The Douglas-Hart Foundation was created in 1963 by owner, Helen Douglas-Hart, who had a dream of returning farmland to its natural setting prior to human settlement. The Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, receives no tax support, and manages 3 properties: the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Friendship Garden, and the Whiteside Garden. The staff and board sustain Helen's legacy with our mission: "Through the responsible stewardship of Helen Douglas Hart's gifts, the Douglas-Hart Foundation will be a leader in promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of our natural resources by providing quality programs for all ages." 

As you know, 2020 has been a difficult year for all. However, The Douglas-Hart Foundation has seen some of the positive impacts of COVID-19. At the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, we have seen a significant increase in individuals, families, and friends coming to enjoy our trails and other site features. We are happy to provide an escape that allows people to safely get outdoors and reap the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of nature. Our conservation team has been working hard to make sure Douglas-Hart continues being a well maintained safe haven for all to enjoy, and our education team has been actively coming up with new ideas to keep visitors engaged through on-your-own trail activities. It takes a small, yet mighty army to keep up with the grounds maintenance, habitat management, and environmental education programming, and due to COVID-19, we have lost our largest revenue months and events that allow us to continue fulfilling our mission.

This auction will help continue our programs for 2021 (both in-person and virtually), improve native habitat, and basic trail maintenance. Here are the projects we have on the books for 2021:

1. Grand opening of The Whiteside Garden (Spring 2021)

2. Installation of fully operational solar panels at the Nature Center

3. Removal of ash trees stricken with Emerald Ash Borer and replaced with native flora. 

4. Reside and repair the tool shed at Friendship Garden. 

5. Update bathroom at The Whiteside Garden to be accessible. 

6. And more! 

The Douglas-Hart Foundation is excited to host our very first online auction! The proceeds from this auction will help keep the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Friendship Garden, and the Whiteside Garden sustainable during these difficult times. The auction items vary from seasonal decor and handmade items to kid activity baskets! It's just in time for the holidays, so think of others when you bid on items to get the perfect gift for someone special in your life. Or splurge on yourself - it's 2020, you deserve it! And know that with every bid, you are helping the Douglas-Hart Foundation in more ways than you could imagine. All auction items are handmade, new, or secondhand items provided by Douglas-Hart or friends of Douglas-Hart. Thank you for your continued support. 

The auction opens on Monday, November 16 at 8am, and closes Friday, November 20 at 4pm. All invoices must be paid online (debit/credit card or PayPal) by Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. All auction items are pick-up only at Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 Dewitt Ave E, Mattoon, IL, 61938. No shipping available. Pick-up for auction items begins Monday, Nov. 30 at 9am. Pick-up will be available Mon.-Fri. 9am-3pm, or by appointment. Upon arrival to the nature center, please ring the doorbell near the front doors for staff to assist you. To make an appointment for pick-up, please email programs@dhnature.org or call 217-235-4644.