Photo by Christina Childress Photography
Jason Lenox and Matthew Taylor live in Kessler Woods and are extremely happy to have the Twelve Hills Nature Center as their neighbor. So happy in fact, that in 2019, they decided to turn their philanthropic eyes towards Twelve Hills and make a sizable donation to the organization with the understanding that this money be used toward capital improvements. They both wanted to be able to see the impact of their donation.
As Jason puts it, “Twelve Hills provides a unique moment in our neighborhood that is relatively unavailable to city dwellers. An amazing Blackland Prairie that is rough, native and quiet with birds, foxes and a wholesome way to spend some time.”
The idea of improving the entrance located at the southwest edge of the center is in Twelve Hills’ master plan, and this was the perfect opportunity. Jason and Matt’s donation, in conjunction with part of a grant received from the Hoblitzelle Foundation, would be used to greatly enhance the Nature Center and its accessibility to all neighbors for years to come. Local landscape architect, Christa McCall donated her design services to the project and the result is a planting of native grasses that create a simple, natural entrance that works with the topography. The grasses are punctuated with select prairie wildflowers and a few native boulders.
Jason and Matt are extremely pleased with the finished product. The design reflects the modern homes in Kessler Woods and blends nicely into the surrounding natural landscape of Twelve Hills. Jason also noted that more and more neighbors are using the entrance. Their hope is for others to be encouraged to consider gifts to Twelve Hills as well for additional programs and improvements.
Twelve Hills board is extremely grateful to Jason and Matt, Christa McCall and the Hoblitzelle Foundation for their support.
