It is time to take a moment to revel in an ambition hard sought and successfully gained. Please -- take a moment to listen to a rare commodity these days -- GOOD NEWS!

Today I had the pleasure, for the first time may I say, to walk the land known as Elders’ Landing. Last Tuesday we closed on this property without the assistance of loan or mortgage. Elders’ Landing is free and clear—to be a nature sanctuary forever. ...We had only three short months to raise the funds for the 16.5 acres that composed Elders’ Landing—a long narrow corridor along the Rocky Fork Gorge. The Landing not only offered over 1/4 mile of river protection, but also afforded the most popular of only two existing boating access points along the entire Rocky Fork Gorge. Just 7 days before our closing date, we reached our financial goal!!!! ...

Thank you one and all! This property shall stand as a tribute to your perseverance and generosity. A few special notes of appreciation are in order. Allow us to say, that never in the history of our fund-raising have we received so many checks in the $1000-$2500 category for a specific piece of property!! Of the donors in the five-digit category....and for the stunning gift of $20,000 from the outdoor enthusiasts of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. ...THANK YOU AGAIN! For those of you who have donated in just the last two weeks, we finally have a breather in which to respond! The next few days will be spent bending over the office desk handwriting you notes of deep gratitude. Onward!!!!

In service to nature,

Nancy Henry
Highlands Nature Sanctuary