2019-11-15T11:37:08-06:00 2018-12-31 382463166 ALAN C YOUNG & ASSOCIATES PC 7310 WOODWARD AVE STE 740 DETROIT MI 48202 990 2018-01-01 237348118 BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY BELL 3133317760 300 RIVERPLACE DRIVE SUITE 2800 DETROIT MI 48027 MICHELE HODGES PRESIDENT 3133317760 2019-11-15 ANIL SAKHUJA P00151934 3138737500 2019-11-15 96.92.41.38 2019-11-15 11:37:08 CS P 7A3719F1B11A9AC23CC473C520D627CA85524A8C 0CB5E076D88ED9DB0B9F965316A4E5AD88EB1B25 2018 2020-04-17 16:48:07Z MICHELE HODGES 5840790 false X WWW.BELLEISELECONSERVANCY.ORG X 1973 THE MISSION OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY (THE ORGANIZATION) IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND UNIQUE CHARACTER OF BELLE ISLE AS A PUBLIC PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL - NOW AND FOREVER. THE ORGANIZATION STRIVES TO BRING PRIVATE SUPPORT TO BELLE ISLE, AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, MAKING FOR A UNIQUE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON BEHALF OF THE PARK. WORKING WITH A LEGION OF VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS DONORS, THE ORGANIZATION HAS SUCCESSFULLY RENOVATED THE HISTORIC HORSE STABLES ROOF, UPGRADED AMENITIES AT SUNSET POINT, REOPENED THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM, SUPPORTED SPECIAL PROJECTS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CONSERVATORY, RESTORED MONUMENTS, RAISED MATCHING DOLLARS FOR VARIOUS GRANTS, INITIATED VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP TO TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE FOREST, PROVIDED PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR USERS, AND MORE. GRAND PRIXMIERE AND POLISH THE JEWEL ARE THE PRIMARY FUNDRAISING EVENTS THAT SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION. TH 21 20 15 2146 0 1474306 5270531 0 2258 3481 549580 477365 2026144 5751377 0 0 842377 1015108 0 210473 1211589 2336559 2053966 3351667 -27822 2399710 2435702 4681026 406941 252555 2028761 4428471 X THE MISSION OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY (THE ORGANIZATION) IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND UNIQUE CHARACTER OF BELLE ISLE AS A PUBLIC PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL - NOW AND FOREVER. THE ORGANIZATION STRIVES TO BRING PRIVATE SUPPORT TO BELLE ISLE, AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, MAKING FOR A UNIQUE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON BEHALF OF THE PARK. WORKING WITH A LEGION OF VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS DONORS, THE ORGANIZATION HAS SUCCESSFULLY RENOVATED THE HISTORIC HORSE STABLES ROOF, UPGRADED AMENITIES AT SUNSET POINT, REOPENED THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM, SUPPORTED SPECIAL PROJECTS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CONSERVATORY, RESTORED MONUMENTS, RAISED MATCHING DOLLARS FOR VARIOUS GRANTS, INITIATED VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP TO TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE FOREST, PROVIDED PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR USERS, AND MORE. GRAND PRIXMIERE AND POLISH THE JEWEL ARE THE PRIMARY FUNDRAISING EVENTS THAT SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION. TH false false 156049 HISTORIC PRESERVATION:PRESERVING THE BUILDINGS, FOUNTAINS,STATUES.HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND OTHER HISTORIC AMENITIES OF BELLE ISLE PARK; INCLUDES PLANNING,RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISES PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES, WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISED FUNDS FOR A COMPLETE RESTORATION OF THE ROOF OF THE HORSE STABLES, A LARGE COMPLEX DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT GEORGE MASON IN THE 1920'S. THE CLAY TILE ROOF WAS COMPLETELY REPAIRED AND WHERE NECESSARY, REBUILT, ENSURING THE PRESERVATION OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN