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Committee accepts conservation-engagement grant for Henry Vilas Zoo to fund bilingual education coordinator
Summary
The committee recommended accepting a grant that will fund a bilingual education coordinator for two years at Henry Vilas Zoo, plus evaluation, storytelling workshops and an artistic modular exhibit showcasing community conservation actions.
The Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee recommended approval of Resolution 2024-351 to accept a grant supporting community engagement, conservation action and storytelling at Henry Vilas Zoo.
Rhonda, representing the zoo, introduced the item and said the grant continues the zoo’s empathy-based education work. She asked Jess Thompson, the zoo’s conservation education curator, to summarize the proposal. Jess Thompson told the committee the grant would fund “a full time position for 2 years” — a bilingual education coordinator — and provide funding for evaluation, storytelling workshops and community-engaged conservation actions such as lake cleanups. Thompson said the project would also include an artistic component to occupy empty exhibits during animal transitions.
Committee member Udell moved to recommend approval; McCarville seconded. With no substantive questions from committee members, the resolution was approved by voice vote.
The grant was described in the meeting as a continuation of the zoo’s existing empathy-based conservation work; the coordinator position and the storytelling and evaluation elements were highlighted as the primary uses of the funds. Committee members did not request additional conditions during the discussion.
