New video, website and magazine highlight 20-year history of Mississippi Valley Conservancy
Mississippi Valley Conservancy is marking the 20th anniversary of its founding with a new video, magazine and redesigned website.
Based in La Crosse, the Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting bluffs, farmland, wetlands, prairies and streams in the Driftless Area through voluntary conservation agreements and land management. It operates in the nine Wisconsin counties of La Crosse, Trempealeau, Vernon, Monroe, Jackson, Crawford, Buffalo, Grant and Richland.
The video features interviews with founders of the Conservancy who reflect on its history and progress over the last two decades. Current staff and board members also share their perspectives on the mission of the Conservancy. It was taped at various scenic outdoor locations in the area.
For videographer Kevin Cram, working on the project had special meaning.
“I had the opportunity to interview conservationist Ben Logan at his Seldom Seen Farm many years ago, not long before his passing. He said things that day about our connection to the land that really moved me and we were lucky enough to use some of those comments in the video. Conservationist Aldo Leopold, who Logan studied under as a young man wrote, ‘When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.’ This sentiment radiated from everyone we worked with on this project and my goal was to capture that.”
The website, www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org, has a fresh look and feel with improved navigation and an intuitive design. Visitors to the site can read about upcoming events, view photos of conserved lands, learn more about the mission of the organization, become a member or find volunteer opportunities.
A 20th anniversary issue of “Conserved,” a publication which details the history, accomplishments and projects of Mississippi Valley Conservancy, was recently published. The magazine explores the work of the Conservancy through articles by members and supporters. It was mailed to members and can be viewed on the Conservancy website. It’s also available at Conservancy events and at local coffee shops.
The website redesign, video and magazine were created and produced by Vendi Advertising of La Crosse through its Vendi Share program. Since 2004, Vendi has assisted more than 20 charitable and civic organizations through the program. In addition to providing pro bono work, Vendi Share seeks long-term strategic partnerships with organizations that contribute to the quality of life in our area through their work.
Carol Abrahamzon, executive director of the Conservancy, said “Mississippi Valley Conservancy couldn’t be more excited to work with Vendi Advertising through its Vendi Share program. Their professionalism, strategic planning and creativity brought a level of quality we could not have achieved otherwise. Our hats off to the whole Vendi team for helping us celebrate 20 years of land protection in style.”
Julie Haas, strategy principal for Vendi, explained that the work of Mississippi Valley Conservancy reflects the values of the Vendi team. “We have a deep appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us in this area and of the opportunities it provides for hiking, biking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. This was a natural fit for the Vendi Share program because we care about protecting where we live, work and play.”
