Diversity Statement, Financials and Policies

Trout Lake Nature Center Policies and Statements

For copies of the Trout Lake Nature Center's Bylaws, policies and procedures, conflict of interest policy or financial statements, email the Trout Lake Nature Center's office  or call 352-357-7536. You can also access our latest IRS Form 990 by clicking here.

Diversity Statement

As an organization with a long and rich history, the Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC) has seen many changes within Lake County and the environmental education and nature center fields but none more important than the challenge to be more inclusive and diverse. Though many are managed, staffed and visited primarily by the dominant white culture, nature centers, including TLNC, have been working towards this goal for many years.

For many decades the environmental education field has recognized the lack of diversity within its profession, audiences, and the visitors to natural areas. This is a serious cause for concern since many multicultural and lower socio-economic communities are the ones facing the largest impacts from environmental issues and some proposed solutions.

A strong and healthy ecosystem must be diverse. The same holds true for an organization. For many years, TLNC has worked to diversify its visitors, membership, volunteers, and board to be more inclusive of different cultures, ethnicities, socio-economic levels, and education. In order to stay relevant as an organization, we must reflect the changing population.

The Trout Lake Nature Center Believes

• Nature is for ALL.

• Everyone has the right to live in and feel connected to a healthy community. We have a shared responsibility to open the doors to ALL people.

• Racism not only stifles the opportunity to connect, learn and enjoy nature but leaves unheard the communities often most impacted by environmental problems.

• Different perspectives are important to TLNC, and we benefit from the individual strengths of each member, volunteer, and visitor. We honor the beliefs, attitudes, languages, interpersonal styles, and values of all individuals.

• When people have meaningful experiences outdoors or with nature, their quality of life, health, and social well-being improve, and, in turn, communities become stronger and more sustainable. Everyone deserves the opportunity for meaningful experiences outdoors and the chance to make nature connections.

As an organization, we are committed to promoting justice, respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and organization.