Friends of Maple Woods Nature Preserve

In the fall of 2007 six people were walking in the Maple Woods Nature Preserve. When we left we noticed a for sale sign on the adjacent property. We had always assumed that piece of land was part of the preserve but ... it wasn't. Saddened by the loss of 100s of acres of suburban forest in the area, the children encouraged me to call and see how much it cost and how much land was involved. As it turns out, 7.3 acres of land was in danger of development at a cost of $110,000. We decided then and there that even though WE could never afford it we should try to buy the land and donate it to the park. To this end, we have partnered with The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation to collect the funds for the purchase of this property. The Friends of Maple Woods NAture Preserve was born. So far we have recieved permission from the owner, Gladstone Parks, and Missouri Conservation to go ahead we have collected 3.7% of the total needed to make the purchase. You can be a hero by sending in your donation. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and will be used only for this project. All costs are being absorbed by volunteers. Donate online 24/7 MAKE A DONATION RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW SAFELY through DONORS EDGE please be sure note Maple Woods in the comments. (Donors Edge will take a percentage as their card fees)

View the projects that MCFH is involved with at Donors Edge

100% of your donation can be used if you mail your check to:

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 366 Jefferson City Missouri 65102-0366 By Tel: 573-634-2080 or 800-227-1488 Between the hours of 9am and 5pm CST

View a PDF of our Flier and Donation Forms

Still need some more convincing???

Adding this piece of land to the preserve will help in many ways.

  • Wildlife habitat.
  • Cleaner air - Studies have shown that forests act as pollution control.
  • Carbon offset - Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. [USDA Forest Service Pamphlet #R1-92-100} Total offset for this project estimated at 18.98 tons per year.
  • Greenhouse gas reduction
  • Expanded trails and educational opportunities for children.
  • Biodiversity and preservation of Missouri's unique flora and fauna in an intact environment.
  • Maintaining the beauty and isolation of the Current preserve.

    • A view of the 7.3 acres from a main trail of the existing preserve.

    For additional info, to schedule a power point presentation, or to obtain individual or group donation forms. Contact Greg Montgomery Email The Friends of Maple Woods

    See our news coverage

    KC Star Story 2-9-08

    Sun Times Tribune Article

    Dog Wood Alliance

    Fox 4 News at 10 WDAF

    A view of the proposed purchase from the main trail.

    The Preserve is unique in several ways. It is a National and State recognized historic natural area. This area contain virgin uncut stands of Hard Maple, Oak and Hickory trees. These stands are said to be the largest in the Midwest. The Maple Woods Nature Preserve is owned by the Missouri Conservation Department and the visitor trails are maintained by the City of Gladstone. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. The Natural area was one of Missouri's first. It has never been logged or farmed and contains a virgin stand of black and sugar maples combined with mockernut hickory and many other native trees. The canopy is studded with old growth oaks of many types. The understory is paw paw and woodland flowers including rare native orchids. As individuals we can do very little but together we are capitalism's answer to shrinking Missouri Forest ecosystems right here in Kansas City.

    For more information about the existing Maple Woods Nature Preserve follow these links

    Missouri Department of Conservation

    Missouri Conservation 2007 Article

    KCwildlands.org

    A view of the creek in the 7.3 acres from the trail. Seems huge but remember this much forest can be cleared and flattening in less than a week with modern heavy equipment.

    If your organization would like to become a partner please contact me. We will promote your business or group to over a thousand of KC residents and special perks will be made available for large donations. In the event that the land can not be purchased the money will go to help maintain the current preserve.

    The donations to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, a fully-established not-for-profit organization who is partnered with the Friends of Maple Woods so that we are able to accept tax-free donations. Contributions made to this cause through MCHF are fully deductible to the extent allowed by law. MCHF is incorporated in the State of Missouri under the Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act to assist the Missouri Department of Conservation in carrying out its authorized purposes. It holds Federal Tax Exempt Status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

    The Friends of Maple Woods organization is a not-for-profit organization founded solely for funding the purchase of a 7 acre plot adjacent to the current Maple Woods Natural Preserve, to be donated to the Missouri Department of Conservation as an expansion of the park. The group is non-partisan, non-political, and has no intention to take up any causes beyond the expansion of the Maple Woods Natural Preserve. 100% of the money donated will go into the fund, and all performers and helpers are donating their time and will not be paid. The organization was founded by Mr. Greg Montgomery, a local parent, educator with Liberty Public Schools, and Cub Scout Master for Troop 179 in Avondale, MO. Thank you for visiting my page at ANGELFIRE. Please come back and visit again!

    Friends of Maple Woods Nature Preserve (Partners and important links)

    Friends of Maple Wood Nature Preserve on Myspace
    Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation is our secure bank
    Gladstone Parks and Rec has agreed to manage the property
    Troop 4179
    Missouri Conservation Department has agreed to accept the land as part of the park
    Maple Woods Community College
    Facebook Causes Contest win a prize
    Ozark Wilderness Waterways Canoe Club
    Tree Benefits for you!!!

    Here is what we are up to ...

    Email: graceyfoundation@lycos.com