Pioneer Bluffs Foundation: Action Plan 2009 – Executive Summary
The strategic priorities addressed in this plan provide a firm foundation for achieving Pioneer Bluffs Foundation’s mission and long-term vision, ensuring that by the end of 2009 Pioneer Bluffs has become a familiar place to Chase County residents and National Scenic Byway travelers:
A place where neighbors, friends and visitors gather to share ideas and celebrate our love of the land and our appreciation for the Flint Hills ranching heritage.
A productive “family” farm – growing vegetables and fruit, and raising barnyard animals using sustainable techniques, including many that Maud and Henry Rogler might have used.
A well-cared for place – buildings painted, emergency repairs completed, and landscape maintained.
A respected non-profit organization led by an energetic board of directors and executive director, supported by members of the local community and beginning to attract the major gifts and endowments necessary to sustain its future.
Eight strategic priorities, accompanying goals, and action steps will guide the development of the Pioneer Bluffs Foundation over the next 18 months.
Strategic Priority #1: Restoration and preservation Goal 1.1 ~ Secure and maintain the historic buildings and structures.
Goal 1.2 ~ Create a plan for restoration and development of Pioneer Bluffs buildings and landscape based on sound ecological data and sustainable practices.
Strategic Priority #2: Oral and written history Goal ~ Collect and preserve stories of significant people and events related to Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie, and its Flint Hills ranching history
Strategic Priority #3: Gardening and husbandry Goal ~ Re-establish a sustainable, productive farm at Pioneer Bluffs, similar in diversity and scale to Pioneer Bluffs in 1916.
Strategic Priority #4: Community outreach/gathering place Goal ~ Welcome Chase County residents and Scenic Byway travelers to Pioneer Bluffs and engage them in the Foundation’s mission and programs.
Strategic Priority #5: Education Goal 5.1 ~ Plan and initiate at least one educational program for Chase County youth.
Goal 5.2 ~ Continue “Prairie Talk” series to promote understanding of the natural and human history of Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie and ranching in the Flint Hills.
Goal 5.3 ~ Establish a nature trail along Crocker Creek.
Goal 5.4 ~ Develop an educational exhibit to orient and inform visitors and inspire curiosity about Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie and its Flint Hills ranching heritage.
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Goal 5.5 ~ Plan and initiate a visiting artists and scholars program that engages artists/scholars and community members in highlighting the mission and values of Pioneer Bluffs.
Goal 5.6 ~ Develop an interpretation plan to guide message development and education programs at the site.
Goal 5.7 ~ Establish a presence on the Internet.
Strategic Priority #6: Management and Governance Goal 6.1 ~ Grow and diversify the board based on the needs of this strategic plan and the Foundation’s vision for 2018.
Goal 6.2 ~ Maintain and enhance current staff positions in support of the mission.
Strategic Priority #7: Resource Development Goal 7.1 ~ Raise funds to support the Foundation through 2009 while anticipating future funding needs.
Goal 7.2 ~ Engage Matfield Green and Chase County residents and others within a 150-mile radius, in the programs and activities of Pioneer Bluffs, focusing our efforts in 2008 and 2009 on those individuals who are our “neighbors” and among whom we are most likely to generate our base of volunteer support.
Goal 7.3 ~ Create alliances with organizations and individuals to help forward the mission and goals of the Pioneer Bluffs Foundation.
Action Plan 2008-2009
Information in parenthesis indicates the year in which work will begin on each action step, and identifies the person or persons primarily responsible for its progress.
Strategic Priority #1: Restoration and preservation
Goal 1.1 ~ Secure and maintain the historic buildings and structures.
Action Steps Develop schematic designs, detailed budget, and action plan for complete restoration of the Main Barn, House, Red Barn, small outbuildings and stone fence. (FY 09, president, professional volunteers and/or paid consultants)
Develop short and long term strategy for parking, including design, budget and action plan. (FY 09, president, professional volunteers and/or paid consultants)
Meet with Kansas State Historical Society to discuss our proposed plans for the buildings. (FY 08, executive director, president)
Upgrade the mechanical systems and other features of the House, making it livable as a temporary home for the farm manager. (FY 08, president)
Install temporary shoring to secure the structure of the Red Barn (FY 08, president)
Engage volunteers to paint the Main Barn, Granary and small outbuildings. (FY 08, executive director, board of directors)
Begin restoration of the Granary (FY 09, president – contingent upon funding)
Goal 1.2 ~ Create a plan for restoration and development of Pioneer Bluffs buildings and landscape based on sound ecological data and sustainable practices.
