Gilchrist Supports Conservation Efforts Across the Midwest
Conservation efforts help protect habitats and animal species around the world. Conservation methods include promoting sustainable agriculture practices, protecting ecosystems and educating the public about their environments. Wildlife and conservation efforts were important to Jocelyn Gilchrist and her family, and today are just as important to the foundation she created.
In 2021, the Gilchrist Foundation gave awards to many new organizations, including a handful that support wildlife habitats and the humane treatment of animals.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD Inc.
In 2021, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD Inc a $10,000 project grant for the creation of its Botany and Geology walkways. The project is about 69% towards its goal of $58,790. The walkways will be located south of the main building and will enhance the experience at the Mammoth Site and expand the organization’s education, research and outreach. Work began on the outdoor recreational area in late-2020.
The Mammoth Site is an indoor working paleontological dig site that is in a climate-controlled building. The nonprofit educational and scientific research institution is funded by tourism, memberships, donations and grants from corporate and family foundations.
O’Brien County Conservation Board
A $10,174 project grant was given to the O’Brien County Conservation Board for the Prairie Heritage Center Interactive Ecosystems Exhibit. The Prairie Heritage Center, which opened in 2006 in Peterson, Iowa, provides environmental education about the prairie. The center education component strives to preserve and protect the local prairie heritage and encourages economic development with regard to recreation and historic exploration. The Interactive Ecosystems Exhibit does just that by showcasing the unique ecosystems of the prairie in O’Brien County.
The O’Brien County Conservation Board was formed in 1964 by county voters. The purpose of the board is to acquire, develop, maintain and make available to the inhabitants of the county, public museums, parks, preserves, parkways, playgrounds, recreational centers, county forests, wildlife and other conservation areas.
South Dakota Parks & Wildlife Foundation
The Foundation awarded South Dakota Parks & Wildlife Foundation a $60,000 project grant for the Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve Cultural and Natural History Interpretation Design Project. The goal of the project is to redesign the exhibits inside the Visitor Center, as well as outdoor way-finding and interpretive signage. The Visitor Center Exhibit Concepts will include three different zones. The Welcome and Legacy Zone, The Nature Zone and The Homesteading Zone.
The South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps fund projects and programs within the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The Foundation’s mission is to solicit and encourage support to preserve and protect South Dakota’s natural resources, its outdoor heritage and provide expanded recreation and education opportunities.
Wild Sheep Foundation
The Foundation awarded a $5,000 micro grant to the Wild Sheep Foundation’s conservation project that includes capture, tracking and analysis of bighorn sheep to assist with population restoration and habitat enhancement. The Wild Sheep Foundation’s, headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., purpose is to put and keep wild sheep on the mountain. Its mission is to enhance wild sheep populations, promote scientific wildlife management, education the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter.
Bighorn Sheep populations and their ranges had plummeted to historical lows in the 100 years leading up to the 1960s. The Foundation was formed in the 1970s to put these sheep back on the mountain. Through wild sheep transplants, research, water development, predator management, educational outreach and many other Wild Sheep Foundation initiatives, the numbers of Rocky Mountain, California and desert bighorn sheep have soared threefold in North America, from around 25,000 in the 1950s to 85,000 today.
The Gilchrist Foundation
Jocelyn Gilchrist had a special fondness for animals. She also loved fishing and visiting wildlife parks and habitats. The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by Jocelyn and the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds.
Organizations whose missions align with the interests of the Gilchrist Foundation can apply for funding consideration on the website.