Beginning November 24, 2018, a group of Monroe County businesses are raising money for local trails, wildlife habitat, streams and parks through the new 1% for Nature program. SNH joins Dunkelbergers, Ready Set Run, and Edge of the Woods Outfitter, Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort, Wyckoff Chiropractic and Wellness, JTH Salon, online business Close the Loop, and Village Farmer and Bakery in a new non-profit venture, where customers at participating businesses can choose to give a donation that goes to support nature in Monroe County. A customer can donate $1 or more, or contribute one percent of an individual sale. For a full list of participating businesses, go to www.1percentfornature.org.
“We’re starting this program because it feels right… it’s our way of keeping Monroe County as natural as possible, so everyone can take a hike, explore, picnic, hunt, fish and enjoy the extraordinary richness of our surroundings,” said Gary Olson, president of the board of 1% for Nature.
Participating businesses send all contributions to the non-profit organization, which will award grants to conservation organizations and government entities (townships, local open space and recreation committees, etc.) that submit applications requesting funds for projects in Monroe County.
Projects such as protecting land that protects wildlife habitat or streams, connects trails or expands parks and natural areas will be considered when determining the funding use. Approved projects might also enhance the public’s access to protected lands by providing a trailhead, signage or parking.
1% for Nature mimics a successful program in Gunnison County, Colorado, where local businesses raised nearly $2 million dollars over 20 years to protect 4,500 acres of land. Local business owner Zech Strauser, of Strauser Nature’s Helpers, who was the first business owner to sign up for 1% for Nature, sees the program as a win-win for the environment and the economy of Monroe County.
“When businesses get involved to help their community, great things happen on so many levels. One example would be participating in the preservation and enhancement of our nature spaces in the Poconos,“ Strauser said. “1% for Nature is an organization for businesses that can see the connection between economic growth through being a nature-rich community.”
Strauser and Olson pitched the concept to a handful of business owners last spring, several of whom expressed interest in participating in the 1% for Nature program. Olson and 1% for Nature Board members Jim Lambert, Rachel Wyckoff, Trish D’Imperio, Rachele Maskrey and Tricia Dunkelberger with Samantha Holbert, the program’s new Director, invite other Monroe County business owners to become involved. For more information, go to www.1percentfornature.org or call 484-519-1517.
We at Strauser Nature’s Helpers recognize the importance of re-investing in our community and especially working towards protecting and enhancing the beauty of the Poconos. Non-profit organizations like 1% for Nature are a direct reflection of our “A Better Way” initiatve, a tireless effort to manage our clients’ landscapes from an ecologically responsible perspective and re-direct the landscape industry’s service delivery approach!