Action Steps Complete a baseline ecological inventory of the property. (FY 09, president, expert volunteer and/or consultant)
Develop plans to guide restoration and development of the land, buildings, systems and structures that forward the mission and values of the Foundation. (FY 09, president, board of directors)
Strategic Priority #2: Oral and written history
Goal ~ Collect and preserve stories of significant people and events related to Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie, and its Flint Hills ranching history
Action Steps
Expand the interactive “His /Her/Story of Pioneer Bluffs” archive to include the years 1859-2009 (FY 08-09, executive director, project historian)
Engage student volunteers in collecting stories and researching events to include in the timeline. (FY 08-09, executive director)
Host at least one “Prairie Talk” each year (out of a program of 3-5 discussions annually) that is specifically focused on stories of individuals who have lived and worked at and around Pioneer Bluffs. (FY 08 & FY 09, board of directors)
Collaborate with the Kansas State Historical Society, or another partner, to host an educational dig to explore possible sites of archeological significance at Pioneer Bluffs (FY 09, board of directors)
Strategic Priority #3: Gardening and husbandry
Goal ~ Re-establish a sustainable, productive farm at Pioneer Bluffs, similar in diversity and scale to Pioneer Bluffs in 1916.
Develop a detailed business plan, including a marketing plan and budget, for the farm. (FY 08, executive director, farm manager)
Restore fences and improve soil as necessary to support the re-establishment of Pioneer Bluffs as a sustainable, productive family farm. (FY 08, FY 09, president, farm manager)
Plan, establish and nurture a small orchard at Pioneer Bluffs. (FY 08, farm manager)
Plan, establish and nurture two perennial crops for market – asparagus and rhubarb. (FY 08-09, farm manager)
Grow annual and perennial crops and at least two hogs, to be enjoyed at the annual Pioneer Bluffs Hog Roast, and possibility for market. (FY 08 & FY 09, farm manager)
Sell any surplus crops under a “Locally grown at Pioneer Bluffs, Matfield Green, KS” label, at farmers markets in Strong City, Emporia, Wichita, and/or at Pioneer Bluffs. (FY 08 & FY 09, farm manager)
Acquire and raise chickens or other barnyard fowl, possibly for market. (FY 09, farm manager)
Strategic Priority #4: Community outreach/gathering place
Goal ~ Welcome Chase County residents and Scenic Byway travelers to Pioneer Bluffs
and engage them in the Foundation’s mission and programs.
Action Steps Create, maintain, and publicize an annual calendar of events at Pioneer Bluffs
(FY 08 & FY 09, executive director)
Create and maintain a monthly newsletter, informing the community of progress
and activities (FY 08, executive director)
Develop a business plan, including budget and marketing for the community outreach
program (FY 08, executive director)
Announce, to Matfield Green residents and others on our mailing list, that Pioneer Bluffs is available for meetings and events, and that our volunteers will provide tours upon request. Work with volunteers to host groups. (FY 08 & FY 09, executive director)
Host at least 3 Open Houses and at least 2 “Coffees in the Barn” each year to welcome visitors and expand the list of friends of Pioneer Bluffs. (FY 08 & FY 09, board of directors and local volunteers)
Host the annual Matfield Green Hog Roast on Columbus Day weekend; include an educational component such as photos from the Helen Rogler archive and information about how food was raised locally at Pioneer bluffs. (FY 08 & FY 09, executive director, board of directors, and local volunteers)
Host the annual Matfield Green Christmas Party. (FY 08 & FY 09, local volunteers)
Invite volunteers to participate in at least 5 workdays each year.
(FY 08 & FY 09, executive director, president)
Develop a rental policy, rent Pioneer Bluffs for one private event, and evaluate experience as possible community outreach and earned income opportunity. (FY 09, executive director)
Engage visitors as volunteers by offering a menu of opportunities, capturing names of those interested, regularly inviting volunteer participation in workdays and events, and continually identifying and fostering volunteer leadership. (FY 08 and FY 09, executive director, board of directors)
Strategic Priority #5: Education
Goal 5.1 ~ Plan and initiate at least one educational program for Chase County youth.
Action Steps Convene a committee to research and plan a program in collaboration with USD 284.
(FY 08, executive director, board of directors, school district representative)
Initiate an educational program for Chase County youth.
(FY 09, executive director, program planning committee)
Goal 5.2 ~ Continue the “Prairie Talk” series with the goal of promoting understanding of the natural
and human history of Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie and ranching in the Flint Hills.
Action Steps Host a total of 3 “Prairie Talk” in 2008 and 5 in 2009, increasing average attendance to 40 people
per event in 2009. (FY 08 and FY 09, executive director, board of directors)
Goal 5.3 ~ Establish a nature trail along Crocker Creek.
Action Steps Gather input and advice from NRCS, Audubon, Kansas Geological Association and/or other
appropriate partners (FY 08, president, executive director)
Present a plan for discussion and approval by the board, including design and engineering drawings, educational objectives, budget, recommendations for how to proceed with the initial phase of construction, and strategies for raising funds and generating volunteer energy to complete the first phase of the trail.
