Connor Schaffer (right) and his brother Spencer are excited about the celebration at Howard Christensen Nature Center.

Student’s donation provides inspiration to Nature Center

On June 28, Connor Schaffer presented a check to the Lily’s Frog Pad Inc. Board of Advisors for $150. Although this donation may not be the biggest received by the new non-profit that is now managing the Howard Christensen Nature Center, its significance is huge. Connor is 10 years old!
His mother, Jennifer Schaffer, is proud of her son. “It is important for kids to know that they can make a difference; it doesn’t have to always be the grown-ups,” she said. The Lily’s Frog Pad Inc. Board members agreed whole-heartedly and celebrated Connor’s inspirational efforts with a framed certificate of appreciation and a special cake. Connor was also recognized by Fox17 News as their “Pay It Forward” Person of the Week on June 24.

Connor’s involvement with the nature center started when all of the third grade classes at Chandler Woods Charter Academy visited Howard Christensen Nature Center (HCNC) for a field trip in the fall. Connor was very disappointed when he heard that the nature center was closing this past winter due to a funding shortage and he wanted to take action.

Connor made donation boxes and signs and talked to his entire school about the nature center’s plight. The students did extra chores around the house to earn money to donate. Their teacher, Mrs. Lopez, even put out a challenge to match dollar for dollar what the kids turned in for the day! When Connor and his class heard the news that Lily’s Frog Pad was going to re-open and manage HCNC, they were happy to know that the nature center will be around for other kids to come and enjoy.

Day camp programs are scheduled this summer and field trips will resume in the fall. More information about Howard Christensen Nature Center programs can be found at www.lilysfrogpad.com.