A PROMINENT AREA OF THE PARK. ANOTHER MAJOR PROJECT HAS BEEN RAISING FUNDS TO REPLACE THE PEWABIC TILES IN THE JAMES SCOTT MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN. THE TILES WERE RIPPED OUT OF THE FOUNTAIN BY AN ERRONEOUS CONTRACTOR; AND THE CONSERVANCY HOLDS AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PARTY TO GENERATE DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE HISTORIC TILES AND BEAUTIFY THE HISTORIC FOUNTAIN. THE CONSERVANCY HAS ALSO SUPPORTED THE CITY'S EFFORT TO RENEW THE NATIONAL REGISTER FOR HISTORIC PLACES DESIGNATION FOR BELLE ISLE, THROUGH DOCUMENTATION, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC MEETINGS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY HAS ACTED AS A FIDUCIARY FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT FOR STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE GRANTS TO RESTORE THE NANCY BROWN PEACE CARILLON TOWER WHICH IS IN DISREPAIR, AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF RECONNECTING THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY, AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED BY ALBERT KAHN IN THE EARLY 1900S. CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE CONDITION OF BELLE ISLE STRUCTURES, STREETLIGHTS, FOOTPATH BRIDGES OVER THE CANALS AND OTHER STRUCTURES AND REPORT PROBLEMS TO BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY, THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. 1986328 BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY: THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY OPENED IN 1904 AND REMAINS ONE OF DETROIT'S CULTURAL JEWELS. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM DELIGHTED VISITORS FOR OVER A CENTURY BEFORE THE CITY CLOSED IT IN 2005 DUE TO BUDGET REDUCTIONS. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY NEGOTIATED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPENING THE AQUARIUM. THE CONSERVANCY CONTINUES TO OPERATE UNDER THAT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN NOW MANAGING THE PARK INSTEAD OF THE CITY. IN 2012 THE AQUARIUM OPENED WITH ABOUT A DOZEN TANK EXHIBITS AND WAS OPEN FROM 11 TO 3 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.THE AQUARIUM IS NOW OPEN TO VISITORS EVERY FRIDAY TO SUNDAY. THE CONSERVANCY ALSO SUPPORTED A STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT TO REPAIR THE AQUARIUM ROOF BY PROVIDING MATCH FUNDING AND BY PAYING FOR THE REQUIRED FLOOD INSURANCE TO SECURE THE GRANT. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM IS RUN MOSTLY BY VOLUNTEER EFFORT - A LEADERSHIP TEAM OF 10 CORE VOLUNTEERS REGULARLY CONTRIBUTE ABOUT 20 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER TIME PER WEEK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. ANOTHER 20 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE TIME ON A LESS REGULAR BASIS AND SUPPORT TOURS, EVENTS, AND GENERAL AQUARIUM OPERATIONS. THE CONSERVATORY ALSO HAS A CREW OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS THAT DOCENT TOURS, HELP MAINTAIN THE PLANT COLLECTIONS, AND ORGANIZE EVENT FUNDRAISERS FOR THE CONSERVATORY. THE STATE OF MICHIGAN MANAGES THE CONSERVATORY, BUT LEANS ON THE CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS TO RUN THE FIELD TRIP PROGRAM, LEAD TOURS, SUPPORT SCHEDULING, AND SUPPLEMENT THE PLANT COLLECTIONS WITH ADDITIONAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS. 291109 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: BELLE ISLE'S 982 ACRES INCLUDE A LARGE WETLAND FOREST, A SYSTEM OF CANALS AND INTERIOR LAKES IN THIS PARK THAT IS ITSELF AN ISLAND, AND TREES AND OTHER PLANTINGS THROUGHOUT THE HEAVILY USED PICNIC AND PLAYGROUND AREAS. INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN THE MORE FRAGILE NATIVE PLANTS AND ARE HELD IN CHECK THROUGH A COMBINATION OF VOLUNTEER LABOR AND CHEMICAL TREATMENTS THAT ARE A JOINT PROJECT OF THE CONSERVANCY AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENTAL