Missions of the
Highlands Nature Sanctuary Inc
From Articles of Incorporation
Section 1. IRC Section 501(c)(3) Purposes. This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Section 2. Specific Objectives and Purposes. The purposes for which this corporation is formed is:
A. EDUCATION – NATURE LITERACY AND NATURE COMMUNION
To cultivate awareness and appreciation of the region known as the Rocky Fork Gorge, Rocky Fork Gorge located in south central Ohio. To sponsor educational programs which teach the public about the region’s flora, fauna, ecosystems, geology, history and biodiversity.
To increase nature-literacy and create a closer connection to the natural world through the offering of public educational programs and experiences which:
a) increase knowledge of scientific natural history, plant and animal identification and natural laws
b) give opportunities for solitary and quiet communion with nature
c) inspire participants to express impressions of nature in words and art
d) assist individuals to feel safe and confident in the out-of-doors
e) acknowledge the spiritual component of all life and encourage a responsible land ethic
f) increase awareness of nature's potential to heal, comfort, and provide sustenance
g) increase consciousness of individuals' and communities' impact on the natural environment
h) To encourage people to re-discover the simple pleasures of low-impact wilderness hiking.
B. EDUCATION – ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
To operate a learning center and think-tank that proposes solutions to the world’s present environmental challenges. To present educational programs which emphasize innovative approaches to creating ecologically sustainable businesses, lifestyles, architecture, agriculture and home-gardening, green cemeteries and intentional communities. To create working models of new and innovative practices in these fields for the purposes of education and demonstration.
C. PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF THE EASTERN DECIDUOUS FORESTS AND PRAIRIES
To develop a program to protect, preserve, restore and rehabilitate the natural area, ecosystem, flora, fauna, and biodiversity of the area known as the Rocky Fork Gorge in Highland County, Ohio; and other nearby watersheds lying on or near the southern Appalachian front of southern Ohio.
To acquire and preserve land areas in botanically, geologically, and zoologically significant locations in southern Ohio in order to restore habitat many imperiled plant and animal communities, including the native old-growth eastern American deciduous forest, and the native tall-grass prairies of the American mid-west. To strategically acquire and preserve lands that have the potential to be contiguous to pre-existing or anticipated preserves—in order to provide prime habitat for native species that require large unbroken expanses of forest, grasslands, or river corridors to survive.
To acquire lands and property desired for preservation by purchase, lease, gift, trade, exchange, donation or by any other means, for the purposes specified herein and for all other legal purposes under Ohio law, including raising funds to carry out the purposes stated herein by any means authorized by law. To protect desired lands through a variety of means, including ownership through standard deed transfers, and the acceptance of conservation easements.
To strategically enhance protection of key river and stream corridors, wetlands and watersheds to maximize water quality protection and to provide habitat for native mollusks, fish, birds, and other animals dependent on clean river systems.
To temporarily hold property and real estate in trust for another 501(c)3 organization that is similarly dedicated to forest and land preservation activities consistent with these articles, and to transfer to each organization any interest in land where such activities are in furtherance of the purpose stated herein and are consistent with all applicable federal and state requirements and policies.
To preserve the rural character of Ohio’s countryside by encouraging the perpetuation of unfragmented forest lands, unbroken family-owned farms, and small cottage industries that have low-environmental impact.