(FY 09, president, executive director)
Goal 5.4 ~ Develop an educational exhibit to orient and inform visitors and inspire curiosity
about Pioneer Bluffs, the tallgrass prairie and its Flint Hills ranching heritage.
Action Steps Create a forum for visitors to view the interactive “His/Her/Story” historical archives and a selection
of accompanying photos and memorabilia. (FY 08-09, executive director, project historian)
Goal 5.5 ~ Plan and initiate a visiting artists and scholars program that engages artists/scholars and community members in highlighting the mission and values of Pioneer Bluffs.
Action steps Establish a committee to outline purpose and goals for the program and develop a list of
potential visitors. (FY 08, board of directors)
Host one visiting artist or scholar. (FY 09, board of directors)
Goal 5.6 ~ Develop an interpretation plan to guide message development and education
programs at the site.
Action steps Identify the objectives and perimeters for the interpretation plan and engage a qualified volunteer to complete it in collaboration with members of the board of directors (FY 09, board of directors)
Goal 5.7 ~ Establish a presence on the Internet.
Action steps Work with designer to create and launch website featuring information about the Pioneer Bluffs
Foundation and including the His/Her/Story timeline (FY 08, executive director)
Strategic Priority #6: Management and Governance
Goal 6.1 ~ Grow and diversify the board based on the needs of this strategic plan and the
Foundation’s vision for 2018.
Action Steps Identify board development goals, based on needs related to governance, committee chair
requirements, and community outreach. (FY 08, executive director, board of directors)
Revise bylaws to clarify length of board member terms and develop a term renewal policy.
(FY 08, board of directors)
Add four new board members each year, based on the needs identified by the board.
(FY 08 and FY 09, board of directors)
Engage volunteers as committee members, as a means of building relationships with potential
board members. (FY 08 and FY 09, board of directors)
Continually garner feedback and fine tune communication with and among the board to maximize individuals’ valuable contribution of time, wisdom and energy. (FY 08 and FY 09, executive director)
Goal 6.2 ~ Maintain and enhance current staff positions in support of the mission.
Action Steps Continue to fund the executive director position at 30-40 hours per week, with a pay raise and/or benefits,
by January 1, 2009. (FY 08, board of directors)
Fund the contracted part-time farm manager position at $5000 per year plus lodging and utilities through June 30 2009; evaluate and create a new contract for July 1, 2009. (FY 08, board of directors)
Fund the contracted bookkeeper position through 2009. (FY 08, board of directors)
Fund the project historian to complete the next phase of the “His/Her/Story” archive.
(FY 08, board of directors)
Action Steps Develop a detailed budget and phasing plan for capital improvements.
(FY 08, treasurer, executive director)
Develop detailed annual property maintenance budgets for 2009 and 2010.
(FY 08, treasurer, executive director)
Develop a detailed operating and programs budget for 2009, and revise the
2008 budget as necessary to support this strategic plan.
(FY 08, treasurer, executive director)
Goal 6.4 ~ Evaluate and plan for the future
Action Steps Articulate the board’s definition of the word “sustainable.” (FY 08, president)
Evaluate progress toward the goals outlined in this strategic plan at quarterly intervals.
(FY 08 and FY 09, executive director, board of directors)
At the conclusion of the period of this plan, evaluate the work of the Pioneer Bluffs Foundation based on the Whole Measures referenced on page 3 of this document and further described in the Appendix.
(FY 09, executive director, board of directors)
Develop a strategic plan and accompanying budget to guide the Foundation’s work through 2012.
(FY 09, executive director, board of directors)
Strategic Priority #7: Resource Development
Goal 7.1 ~ Raise funds to support the Foundation through 2009 while anticipating future funding needs.
Action steps Develop program, operations and capital budgets to support this strategic plan.
(FY 08, executive director, treasurer, board of directors)
Develop a fundraising plan to accompany this strategic plan. Evaluate fundraising efforts to date, set achievable goals, and revise the strategic plan if necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility.
(FY 08, executive director, treasurer, board of directors)
Goal 7.2 ~ Engage Matfield Green and Chase County residents and others within a 150-mile radius, in the programs and activities of Pioneer Bluffs, focusing our efforts in 2008 and 2009 on those individuals who are our “neighbors” and among whom we are most likely to generate our base of volunteer support.
Action steps Create a basic marketing plan, with benchmarks of success, to introduce our mission to Chase County residents and others within 100-mile radius, and to engage our neighbors in the activities, programs and opportunities available at Pioneer Bluffs. (FY 08, board of directors)
Goal 7.3 ~ Create alliances with organizations and individuals to help forward the mission and goals of the Pioneer Bluffs Foundation.
Action steps Review each goal of this strategic plan, creating lists of organizations and individuals that might
assist in achieving each goal. (FY 08, board of directors)
Get to know organizations and individuals that have been identified as likely allies and explore
opportunities to work together. (FY 08 and FY 09, executive director, board of directors)