Celebrating 30 Years of the Great Outdoors Foundation

This piece originally ran in the January/February issue of dsm Magazine.

Q: What is your anniversary or milestone?

A: This year, the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF) celebrates thirty years as an organization. Over the last three decades, GOF has played a vital role in activating transformational quality-of-life projects and initiatives like the Jester Park Nature Center, Athene Pedestrian Bridge, and ICON Water Trails — to name a few.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your history?

A: On June 22, 1995, GOF’s articles of incorporation were filed and outlined the organization’s purpose as being, “To do any and all…acts…to bring about the conservation of natural resources, the enhancement of outdoor recreation opportunities, wise land use, conservation education, protection of open spaces, and the promotion of environmental ethics.”

Q: Who do you credit this achievement to and why?

A: For most of its history, GOF was a volunteer-led organization. Our thirty-year anniversary is a testament to our partners, donors, and volunteers. We are fortunate to have a robust public-private coalition that shares our vision and has been working to achieve it for the last three decades.

Q: What excites you about the future?

A: GOF’s newest initiative, the Conservation Acceleration Fund (CAF) is a dynamic investment mechanism mobilizing strategic water quality practices via its guaranteed 4:1 public-to-private funding match. With over $5 million secured already, the CAF is poised to unlock upwards of $20 million in conservation infrastructure — in its first year alone.