Our History
and Mission
A Volunteer-led
Non-Profit
Friends of Marshall County Conservation is a 501c3 volunteer-led organization that supports the Marshall County Conservation Board by promoting and supporting conservation board programs and soliciting funds from the community to make improvements and add amenities to parks in Marshall County.
Our Beginnings
The Friends of Marshall County Conservation began in 2017 when a group of local community members who love our park system and wanted to make it even better came together to discuss what that would entail. The idea was to add volunteer time, talent, leadership and ideas to the good work already being done by the diligent and often overworked staff of the MCCB. The Friends wanted to help free the staff so they would have a little freedom to dream, to do things they maybe wanted to but could not find the time or leadership to accomplish these goals.
Our Mission
Our mission statement is that FMCC supports the mission of the Marshall County Conservation Board through volunteering time, talent, fundraising, leadership and ideas. FMCC shows this support by preserving our natural beauty, resources and wildlife; promoting healthy recreational opportunities; providing educational programming that encourages visitors to make a personal connection with nature; and offering opportunities to discover, experience, and enjoy nature’s message of harmony.
How We Fundraise
The Friends of Marshall County Conservation is a membership-driven organization. Each year, the board sends out a membership appeal letter. Dues from our membership and new members to the Friends are our primary source of income each year. We use the dues paid by members to accomplish projects in our parks each year.
Annual Meeting & Endowment
The Friends hold an annual meeting of our membership every year where new board members are elected. The Friends board also has an endowment with the Community Foundation of Marshall County that we have been working to build up so we can ensure the financial future of our organization.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Friends funds have partially funded several projects undertaken by the conservation board, including but not limited to: purchasing the Mann Wetlands, building a new shower house at the Timmons Grove campground, and rebuilding a suspension bridge at Three Bridges Park after damage that occurred during the 2020 derecho.
Live and Local concerts
The Friends also organize and put on the “Live and Local” concert series at the Grimes Farm Amphitheater once per month during the summer. The Friends bring in a band and local food trucks for an enjoyable evening of music-this event also brings people out to one of our most heavily-used county parks and showcases the natural beauty of the area. A local trust has donated funds each year for the band booking fees. We ask for a free-will donation for the Friends from attendees during the intermission and usually raise several thousand dollars over the course of the summer.
Friends of Marshall County Conservation Board
2024 Board Members
Jeff Kooser
PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP
Ken Lyons
FINANCE, FUNDRAISING
Bob Backes
VOLUNTEERS
Katie Fink
EVENTS, FUNDRAISING, PUBLICITY
Case Hegeman
VICE PRESIDENT, BYLAWS, FINANCE
Tina Nelson
PROJECTS
Bren Lee
VOLUNTEERS
Marvis Drew
EVENTS
Brad Rahmiller
FUNDRAISING, pUBLICITY
Andrew Pool
FINANCE, FUNDRAISING
Vanessa Engel
PUBLICITY, EVENTS
Tom Winch
FINANCE
Tom Deimerly
FINANCE, FUNDRAISING
Emily Herring
EVENTS
