(May 4, 2011) Nelsonville, Ohio — The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is pleased to announce an anonymous donation of $50,000 to the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund for Appalachian Ohio. The fund graciously accepts this gift by continuing to honor and support the prominent, environmental stewardship set forth by the late Ora Anderson.
Naturalist and writer Ora Anderson was known of his passionate efforts of the region’s conservation and preservation. Throughout his life, Anderson combined the perspective and passion he first gained as a young reporter documenting the development of Appalachian Ohio’s forests, with his creative aspirations. Through poems, essays, wood carvings and other artistic endeavors, Mr. Anderson exposed many to the joys of being outdoors, encouraging appreciation and stewardship of the land.
Anderson wrote: “It’s a wonderful old world, despite its warts and wrinkles. It deserves more respect than we are inclined to give it. With just a modicum of benign help, old Ma Nature can stage some amazing comebacks.”
When Anderson passed away in 2006 at the age of 94, his family and friends decided it would be appropriate to start an endowed fund in his name through the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. The Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund now exists to provide a permanent source of charitable funding for conservation activities and programs in the areas of watershed restoration, sustainable forest practices and promotion of the region’s cultural and environmental history. Through this fund, Anderson’s legacy of protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of Appalachian Ohio continues to be shared, and every dollar donated to the fund remains in the fund, using only interest earned to provide grant awards.
If you would like to learn more about how to support the fund through current assets, or by leaving a planned gift, please contact the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio at 740-753-1111. Donations to the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund can also be made online at www.andersonconservationfund.com or by clicking here to make a secure online donation through Network for Good, noting the Ora E. Anderson Conservation Fund.