OF NATURAL RESOURCES. MORE THAN 2,500 VOLUNTEERS SPEND WELL OVER 10,000 HOURS EACH YEAR THROUGH MONTHLY STEWARDSHIP SATURDAYS, RESEARCH PROJECTS AND SPECIFIC PROJECTS TO MAINTAIN THE FOREST TRAINS AND FOOTBRIDGES OVER THE CANALS. A LOT OF THESE VOLUNTEERS COME TO THE ISLAND VIA CORPORATE VOLUNTEER DAYS WHERE THE ISLAND GETS A GROUP OF 50+ OEOPLE TO DEDICATE A FULL DAY OF MANUAL LABOR TO IMPROVE THE ISLAND'S AESTHETICS AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. OVER 40,000 DAFFODILS HAVE BEEN PLANTED THROUGHOUT THE PARK THROUGH A VOLUNTEER EFFORT AND WITH SUPPORT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT A FROG AND TOAD SURVEY AS A WAY OF MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OF THE PARK'S ECOSYSTEMA ND SUPPORT NATIONAL EFFORTS TO SURVEY AND MONITOR MIGRATORY BIRDS. LASTLY, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY'S FIELD TRIP PROGRAM FOR FOURTH GRADERS TO VISIT THE AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEMS, PLANT AND FISH ADAPTATIONS, AND INVASIVE SPECIES WITH THE INTENT OF EXPOSING AND EXCITING KIDS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING BELLE ISLE, THE DETROIT RIVER, AND THE DETROIT REGION. 367382 OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: ARE THOSE SERVICES THAT IMPROVE BELLE ISLE PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL, BUT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED UNDER HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY, OR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP( I.E. REGULAR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, CONSULTING SERVICES, ETC.) 367382 2800868 true true false false false false false false false false true false false false true false true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false true 50 0 true 15 false false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false X 21 20 false false false false false true false true true false false false true true true false false false false false MI X SUMER RITNER 3133317760 300 RIVER PLACE DRIVE STE 2800 DETROIT MI 48207 EDWARD DEEB DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SARAH EARLEY CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 DAWN BILOBRAN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 KATE BEEBE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JANET ANDERSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 AMY TATTRIE LOEPP DIRECTOR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 ALICIA MASSE TREASURER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 ETHAN VINSON VICE CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 JANICE ELLISON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 NANCY VELLA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BUZZ THOMAS SECRETARY 1.00 X X 0 0 0 TABICE WARD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 GABRIEL VALLE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SHANI PENN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 VANCE PATRICK DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 RON OLSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JUDY JONNA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 CYNTHIA FORD DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SOLOMON W KINLOCHJR DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 STEPHANIE GRIMES WASHINGTON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MICHELE HODGES PRESIDENT 40.00 X 162941 0 28116 162941 28116 1 false true false 35556 400000 191664 4643311 50504 5270531 3481 3481 479165 400000 89413 389752 1347 1347 1347 FISCAL SPONSORSHIP FEES 57416 57416 OTHER 28850 28850 86266 5751377 86266 4828 843643 659484 89710 94449 100721 78764 10676 11281 70744 55322 7499 7923 246567 149084 71899 25584 71793 14753 35644 21396 21600 16886 2296 2418 59547 30524 21390 7633 8227 8227 7393 7393 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 1736288 1736288 SUPPLIES 