History Pamphlet 2009 (.pdf download)

In 2009 Green Earth celebrated it's 35th anniversary.  To commemorate the occasion, a comprehensive history of Green Earth was drafted by James Fralish, Dorcy Prosser, and Sara Baer.  The history was put into pamphlet form and is available to view or download. 

Brief Overview

Green Earth was created in 1974 with the purpose of acquiring, preserving, and providing public access to natural areas in Carbondale.  The funding to establish this not-for-profit organization was provided by a grant from the City of Carbondale in the amount of $102,000.  

Green Earth acquired it's first property, Brush Hill Nature Preserve, in 1976 using a portion of the grant money.  The remainder of the money was invested, with the revenue generated used for operating cost.

Green Earth acquired it's second property in 1979  with the purchase of a portion of the Oakland Nature Preserve (the property was later expanded in 2005).  Green Earth went on to acquire the Chautauqua Bottoms Complex (formerly called Green Earth's Wetlands) through several land purchases spanning 1990 - 2004.  

Green Earth acquired Fernlands Nature Preserve and the Flaglands Demonstration Prairie through land donations from private citizens.  Fernalnds was donated by the Arnold Family in 1998 and Flaglands was donated by Harris Malan in 1999. 

The newest Green Earth property, Pyles Fork Preserve, was conveyed to Green Earth in the summer of 2009 by the American Lands Conservancy.  

Green Earth is governed by 13 volunteer board members.  The board members meet monthly to discuss property management and governance issues.   

Green Earth currently has one half-time employee, the executive director.  The executive director is responsible for the day to day operations which include coordinating volunteer manpower, drafting the quarterly newsletter, outreach projects, website development and maintenance, filing tax forms, drafting the annual report, and various other duties.