Overview
What is Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
Little River Wetlands Project Inc is a non-profit conservation organization based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Their primary focus is on the restoration and protection of wetlands within the Little River watershed, a major tributary of the Wabash River. With over 3,000 acres protected and restored in the project area, they work closely with private landowners, governmental agencies, and conservation organizations to maintain these vital ecosystems. The organization owns and co-owns several preserves, including the largest inland urban wetland restoration in the U.S., Eagle Marsh. This 832-acre preserve provides flood storage for the city of Fort Wayne, reducing flood damage during major storm events. The urban location of Eagle Marsh presents unique challenges, as it is surrounded by an interstate highway, railroad, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, businesses, senior living facilities, a satellite university, and residential communities. Education is a key aspect of Little River Wetlands Project Inc's mission. They offer programs that encourage community involvement, such as the Seed to Marsh program, which allows people of all abilities to assist with the collection, propagation, and planting of native plants. The program ties together their mission of education and restoration. The Seed to Marsh program has grown to include four greenhouses, and volunteers grow native plants from seeds collected at the marsh and then return them to be planted on preserve properties or distributed to anyone interested in planting natives in their own yards and landscaping. Little River Wetlands Project Inc also engages local schools in natural areas education, teaching students how to identify invasive species as part of their environmental science curriculum. They also conduct invasive removal workshops with high school students to give them hands-on experience with restoration and introduce them to careers in this field. The organization has taken great strides to formalize their volunteer program, especially in the areas of stewardship and education. They organize volunteer opportunities such as weed wrangles, which educate about the identification and removal of invasive species. They also host stewardship, education, and volunteer training focusing on their Seed to Marsh educational program and community science programs almost every quarter. In 2022, they recorded 3,297 volunteer hours, equaling over 98,000 in donated value, demonstrating the significant impact of community involvement in their mission.
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Rating from Charity Navigator: 97%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.
Little River Wetlands Project Inc has achieved an impressive 97% rating from Charity Navigator, signifying a strong commitment to accountability and finance management. The organization has a perfect score in several key areas, including having a fully independent board and no material diversion of assets. This demonstrates a solid governance structure and transparency in operations.
The organization's fiscal responsibility is reflected in its program expense ratio of 79.30%, indicating that a significant majority of its resources are directed toward its programs rather than administrative costs. Additionally, the low liabilities to assets ratio of 0.13% highlights its strong financial health and stability, which is crucial for any nonprofit's sustainability.
While the overall assessment is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting that the rating is based solely on accountability and finance. Other aspects such as program impact and community feedback were not included in this score, which could provide a fuller picture of the organization's effectiveness and reach in the community it serves.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
98% of 38 reviewers on Facebook recommend Little River Wetlands Project Inc. Here is a summary of their reviews:
The organization has been praised for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the abundance of wildflowers that visitors enjoy. Reviewers express appreciation for the serene environment, emphasizing the project's effective conservation efforts and the positive impact it has on local wildlife and plant life.
Overall, support for Little River Wetlands Project Inc. is strong, with many expressing that the scenic landscape and preservation work align with their values and interests in nature. The nonprofit clearly resonates with its audience, making it a well-regarded choice for those who care about environmental conservation.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Little River Wetlands Project Inc legitimate?
Little River Wetlands Project Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Little River Wetlands Project Inc 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: $64,998
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $151,429
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
What is the mission statement of Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
The Little River Wetlands Project, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the restoration and protection of wetlands in a major tributary of the Wabash River. Their mission encompasses providing educational opportunities that encourage responsible stewardship of wetlands and other natural ecosystems. Through their efforts, they aim to restore and protect over 3,000 acres of land, including 1,300 acres of wetlands, forests, and prairies, and co-own an additional preserve. The organization's work benefits nearby communities by enhancing flood control, cleansing groundwater, and offering recreational opportunities. They also engage with property owners who wish to conserve their land, and their preserves attract bird watchers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The Little River Wetlands Project's educational programs encourage community participation in ecological restoration, such as their Seed to Marsh program, which involves growing native plants for use in restoration projects.
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
Who is the CEO of Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
William Etzler is the Executive Di of Little River Wetlands Project Inc.
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
What is the revenue of Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
Little River Wetlands Project Inc's revenue in 2022 was $398,520.
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
Who are the executives of Little River Wetlands Project Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Little River Wetlands Project Inc during 2022 was $27,053. There are 8 employees and 270 volunteers at Little River Wetlands Project Inc.
Here are 12 key members and their salaries:
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Official website here: www.lrwp.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Little River Wetlands Project Inc?
Little River Wetlands Project Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.lrwp.org
Learn more at the official website: www.lrwp.org
Mission Statement of Little River Wetlands Project Inc
The Little River Wetlands Project, a nonprofit land trust, is committed to restoring and protecting wetlands within the historic watershed of the Little River, a major tributary of the Wabash River. Their mission is to encourage good stewardship of wetlands and other natural ecosystems by providing educational opportunities. The organization protects over 1,300 acres of restored and natural habitat, including wetlands, forested wetlands, sedge meadows, and prairies, across four wetland nature preserves. They collaborate with private landowners, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies to protect and restore over 3,000 acres in the project area. The Little River Wetlands Project's efforts have significantly contributed to the restoration and protection of wetlands, providing clean water, flood storage, and a botanical and wildlife refuge for both the Mississippi and Great Lakes watersheds. They are renowned for their work, including Eagle Marsh, one of the largest inland, urban wetland restorations in the U.S., which holds 3,825 acres of floodwater or 1.25 billion gallons of floodwater during a major storm event, reducing flood damage in urban areas. The organization's preserves are visited by bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, runners, and families, and they also engage the community in educational programs such as the Seed to Marsh program, which encourages active participation in ecological restoration.
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Impact
June, 2024
Little River Wetlands Project Inc's impact is substantial in the restoration and protection of wetlands in the historic watershed of the Little River. By protecting 1,300 acres of restored and natural habitat, including wetlands, forested wetlands, sedge meadows, and prairies, the organization plays a vital role in enhancing flood control, cleansing groundwater, and providing recreational opportunities for nearby communities. Additionally, their efforts benefit migrating birds and butterflies, with Eagle Marsh standing out as one of the largest inland urban wetland restorations in the United States.
Furthermore, Little River Wetlands Project Inc actively engages the community through educational opportunities, volunteer programs, and initiatives like the Seed to Marsh program. These efforts not only contribute to ecological restoration but also foster a sense of stewardship among individuals of all ages. The organization's partnership with local schools and community organizations further strengthens their impact by promoting environmental awareness and conservation practices.
From organizing volunteer service days to hosting educational events and citizen science programs, Little River Wetlands Project Inc has demonstrated a commitment to preserving natural ecosystems and engaging the community in sustainable practices. Through their dedicated efforts, the organization has made a significant positive impact on the local environment and fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among residents of Fort Wayne and beyond.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Little River Wetlands Project Inc. 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: $659
- Gross Receipts: $402,441
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $3,446,912
- Total Liabilities: $4,626
- Net Assets: $3,442,286
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1990
Phone
(260) 478-2515Principal Officer
William Etzler
Main Address
5000 SMITH ROAD, FORT WAYNE, IN, 46804
Website
www.lrwp.orgNTEE Category
Code: C320 - Environment
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