Protecting Nature
The Verde River – securing water, habitat and community
The Verde River supplies drinking water to 14 communities and millions of Arizonans, and supports critical streamside and wildlife habitats; yet in recent years, the river’s flow has reached historic lows. With The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Verde River, the Trust is supporting development of the Verde River Watershed Report Card to evaluate and track the social, ecologic and economic health of the watershed. The Report Card will bring together the U.S. Forest Service, municipalities, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and conservation organizations and stakeholders to help protect and restore the Verde River, while driving important conversations around water conservation and community.
Helping People in Need
A better future through higher education
The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program helps people who have experienced significant adversity build a better future for themselves and their families through higher education. Nina Scholars are adults with dependents, people who have physical challenges and youth who have been in the foster care system. With high-touch, personal program supports and services, Nina Scholars graduate at twice the rate of their peers who face similar challenges. The Trust partners with four universities and colleges in Arizona and Indiana to present its flagship program.
Protecting Animals
Stewards of our communities’ companion animals
By working closely with animal welfare agencies in Maricopa County, Arizona and Marion County, Indiana, we are significantly reducing pet overpopulation and euthanasia. Since the Trust began its animal welfare initiatives focused primarily on spay/neuter and adoption in 2012, euthanasia rates among cats and dogs in both counties have dropped dropped 87 and 75 percent, respectively. Vigilance is critical for continuing to maintain these reductions and improve the quality of life for our communities’ animal companions.
Grants
Grantee Spotlight
Child Advocates: Protecting Indiana’s at-risk children
Child Advocates, based in Indianapolis, provides a voice for Marion County’s abused and neglected children, representing them in court and protecting their interests. Child Advocates also works to keep children from entering the court system. The Trust invests in Child Advocates’ Family Crisis Advocacy Program, which connects parents to services and resources to help them resolve issues which could threaten their children’s safety and well-being. With this support, we hope to help reduce the number of Indiana’s children being referred to the Department of Child Services, allowing more to remain safely in their homes.
In The News
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Season for Sharing: St. Mary’s Child Center hopes to break poverty cycle through education
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Tribes raise alarms about proposed ‘memorial forest’ near San Francisco Peaks
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