During this Thanksgiving season, Andy McEvoy, Hidden Valley Nature Center’s director, asked his board members to think about what they were thankful for this year.

“I am thankful for the support we have received from foundations,” Board President Bill Dalke said. “Without them our building projects and programs would not have been possible. I especially want to thank the Quimby Family Foundation, Davis Conservation Fund, Oak Grove School Foundation, Elizabeth Anne Leach Foundation, Hochgraf Foundation, and the Horizon Foundation.”

Amy Preston: “To me it’s all about the community spirit so I want to thank all of our 500-plus members of Hidden Valley Nature Center.”

Kristin Stone said: “I am especially thankful for all the support we have received for youth programs from Damariscotta Bank and Trust, Maine Helicopter, Teens to Trails, the Maine Winter Sports Center and others. Without them HVNC wouldn’t have nearly as many great family events like the biathlon or trail race.”

Chuck Dinsmore said: “None of what we do would be possible without the generosity of our volunteers who contribute untold hours of time and incalculable quantities of energy that play a central part in HVNC's success.”

Eleanor Goldberg said: “I am thankful for support from local businesses. To mention a few, L.L. Bean, Ames Supply of Wiscasset, Maine Coast Stove and Chimney, Lowes, N.C. Hunt Lumber, Hancock Lumber, Mexicali Blues, Cribstone Capital, Reny’s, the Liberal Cup brewpub, Allagash Brewing, Sheepscot Brewing, McGee Construction, Lamey-Wellihan shoes, Newcastle Dodge, and so many more!”

Joe Barth said: “A special thanks goes out to all of the dogs that dependably bring their humans out for walks. Dogs rarely get the thanks they deserve.”  

Brenda Weis responded: “I am thankful for all the participation of local schools and the contributions of those who make school visits possible.”

Bambi Jones is grateful for all of the other great organizations with whom HVNC collaborates like MOFGA, Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, Maine Project Learning Tree, Maine Forest Service, Maine Audobon, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, and so many others.

HVNC in Jefferson is a nonprofit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.