HEP Board of Directors
President- Laine Johnson Crump
Vice President- Mark Sanstead
Treasurer- Kathy Siemens
Secretary- Ceil Strauss
Environmental Director- Walt Popp
Program Director-Kevin Smith
Membership Coordinator- Andy Tix
At Large Director- Phil Vieth
Vice President- Mark Sanstead
Treasurer- Kathy Siemens
Secretary- Ceil Strauss
Environmental Director- Walt Popp
Program Director-Kevin Smith
Membership Coordinator- Andy Tix
At Large Director- Phil Vieth
History of HEP
One summer day in July 2003, Cindy and Kevin Smith, Janie and Dick Darsow and Pam and Dick Thorson gathered at 100 North River Street in the old screen porch surrounded by woodlands. The purpose was to discuss the need for a local conservation organization dedicated to protect the Hastings Area's exceptional ecosystems.
In the ensuing months, the number of interested people increased and the new organization's tentative name was ITASKA--meaning, "that, that becomes a mighty river". Also mission and vision statements were established.
In 2005 the ITASKA name was officially changed to H.E.P.--Hastings Environmental Protectors. During this year, H.E.P.'s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were adopted. Those members who had been acting directors and officers were properly elected: Tecla Karpen--President; Kevin Smith--Vice President; Murray Wilson--Secretary; George May--Treasurer; Phil Vieth--(Field Director) Ecology Director.
H.E.P.'s monthly meeting minutes from 2003 to present indicate the successful efforts of the organization to protect the Hastings Area ecosystems through involvement with area natural environmental issues and by cooperation with City, County and other conservation programs. This has included plenty of sweat, tears and accomplishments, but also many occasions of enjoyable social events in Mother Nature's splendid settings of waters, woods and wildlife.
Some of our past projects include:
Voyageur Canoe rides during Rivertown Days to share our appreciation for the beauty around us.
Spring Lake Park clean up fall 2010. It was quite a project!
Sponsoring a bicycling survey to identify needs for riders such as bicycle lanes, Bike racks and signage.
Planning and implementing several pollinator patches throughout the city at churches and parks.
Volunteering at Rivertown Days.
Planning a Hastings Earth Day and Birding Festival at Carpenter Nature Center since 2012
Helping Hastings become a Bird City!
So check out our website or come to a meeting and get to know us better!
In the ensuing months, the number of interested people increased and the new organization's tentative name was ITASKA--meaning, "that, that becomes a mighty river". Also mission and vision statements were established.
In 2005 the ITASKA name was officially changed to H.E.P.--Hastings Environmental Protectors. During this year, H.E.P.'s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were adopted. Those members who had been acting directors and officers were properly elected: Tecla Karpen--President; Kevin Smith--Vice President; Murray Wilson--Secretary; George May--Treasurer; Phil Vieth--(Field Director) Ecology Director.
H.E.P.'s monthly meeting minutes from 2003 to present indicate the successful efforts of the organization to protect the Hastings Area ecosystems through involvement with area natural environmental issues and by cooperation with City, County and other conservation programs. This has included plenty of sweat, tears and accomplishments, but also many occasions of enjoyable social events in Mother Nature's splendid settings of waters, woods and wildlife.
Some of our past projects include:
Voyageur Canoe rides during Rivertown Days to share our appreciation for the beauty around us.
Spring Lake Park clean up fall 2010. It was quite a project!
Sponsoring a bicycling survey to identify needs for riders such as bicycle lanes, Bike racks and signage.
Planning and implementing several pollinator patches throughout the city at churches and parks.
Volunteering at Rivertown Days.
Planning a Hastings Earth Day and Birding Festival at Carpenter Nature Center since 2012
Helping Hastings become a Bird City!
So check out our website or come to a meeting and get to know us better!
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