By Nancy Bowman
Brukner Nature Center has a new way to promote its offerings thanks to the Tipp City Foundation.
A grant for $1,709 received in 2020 was used to buy materials to increase the nature center’s presence in surrounding communities through participation with a booth at public events, volunteer fairs and other activities.
Due to COVID-19 the materials were first used this year at a downtown Troy nonprofits night on the Public Square’s Prouty Plaza, said Deb Oexmann, executive director, Brukner Nature Center.
“We used the money to purchase a tablecloth, table runner with our logo, monitor with portable battery power to show videos, and a rolling tote to carry it all in,” Oexmann said
“We also used some of the funding to create some new videos to share not only at these events but also with our members, on our website and Facebook page. Some funding was also used to create fun stickers to pass out at events to engage kids and their families,” she said.
The Brukner staff loves the new booth and materials although there hasn’t been a lot of time so far for public feedback, Oexmann said. The stickers already are a big hit with the children, she said.
The public relations campaign for Brukner Nature Center is an ongoing effort. “The more people who learn about us and our mission, the more memberships grow, the more wildlife myths are busted and the more friends and partners we create!” Oexmann said.
The center continues to be a popular destination. Its trails remained open during closings forced by COVID-19. The restrictions didn’t stop people from taking in the center’s outdoor offerings – Oexmann said a 20 percent increases in visitation was experienced in the past year and a half.
The center has been closed some this summer as its new driveway and parking lot project is underway. The areas are being paved with concrete. “I am so thankful for the support of our members, community foundations and our Board of Trustees. This project was by no means the least expensive fix for our aging drive but it is by far the best environmentally friendly option,” she said.
Upcoming events at Brukner Nature Center include its annual fundraiser, The Art of Nature, scheduled for Oct. 3. An online auction is planned for members with some of the larger items available at the Oct. 3 auction.
Work on the annual Arts and Crafts Show on Dec. 3 is underway. Vendor applications are now being accepted. Everything offered at the show must be handmade or somehow related to nature, Oexmann said.
For more information on Brukner Nature Center, visit www.bruknernaturecener.com.