77307 49683 17451 10173 IN-KIND 50504 125 50379 MEMBERSHIPS AND LICENSES 36386 2731 17634 16021 20947 7224 128 13595 3351667 2800868 340326 210473 1761356 2734034 897416 600588 992433 9939 6572 57319 50071 36880 36380 6500 500 2435702 4681026 225539 144137 159992 20145 21410 88273 406941 252555 X 1435884 952867 592877 3475604 2028761 4428471 2435702 4681026 2399710 X false true X true false X 457790 666894 552765 1474306 5270531 8422286 26959 1561600 986309 881672 565431 4021971 1352 9787 1347 12486 484749 2228494 1540426 2365765 5837309 12456743 12456743 428 1213 2254 2258 3481 9634 428 1213 2254 2258 3481 9634 485177 2229707 1542680 2368023 5840790 12466377 0.99920 0.99920 0.00000 0.00000 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 36880 36380 500 500 FIDUCIARY LIABILITY 62954 ACCRUED EXPENSES 25319 88273 5751377 5751377 5751377 3351667 3351667 3351667 GRAND PRIXMIERE 600000 400000 200000 14573 POLISH THE JEWE 213455 213455 45177 1 65710 65710 29663 879165 400000 479165 89413 89413 389752 X X false false false false false false false false false MICHELE HODGES PRESIDENT 162941 6691 21425 191057 X 1 50504 false false false FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THE MISSION OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY (THE ORGANIZATION) IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND UNIQUE CHARACTER OF BELLE ISLE AS A PUBLIC PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL - NOW AND FOREVER. THE ORGANIZATION STRIVES TO BRING PRIVATE SUPPORT TO BELLE ISLE, AND WORKS CLOSELY WITH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, MAKING FOR A UNIQUE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ON BEHALF OF THE PARK. WORKING WITH A LEGION OF VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS DONORS, THE ORGANIZATION HAS SUCCESSFULLY RENOVATED THE HISTORIC HORSE STABLES ROOF, UPGRADED AMENITIES AT SUNSET POINT, REOPENED THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM, SUPPORTED SPECIAL PROJECTS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE CONSERVATORY, RESTORED MONUMENTS, RAISED MATCHING DOLLARS FOR VARIOUS GRANTS, INITIATED VOLUNTEER STEWARDSHIP TO TACKLE INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE FOREST, PROVIDED PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR USERS, AND MORE. GRAND PRIXMIERE AND POLISH THE JEWEL ARE THE PRIMARY FUNDRAISING EVENTS THAT SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION. THE GRAND PRIXMIERE IS THE OPENING OF THE BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX, A MAJOR EVENT FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT AND BELLE ISLE, HELD IN JUNE. THE ANNUAL POLISH THE JEWEL NCHE ON FOCUSES ATTENTION UPON BELLE ISLE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE GROWING WORK OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY, HELD IN THE FALL. THE SCOTT FOUNTAIN IS THE MOST RECOGNIZED AND BELOVED LANDMARK ON BELLE ISLE, BUT ONE THAT IS IN GREAT NEED OF REPAIR AND RESTORATION. THE FOUNTAIN FEATURES 109 WATER OUTLETS IN THE SHAPE OF LIONS, TURTLES, NEPTUNE FIGURES AND ARTISTIC HORNS AND 16 BAS-RELIEF PANELS DEPICT EARLY DETROIT LIFE. THE HISTORIC FOUNTAIN IS MANAGED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WITH SUPPORT FROM LOCAL EXPERTS. INITIAL ASSESSMENTS CALL FOR FUTURE INVESTMENT OF ABOUT 10 MILLION TO 15 MILLION TO FULLY RESTORE AND MODERNIZE THE ICONIC FOUNTAIN. