26 WHERE ANTLERLESS. 2012 WAS THE 20TH YEAR OF THE DEER HARVEST AND A TOTAL OF 633 DEER HAVE BEEN HARVESTED SINCE THE START. ALTHOUGH DEER NUMBERS ARE MUCH LOWER THAN 20 YEARS AGO DUE TO THE HARVEST, THERE ARE STILL LARGE NUMBERS OF DEER, AND THE IMPACT OF THEIR OVER BROWSING IS EVIDENT. IN ADDITION TO REPRODUCTION OF DEER THAT LIVE ON CNC'S PROPERTY, DEER MOVE IN FROM THE CITY, DOW AND GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES AS WELL. POWER LINE RIGHT-OF-WAY GRANT - NATIVE GRASSLAND SEED THAT WAS PURCHASED WITH A GRANT RECEIVED FROM ITC (A SUBCONTRACTOR OF CONSUMERS) WAS PLANTED UNDERNEATH SOME OF THE HIGH TENSION POWER LINES. BY MAINTAINING THE POWER LINES WITH NATIVE GRASSES, THERE WILL BE LESS DISTURBANCE COMPARED TO LETTING IT GROW UP AND THEN HAVING UNKNOWN CONTRACTORS COMING IN EVERY 4-5 YEARS TO DO MAJOR CUTTINGS. INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT CONTROL - ONCE AGAIN LARGE AMOUNTS OF INVASIVE PLANTS WERE REMOVED FROM CNC. THE HOMESTEAD AREA, NSB/SUGARBUSH WOODS, WETLANDS, RIVERPOINT, THE NATIVE GRASS FIELDS BY THE OXBOW AND BY THE HOMESTEAD, THE NATIVE GRASS FIELDS AT THE WETLANDS, THE ROADSIDE NEAR THE BICENTENNIAL FOREST, THE ENTRANCE ROAD, THE VISITOR CENTER AND MEADOW MOUSE AREA WERE THE MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS FOR 2012. IN ADDITION, A GENEROUS DONATION FROM DOW AGRI-SCIENCES OF HERBICIDES TO BE USED FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL WAS RECEIVED. BIRD BANDING SUMMARY - THE 9TH YEAR OF BIRD BANDING AT THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER'S WETLAND AREA WAS COMPLETED THIS SUMMER. THE PROJECT'S GOAL IS LONG-TERM MONITORING OF THE BREEDING SUCCESS OF BIRDS USING THE SITE WHILE ALSO EDUCATING THE PEOPLE ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF BIRD BANDING AS WELL AS BIRD IDENTIFICATION, ECOLOGY AND APPRECIATION. LARGE NUMBERS OF VISITORS ENJOYED SEEING THE BIRDS UP CLOSE, WHICH INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS LIKE A MOURNING WARBLER, GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, EASTERN WOOD-PEEWEE, RUBY- THROATED HUMMINGBIRD AND MANY RECAPTURES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. PROGRAMMING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT MAPLE SYRUP COLLECTION - WITH THE YEAR'S SAP COLLECTION STARTING AND ENDING VERY EARLY AS A RESULT OF A MILD WINTER, OVER 30 GALLONS OF SYRUP WAS MADE
ALL OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT DESCRIPTION FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D VOLUNTEERS & OUTREACH: OUTREACH: THE DEPARTMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND OUTREACH SAW AN INCREASE OF CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER'S INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR 2012. AS A MATTER OF FACT, THERE WERE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN CNC WAS REPRESENTED AT MULTIPLE EVENTS ON ONE DAY. CNC PROVIDED ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION AT 53 DIFFERENT AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY EVENTS (UP FROM 44 EVENTS IN 2011) IN MIDLAND COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT THE GREAT LAKES BAY REGION. WHILE THE MAJORITY OF THE EVENTS WERE LOCAL, CNC COULD ALSO BE SPOTTED AT EVENTS IN BAY CITY, BEAVERTON, CLARE, FREELAND, GLADWIN, MT. PLEASANT, SAGINAW AND SANFORD. VOLUNTEERS: VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE AT CNC. ALONG WITH ASSISTING WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AT CNC AND VARIOUS EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEERS HAVE PROVIDED SUPPORT TO ALL DEPARTMENTS AT THE CENTER. FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS, FROM LAND MANAGEMENT TO CLERICAL SUPPORT, FROM NATURE DAY CAMP TO OUR HOMESTEAD PROGRAMS; VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES ASSIST CNC STAFF WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES. VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRONG AT CNC; HOWEVER, IN 2012 WE SAW A VERY SMALL DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS (13 LESS THAN IN 2011) AND THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER HOURS (663 HOURS LESS THAN 2011). THE DECREASE IN VOLUNTEER NUMBERS AND HOURS IS DIRECTLY TIED TO THREE CHANGES IN PROGRAMMING DURING THE YEAR; WE DID NOT DO THE LABOR DAY TRIDGE WALK (THIS IS NOW BEING COORDINATED BY THE ROTARY CLUBS OF MIDLAND), A RIVER CLEAN-UP DURING RIVERDAYS AND OUR 2012 MAJOR FALL EVENT WAS THE BIOBLITZ. CNC WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE COMPLETION OF ONE EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT IN 2012. RYAN MARTINI, WITH SUPPORT FROM HIS VOLUNTEER TEAM FROM TROOP 768, DESIGNED AND BUILT 14 BEAUTIFUL WOODEN STANDS TO USE AT COMMUNITY EVENTS TO DISPLAY BIRDS, BATS AND SEVERAL SMALL MAMMALS STORED IN PLASTIC TUBES. CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE AND A HEARTFELT "THANK YOU" TO THE 656 VOLUNTEERS THAT SHARED THEIR TIME (A TOTAL OF 10,397 HOURS), TALENTS AND EXPERTISE AT CNC DURING 2012.
CLASSES OF MEMBERS OR STOCKHOLDERS FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 6 THE ORGANIZATION HAS MEMBERS OF VARIOUS LEVELS, DEPENDING ON CONTRIBUTION. ALL MEMBERS HAVE RIGHTS TO VOTE ON BOARD MEMBERS.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND THEIR RIGHTS FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 7A BOARD MEMBERS ARE ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING BY VOTES FROM CNC MEMBERS. NOMINATIONS ARE NAMED BY NOVEMBER OF THE PRECEDING YEAR BY THE BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE. THE ELECTION IS HELD AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF NO NOMINATIONS ARE MADE OTHER THAN THE SLATE ANNOUNCED BY THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE, THEN THOSE NOMINATED ARE ELECTED WITH ONE BALLOT FROM THE BOARD SECRETARY - ALSO AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
ORGANIZATION'S PROCESS USED TO REVIEW FORM 990 FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 WAS REVIEWED BY SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF CNC PRIOR TO ITS APPROVAL FOR FILING.
ENFORCEMENT OF CONFLICTS POLICY FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY COVERS MEMBERS OF THE CHIPPEWA NATURE CENTER (CNC) BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES, AND STAFF MEMBERS. COVERED PERSONS SHALL READILY DISCLOSE TO CNC ANY PERSONAL INTEREST WHICH HE OR SHE MAY HAVE IN ANY MATTER PENDING BEFORE CNC AND SHALL REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY DECISION ON SUCH MATTER. ANY MEMBER OF THE CNC BOARD OR STAFF, WHO IS AN OFFICER, BOARD MEMBER, OR EMPLOYEE OF AN AGENCY OR OTHER ENTITY DOING BUSINESS WITH CNC, SHALL IDENTIFY HIS OR HER AFFILIATION WITH SUCH AGENCY OR ENTITY. COVERED PERSONS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY POLICY COMMITTEE OR BOARD ACTION SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TO THAT AGENCY OR ENTITY, SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DECISION AFFECTING THAT AGENCY OR ENTITY, AND THE DECISION MUST BE MADE AND/OR RATIFIED BY THE FULL BOARD WITHOUT THE VOTE OF THE AFFECTED MEMBER.
COMPENSATION PROCESS FOR TOP OFFICIAL FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DEVELOPS A BUDGET CONTAINING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S SALARY WHICH IS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMPETITIVE SALARY LEVELS ARE COMPARED AT LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL LEVELS FOR COMPENSATION FOR SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSONS IN FUNCTIONALLY COMPARABLE POSITIONS AT SIMILARLY SITUATED ORGANIZATIONS. THE APPROVAL IS DOCUMENTED IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS DISCLOSURE EXPLANATION FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 ANY REQUESTS FOR THIS INFORMATION ARE DIRECTED TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WHO PROVIDES THE DOCUMENTS AS REQUESTED IF LEGALLY MANDATED OR CONSTRUCTIVELY APPROPRIATE.
RECONCILIATION OF CHANGES - OTHER FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 DIRECT EXPENSES 6,131 DIRECT EXPENSES -6,131
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2012

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