Arlo the Turtle At State Fair!
Pat Schlarbaum, Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity technician, asked the Iowa Wildlife Center if he could borrow an ornate box turtle for display in the DNR Building. We had just the turtle for him. Last year, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) received a very sick male ornate box turtle who had been illegally kept as a "pet". After treating him for a severe fungal infection for several weeks, ARL transferred the him to the Iowa Wildlife Center. We now use the turtle, whom we named "Arlo" as a nod of thanks to Animal Rescue League for our environmental education programs. So, go visit Arlo in the DNR Building during this year's Iowa State Fair!
IWC + IRS = 501c3
Executive Director Marlene Ehresman reacted with jubilation as another milestone was reached. In a letter dated August 7, we received news from the IRS that our application for federal tax exemption as a nonprofit organization has been approved!
Tom Boes, Des Moines attorney and IWC Treasurer, submitted our application June 26 after spending hours ensuring that it was correct (a tip of the hat to another great Des Moines attorney, Bruce Campbell, for his role). Normally, approval takes 3-6 months!
Under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code, IWC is now classified as a public charity. As such, contributions made directly to us are now deductible, and we can receive tax deductible bequests, transfers or gifts. If you like to help the Iowa Wildlife Center reach our goals, consider this new status, then take action. We are beginning Phase 1 of our building plan this fall -- we need your help now, please! You may make a donation to IWC by sending a check to IWC, P.O. Box 2309, Ames, IA, 50010, or through our donation page.
New Staff is Hired
The Iowa Wildlife Center welcomes Nan Bonfils of rural Madrid to its staff as administrative and program assistant. Bonfils has experience in organizational development at the Iowa Arboretum and Practical Farmers of Iowa. For a photo and more complete biography, see our staff page.