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM WAS DESIGNED BY FAMED DETROIT ARCHITECT, ALBERT KAHN, AND OPENED ON AUGUST 18, 1904. IT IS THE OLDEST AQUARIUM IN THE COUNTRY AND HAS SERVED THE DETROIT COMMUNITY AS A BELOVED ATTRACTION FOR GENERATIONS. IN 2005, THE CITY OF DETROIT ANNOUNCED THAT THE AQUARIUM WAS TO BE CLOSED DUE TO LEAN ECONOMIC TIMES FOR THE CITY. THE BUILDING REMAINED CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY REOPENED IT ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 AND CONTINUES TO RESTORE AND OPERATE THE FACILITY WITH FREE ADMISSION. SINCE REOPENING, THE AQUARIUM HAS SEEN INCREASED VISITORSHIP (AROUND 150,000 VISITORS PER YEAR), DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED A SUCCESSFUL CURRICULUM-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR LOCAL 4TH AND 5TH GRADE STUDENTS, AND REMAINED FREE TO THE PUBLIC. A WORK-IN-PROGRESS, THE AQUARIUM CONTINUES TO GROW AND FLOURISH AS NEW EXHIBITS AND FISH ARE ADDED, TANKS ARE RESTORED, AND HISTORY IS PRESERVED FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY IS OPERATED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WITH ENHANCEMENTS FROM FUNDING AND COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS OF THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY. SUPPORT INCLUDES THE PURCHASE OF PLANT MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES, PROFESSIONAL PRUNING OF PALMS AND OTHER LARGE PLANTS, REPAIRS TO THE GLASS DOME, ELECTRICAL UPGRADES, AND VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A HISTORIC PRESERVATION:PRESERVING THE BUILDINGS, FOUNTAINS,STATUES.HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND OTHER HISTORIC AMENITIES OF BELLE ISLE PARK; INCLUDES PLANNING,RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISES PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES, WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY RAISED FUNDS FOR A COMPLETE RESTORATION OF THE ROOF OF THE HORSE STABLES, A LARGE COMPLEX DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT GEORGE MASON IN THE 1920'S. THE CLAY TILE ROOF WAS COMPLETELY REPAIRED AND WHERE NECESSARY, REBUILT, ENSURING THE PRESERVATION OF THE BUILDING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN A PROMINENT AREA OF THE PARK. ANOTHER MAJOR PROJECT HAS BEEN RAISING FUNDS TO REPLACE THE PEWABIC TILES IN THE JAMES SCOTT MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN. THE TILES WERE RIPPED OUT OF THE FOUNTAIN BY AN ERRONEOUS CONTRACTOR; AND THE CONSERVANCY HOLDS AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PARTY TO GENERATE DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE HISTORIC TILES AND BEAUTIFY THE HISTORIC FOUNTAIN. THE CONSERVANCY HAS ALSO SUPPORTED THE CITY'S EFFORT TO RENEW THE NATIONAL REGISTER FOR HISTORIC PLACES DESIGNATION FOR BELLE ISLE, THROUGH DOCUMENTATION, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC MEETINGS. THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY HAS ACTED AS A FIDUCIARY FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT FOR STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE GRANTS TO RESTORE THE NANCY BROWN PEACE CARILLON TOWER WHICH IS IN DISREPAIR, AND TO ASSESS THE FEASIBILITY OF RECONNECTING THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY, AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED BY ALBERT KAHN IN THE EARLY 1900S. CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE CONDITION OF BELLE ISLE STRUCTURES, STREETLIGHTS, FOOTPATH BRIDGES OVER THE CANALS AND OTHER STRUCTURES AND REPORT PROBLEMS TO BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY, THE CITY OF DETROIT AND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY: THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM AND ANNA WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY OPENED IN 1904 AND REMAINS ONE OF DETROIT'S CULTURAL JEWELS. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM DELIGHTED VISITORS FOR OVER A CENTURY BEFORE THE CITY CLOSED IT IN 2005 DUE TO BUDGET REDUCTIONS. IN 2012, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY NEGOTIATED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF DETROIT TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPENING THE AQUARIUM. THE CONSERVANCY CONTINUES TO OPERATE UNDER THAT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN NOW MANAGING THE PARK INSTEAD OF THE CITY. IN 2012 THE AQUARIUM OPENED WITH ABOUT A DOZEN TANK EXHIBITS AND WAS OPEN FROM 11 TO 3 