Energize Clinton Presents Check to Bickelhaupt Arboretum

CLINTON, Iowa – The priorities Clinton residents identified through the Energize Clinton initiative are now moving from conversation to action, with funding beginning to bring those ideas to life.

This month, the Bickelhaupt Arboretum received $15,000 from the Energize Clinton Endowment to support an interactive StoryWalk and other Arboretum improvements. This project creates a family-friendly attraction and establishes an outdoor learning hub for residents of all ages, reflecting priorities identified through Community Heart & Soul® surveys. 

“Any funding is incredibly helpful. This is an investment in an institution that is used by and beloved among people from across our community,” says Doug Smith, associate director of Bickelhaupt Arboretum. 

The StoryWalk features Leaf’s Adventure, written by Ann Eisenman and illustrated by Clinton Community College graduate Alyssa Vander Heiden. Copies of the book are available for purchase by contacting the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Copyright prevents any use of Leaf’s Adventure without written consent from the author.

Alyssa’s illustrations bring the story to life in a way that resonates with families and visitors. “Alyssa is so talented. We are blessed to have her illustrations,” says Ann Eisenman.

“I was still in high school when I submitted some of these works of art,” Alyssa Vander Heiden says. “It’s incredible to see my artwork become part of something the entire community can experience. I’m excited to bring my family here and show them what the Arboretum has been working on and how this project has brought my love of art to life.”

The Energize Clinton leaders gathered input from over 1,200 residents, documenting their priorities for Clinton. Projects like the StoryWalk reflect what matters most to Clinton residents and will now start receiving support through the Energize Clinton Endowment.

The grant reflects the community’s participation in Community Heart & Soul® and the Small-town Dreams endowment challenge, two initiatives facilitated by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and the River Bluff Community Foundation. Local teams of residents led both efforts, strengthening their community engagement and fundraising skills to benefit their hometown.

Through the Heart & Soul process, residents shared what they value most about their community and ideas for projects that would strengthen the Clinton area. Through Small-town Dreams, residents raised funds to unlock matching dollars from the Community Foundation, ultimately building a minimum $450,000 endowment. This fund is invested, growing, and will pay out annually to support local priorities identified through the Heart & Soul process.

“Because this funding originates from a permanent endowment, it represents a sustainable investment that will continue to give back to the Clinton community now and forever,” says Alethea Cahoy, executive director of the River Bluff Community Foundation.

The River Bluff Community Foundation looks forward to sharing details about more grants from the Energize Clinton endowment fund. While the initial fundraising campaign is complete, Clinton residents can continue to help build the fund and grow future grantmaking potential. To make a gift, go to dbqfoundation.org/rbcf or contact Alethea Cahoy at rbcf@dbqfoundation.org.

The River Bluff Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Cahoy at 563-321-0317.