7/29/24 - We emailed our contact list with message to say that plans for membership options are forthcoming, and we are continuing to work on our partnership proposal to UL. Thank you for all of your overwhelming support; we can tell that our community is ready to stand with us and advocate for Claytor Nature Center!
7/31/24 - Created page for Founding Members, with their connections and links to their contributions.
8/3/24 - Sent an update email to our contact list subscribers with a general update on the status of our efforts. We are finalizing the formation of the non-profit entity, and having ongoing positive conversations with University of Lynchburg about the possibility of a partnership.
8/12/24 - Positive progress continues with conversations with UL leadership, and more community support. Created page for Claytor History, with links to news stories and relevant pages about Claytor Nature Center's development, as well as context for our organization name.
8/16/24 - Sent an update email to our contact list subscribers. Founding members will meet next week to discuss the details of our proposed partnership with University of Lynchburg. For more details, be sure to join our email list.
08/22/24 - The Cloverlea Foundation Board of Directors recently met to approve some founding documents, and discuss our proposal terms for partnership with UL. Created page for our Vision.
09/06/24 - The Articles of Incorporation for the formation of Cloverlea Foundation as a nonprofit entity were approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
09/14/24 - We connected with visitors and shared about our plans with the community at the Blue Ridge Bee Festival in Bedford, VA and had great response of support!
10/07/24 - After more discussions with UL Leadership, the Cloverlea Foundation Board met again to discuss next steps toward a partnership. Also worked on more founding documents and details for the organization.
10/16/24 - Cloverlea Foundation hosted a small gathering for Claytor Day, the 26th anniversary of the gift of the Cloverlea Farm to Lynchburg College on October 16th, 1998. We met at the Claytor Nature Center Pavilion to reflect and acknowledge the significance of Boyd Claytor's gift, and contributions from others over the last 26 years.
11/26/24 - After a few weeks of administrative work, we're ready to share our options for Partnerships, Memberships (going live on 1/1/2025), and other ways to Get Involved. Also, we're finalizing details for our upcoming events, including 12/4/24 at the Randolph College Happy Earth Market from 12-5p, and 12/15/24 at UUCL Environmental Stewardship service at 10:30a.
1/1/25 - Cloverlea Foundation Membership is LIVE!
1/11/25 - Winter Walk in Nature was postponed due to winter weather, but we had a great virtual discussion about our goals for 2025 and how relationship-building and sustainability are a part of our plans!
2/1/25 - Membership is growing with over 30 members and partnering organizations. Join by 4/22/25 (Earth Day) to be a Founding Member!
02/12/25 - Update email sent including details about our upcoming Land Conservation Easements panel discussion at Claytor Nature Center on Wednesday, 2/26; open to the public - register here! Special member-only opportunity included before the program.
2/18/25 - Had our first Cloverlea Conversation monthly virtual meetup, with great casual discussion about local initiatives and things members would like to see from our programming. Cloverlea Foundation board members recently met with University of Lynchburg leadership and are continuing conversations and plans for collaborating in the future.
2/26/25 - Had a great Panel Discussion with area land conservation experts with 30 attendees from the community. See news article about the event from member and attendee, Shannon Brennan.
3/21/25 - Enjoyed a night of stargazing with members and partners from Blue Ridge Astronomy Club at the Belk Observatory
3/22/25 - Had a successful Walk with Nature and volunteer work day at Peaksville Place with partners from Friends of the Blue Ridge Peaks of Otter Chapter.
4/5/25 - Attended Bedford Parks & Rec THRIVE OUTSIDE FESTIVAL for a great event! We are over 60 members strong now, and growing! Join by 4/22/25 to become a Founding Member, and help at our volunteer Trail Clean-Up at Claytor!
April 2025 - Earth Day Trail Clean-up was a success, along with our monthly Cloverlea Conversation
May 2025 - Membership is almost at 70 individuals and several partners. We participated in the Claytor Centennial Celebration on 5/31. We also launched our Wellness in Nature Series, partnered with Pierce Street Gateway.
June 2025 - We're getting to know the new Director of Claytor Nature Center, with ongoing conversations for collaboration. The Summer Solstice Stargazing event at Belk Observatory was a huge success with 40 guests and 7 camping groups!
July 2025 - Our third Wellness Nature Program on social sustainability and wellness was a great discussion about interconnectedness and permaculture practices. Also, our 501(c)(3) charitable organization status was approved!
August 2025 - We held a few programs and volunteer days at Claytor! So glad to see the center back open and excited to help the new director Lindsay!
Sep-Nov 2025 - From Autumnal Equinox Stargazing at Belk, to the Claytor Day appreciation Dinner, and Cloverlea History Around the Holidays...we continue to grow our support and involvement at Claytor Nature Center. We are also beginning projects at Peaksville Place.
Dec 2025-Jan 2026 - Our Cloverlea History Project fundraising campaign is 1/3 to the goal; THANK YOU! Also, we're excited to continue the Wellness in Nature series into 2026 with a generous sponsorship from Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital and Centra Foundation.