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.THE AQUARIUM IS NOW OPEN TO VISITORS EVERY FRIDAY TO SUNDAY. THE CONSERVANCY ALSO SUPPORTED A STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT TO REPAIR THE AQUARIUM ROOF BY PROVIDING MATCH FUNDING AND BY PAYING FOR THE REQUIRED FLOOD INSURANCE TO SECURE THE GRANT. THE BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM IS RUN MOSTLY BY VOLUNTEER EFFORT - A LEADERSHIP TEAM OF 10 CORE VOLUNTEERS REGULARLY CONTRIBUTE ABOUT 20 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER TIME PER WEEK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. ANOTHER 20 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE TIME ON A LESS REGULAR BASIS AND SUPPORT TOURS, EVENTS, AND GENERAL AQUARIUM OPERATIONS. THE CONSERVATORY ALSO HAS A CREW OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS THAT DOCENT TOURS, HELP MAINTAIN THE PLANT COLLECTIONS, AND ORGANIZE EVENT FUNDRAISERS FOR THE CONSERVATORY. THE STATE OF MICHIGAN MANAGES THE CONSERVATORY, BUT LEANS ON THE CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS TO RUN THE FIELD TRIP PROGRAM, LEAD TOURS, SUPPORT SCHEDULING, AND SUPPLEMENT THE PLANT COLLECTIONS WITH ADDITIONAL FLOWERS AND PLANTS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: BELLE ISLE'S 982 ACRES INCLUDE A LARGE WETLAND FOREST, A SYSTEM OF CANALS AND INTERIOR LAKES IN THIS PARK THAT IS ITSELF AN ISLAND, AND TREES AND OTHER PLANTINGS THROUGHOUT THE HEAVILY USED PICNIC AND PLAYGROUND AREAS. INVASIVE SPECIES THREATEN THE MORE FRAGILE NATIVE PLANTS AND ARE HELD IN CHECK THROUGH A COMBINATION OF VOLUNTEER LABOR AND CHEMICAL TREATMENTS THAT ARE A JOINT PROJECT OF THE CONSERVANCY AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENTAL OF NATURAL RESOURCES. MORE THAN 2,500 VOLUNTEERS SPEND WELL OVER 10,000 HOURS EACH YEAR THROUGH MONTHLY STEWARDSHIP SATURDAYS, RESEARCH PROJECTS AND SPECIFIC PROJECTS TO MAINTAIN THE FOREST TRAINS AND FOOTBRIDGES OVER THE CANALS. A LOT OF THESE VOLUNTEERS COME TO THE ISLAND VIA CORPORATE VOLUNTEER DAYS WHERE THE ISLAND GETS A GROUP OF 50+ OEOPLE TO DEDICATE A FULL DAY OF MANUAL LABOR TO IMPROVE THE ISLAND'S AESTHETICS AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. OVER 40,000 DAFFODILS HAVE BEEN PLANTED THROUGHOUT THE PARK THROUGH A VOLUNTEER EFFORT AND WITH SUPPORT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. VOLUNTEERS CONDUCT A FROG AND TOAD SURVEY AS A WAY OF MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OF THE PARK'S ECOSYSTEMA ND SUPPORT NATIONAL EFFORTS TO SURVEY AND MONITOR MIGRATORY BIRDS. LASTLY, THE BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY'S FIELD TRIP PROGRAM FOR FOURTH GRADERS TO VISIT THE AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEMS, PLANT AND FISH ADAPTATIONS, AND INVASIVE SPECIES WITH THE INTENT OF EXPOSING AND EXCITING KIDS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING BELLE ISLE, THE DETROIT RIVER, AND THE DETROIT REGION. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES: ARE THOSE SERVICES THAT IMPROVE BELLE ISLE PARK FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL, BUT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED UNDER HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AQUARIUM AND CONSERVATORY, OR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP( I.E. REGULAR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE, CONSULTING SERVICES, ETC.) FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 7A THE ORGANIZATION SELLS MEMBERSHIPS. MEMBERS RECEIVE E-NEWSLETTERS AND PRINTED NEWSLETTERS AS WELL AS INVITATIONS TO SPECIAL MEMBER EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 IS PROVIDED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR REVIEW BEFORE IT IS SIGNED AND FILED. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION REQUIRES BOARD MEMBERS TO SIGN CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORMS ANNUALLY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.