BUR OAK LAND TRUST
Good Natured since 1978
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Bur Oak Land Trust's works to solve current and future environmental challenges through conservation of Iowa's remaining native landscapes and natural resources. Bur Oak has a philosophy of not only protecting Iowa land but working to remove invasive species, propagate native species and create trails for our community to enjoy the land without disturbing the land.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Ameri Corps Program
Bur Oak Land Trust hosts 15-20 AmeriCorps members each year.
AmeriCorps members address land management needs in the region while training a new generation in leadership and conservation best practices. AmeriCorps members address habitat loss, the spread of non-native invasive species, lack of exposure to nature by people of all ages, and disaster recovery.
AmeriCorps training includes S-130 and S-190 National Wildfire Coordinating Group wildland firefighting and prescribed fire operations, S-212 chainsaw operations, National Outdoor Leadership School wilderness first aid, CPR/AED, watercraft safety, UTV/ATV safety and operation, equipment maintenance, and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Pesticide Applicator certification.
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of public events held to further mission
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This includes workdays and hikes on the properties as well as Prairie Preview, two Family Days, Music on the Prairie, and annual fundraiser.
Number of volunteers
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Volunteers work on the properties for property workdays and also work in the office doing event planning, public outreach, and office maintenance.
Number of donations made by board members
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Bur Oak Land Trust's all-volunteer board supports through hours worked as well as through financial support.
Number of new grants received
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Cargill, Iowa DNR, Environmental Advocates, Holthues Trust, Allian Energy, ITC, Rockwell Collins, Helen M. Harrison Foundation, Hutton Family Foundation, Community Foundation of JC, New Leader Man.
Acres of land managed
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This includes owned properties and conservation easements.
Acres of land leased, purchased, or put into easement
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
2019: no new. 2018: 43 acres put in easement. 2017: 30 acres acquired and 40 acres moved from easement to owned; 2016: no changes; 2015: 40 acres purchased and 82 acres put into conservation easement.
Number of acres of land protected
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total of land owned and conservation easements held.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
We focus on land protection and management to increase biodiversity and restore native habitat for healthier and resilient ecosystems.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Following the goals outlined in our strategic plan we will organize a strategic conservation planning initiative, identify the most valuable lands to protect in focus areas, establish ongoing relationships with landowners of properties of interest, establish collaborative relationships with the Johnson County Conservation Board, and expand beyond Johnson County.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Our organization was established in 1978 as a volunteer led organization. As of 2022, we now professional leadership as well as a trained land stewardship team through our AmeriCorps program. As our capacity grows, we continue to expand our land protection efforts while staying true to our core goals.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
BUR OAK LAND TRUST
Board of directorsas of 06/16/2023
Larry Weber
Neil Joss
Kate Jamison
Lain Adkins
Don Hodson
Chris Jensen
Len Lowder
Ben Dillon
Kate Reilly
Valerie Decker
Liz Maas
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data