Derby native will identify new conservation projects and funding opportunities

LAWRENCE -- Kansas Wildscape Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to creating and enhancing outdoor opportunities in Kansas, recently named Charlie Black as its executive director. He will research and identify new projects and funding opportunities and will oversee the future direction of the Foundation. A native Wichitan, Black was previously an advertising executive with Sullivan, Higdon & Sink. Black is a graduate of John Brown University in Arkansas and resides near Derby with his wife and three sons.

Commenting on the hiring, foundation chairman Tom Garretson said, “Charlie Black is well known to us, having served as a board member for the past six years. When he threw his hat in the ring for the executive director position, we didn’t hesitate. Charlie’s love of all things outdoors, coupled with his many skills and unbounded enthusiasm, make him the ideal person to lead Kansas Wildscape Foundation as we expand our efforts and build upon prior achievements.”

Kansas Wildscape Foundation was founded in 1991, in coordination with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, to identify projects involving all aspects of outdoor recreation and education in Kansas and to fund those projects, in whole or in part, with tax deductible donations. The foundation was instrumental in funding the $5 million restoration of 2,300 acres of wetlands at Milford Reservoir and is currently raising money to build 150 rental cabins at state parks throughout Kansas, 17 of which are already in use.

The Foundation’s Outdoor Kansas for Kids Program (O.K.Kids), now in its eighth year, will assist sites statewide in involving over 13,000 children in outdoor recreation this summer. Visit www.kansaswildscape.org for more information or phone 785-843-9453.
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