Organization of the Lacawac Foundation Inc.
Gathering of some recent volunteers in Watres Lodge
Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit association. It was formed in 1966 based on and to protect and operate a gift of the original Connell Park lands by Arthur and Isable Watres. It has since acquired 5 additional parcels of land to protect. It is an association of members all of whom support the Lacawac mission and contribute time, money and energy in keeping Lacawac open, preserved and functioning.
The mission of Lacawac is: Preservation - Education - Research
Lacawac is entirely supported by its annual membership fees, program fees, many donations and occiasional small grants. It is not highly endowed as some organizations and recieves no direct tax dollars for its support.
Governance is by a dual board system made up of all community minded volunteers elected annually for 3 year terms. The Trustee Board works on positioning Lacawac, development projects, endowmentprocurement, and community relations. A second Board, the Board of Directors, supervises day to day operations. They are assisted by many, many "hands-on" volunteers who help with special projects, trail maintenance, garden care, building repairs and who lead walks and conduct educational sessions.
The staff consists of a part-time Executive Director, a Program/Operations Director, an office administrator, a part time maintenance person and usually several summer season interns.