Overview
What is Viles Arboretum?
Viles Arboretum is a nonprofit organization based in Augusta, Maine, with a focus on providing interactive, hands-on, and creative educational programs for various age groups. The organization offers a diverse range of activities such as tree identification, pond ecology, wildlife habitat studies, seed dispersal, geocaching, bird identification, and ecology workshops. These programs are designed to foster an appreciation for nature, promote healthy outdoor activity, and engage the community. The Arboretum's 224-acre preserve, featuring six miles of trails, the second-longest wetland boardwalk in Maine, twenty botanical collections from around the world, and Maine's largest publicly accessible nature-inspired sculpture exhibit, serves as an ideal setting for these educational programs. Viles Arboretum aims to empower individuals to understand the natural world through their own perspective and intellectual abilities, weaving learning opportunities seamlessly into public and school-focused programs, field trips, events, and exhibits. Their mission is to combine community engagement, healthy outdoor activities, and an appreciation for nature with the joy of learning.
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 1 Star
Viles Arboretum has received a One-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, which reflects a total score of 50%. This rating is derived solely from the Accountability & Finance category, where the organization has shown some strengths but also notable weaknesses. Although the board of directors is entirely independent and the organization has no material diversion of assets, it faces challenges in its financial ratios and lacks a whistleblower policy.
The organization has demonstrated positive aspects in governance, such as having a majority of independent board members and a conflict of interest policy in place. Additionally, they maintain transparency with their financial documents, which are accessible to the public. However, the low program expense ratio of 42.81% raises concerns about the effectiveness of their spending, as a larger portion of their budget may not be directed towards programs benefiting their mission.
Overall, while Viles Arboretum displays a commitment to accountability in some areas, the absence of a whistleblower policy and the financial ratios indicate potential areas for improvement. Stakeholders may want to consider these factors when evaluating the organization's overall impact and effectiveness.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Viles Arboretum?
98% of 51 reviewers on Facebook recommend Viles Arboretum. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Visitors appreciate the nature trails available at Viles Arboretum, highlighting the diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of flowers, trees, and birds. The well-maintained outer loop and additional hiking paths provide an enjoyable outdoor experience, perfect for individuals looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Moreover, the positive interactions and pleasant days spent in the arboretum reflect the community's overall satisfaction with the facilities and services offered. Many users emphasize the beauty of the area and its suitability for leisurely walks and hiking. Overall, the arboretum seems to successfully deliver a fulfilling experience for nature enthusiasts.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Viles Arboretum legitimate?
Viles Arboretum is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Viles Arboretum submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $55,443
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $100,748
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
What is the mission statement of Viles Arboretum?
Viles Arboretum aims to offer a natural environment for diverse learning opportunities, integrating public and school-focused programs, field trips, events, and exhibits. The focus is on interactive, creative, and hands-on resources, emphasizing a combination of healthy outdoor activities, community engagement, and an appreciation for nature's role in our lives. The organization believes that everyone has the innate ability to understand the world's nature through their own perspective and intellect, and this principle guides everything they do. Activities take place on a 224-acre preserve with six miles of trails, featuring the second longest wetland boardwalk in Maine, twenty botanical collections from around the world, and Maine's largest publicly accessible nature-inspired sculpture exhibit.
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
Who is the CEO of Viles Arboretum?
Ryan Martin is the Executive Di of Viles Arboretum.
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
What is the revenue of Viles Arboretum?
Viles Arboretum's revenue in 2022 was $342,642.
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
Who are the executives of Viles Arboretum and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Viles Arboretum during 2022 was $22,313. There are 7 employees and 75 volunteers at Viles Arboretum.
Here are 9 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $53,443
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- Other: $2,000
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- Other: $0
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Viles Arboretum?
Viles Arboretum's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.vilesarboretum.org
Learn more at the official website: www.vilesarboretum.org
Mission Statement of Viles Arboretum
The Viles Arboretum, a 224-acre nature preserve, is dedicated to providing and promoting a diverse natural environment that offers a wide range of nature-based learning opportunities. These opportunities are interconnected through ever-changing public and school-focused programs, field trips, events, and exhibits. The Arboretum emphasizes interactive, creative, and hands-on resources and teaching, combining healthy outdoor activity, community engagement, and an appreciation for the role nature plays in our lives with the fun of learning.
Everyone is believed to have a natural ability to understand the nature of the world through their own eyes and by using their own intellect, a philosophy that guides everything the Viles Arboretum does. All these activities take place on the preserve, which boasts six miles of trails, the second-longest wetland boardwalk in Maine, twenty botanical collections from around the world, and Maine's largest publicly accessible nature-inspired sculpture exhibit.
In essence, the Viles Arboretum is more than just a nature preserve; it is a learning ground that encourages exploration, creativity, and understanding of the natural world. It serves as a sanctuary where individuals can engage with nature, learn from it, and appreciate its importance in our lives, all while enjoying a fun and interactive learning experience.
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Impact
June, 2024
Viles Arboretum creates a significant impact by providing a natural environment that offers a wide range of nature-based learning opportunities for the public and school groups. Through interactive and hands-on resources, they promote healthy outdoor activities, community engagement, and an appreciation for nature's role in our lives. With diverse educational programs, field trips, and events, Viles Arboretum fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world. Their 224-acre preserve with trails, wetland boardwalk, botanical collections, and sculpture exhibit enhances the learning experience for all visitors.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Viles Arboretum. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $13,920
- Program Service Revenue: $33,258
- Gross Receipts: $385,417
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,236,336
- Total Liabilities: $661
- Net Assets: $1,235,675
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
EDUCATION
Revenue
$33,258
Organization Details
Founding Year
1982
Phone
(207) 626-7989Principal Officer
Ryan Martin
Main Address
153 HOSPITAL ST, AUGUSTA, ME, 04330
Website
www.vilesarboretum.orgNTEE Category
Code: C410 - Environment
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