To carry out the mission of The Friends of Richland County Park District (formerly The Friends of Gorman Nature Center), continued financial support in the form of donations and endowment contributions are vital.

Donations

General purpose donations are used for funding the operations of The Friends of Richland County Park District and, through The Friends, the operations of the Richland County Park District. Specified donations can be designated to support one of the Richland County Park District operations -- The Gorman Nature Center, the Richland B&O Bike Trail, other properties (most associated with the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail), and/or Fleming Falls Preserve -- or a designated project or program such as tree planting, bench installation, educational programming, pollinator garden plantings, building improvements or construction, etc.

To donate, two options are available. Click on the DONATE button located at the top of the page and, for specified donations, indicate the purpose of the donation; or mail a check with a note to indicate the purpose of the donation to Gorman Nature Center, 2295 Lexington Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio 44907.

Endowments

An endowment fund is a long-term investment that helps in continuing the legacy of The Friends. The Friends of Richland County Park District have an endowment account established with and managed by the Richland County Foundation (RCF). Through RCF, contributors to The Friends endowment, if they so choose, may indicate their intention to support specific operations/properties of the Richland County Park District (RCPD) -- The Gorman Nature Center, the Richland B&O Bike Trail, other properties (most associated with the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail), and/or Fleming Falls Preserve. The Friends Board of Trustees will allocate funds from the annual RCF endowment dividend based on the percentage of the endowment designated for each RCPD operation/property.

To make a contribution, go to the RCF web page at richlandcountyfoundation.org, click the donate to a fund button, then type in Friends of the Richland County Park District in the dropdown box. A minimum contribution of $20 is required.

The Friends of Richland County Park District (formerly the Friends of The Gorman Nature Center) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.