The Donation Pledge
From Dave Kellam, Phragwrites Creator,
Manufacturer, and Sales Manager
When I started Phragwrites I was determined to accomplish three things. First, I wanted to increase awareness of invasive species, in particular Phragmites australis. Secondly, I wanted to celebrate the researchers, resource managers, and volunteers who strive to bring our society closer to ecological harmony. Lastly, I wanted to see if a business venture could help accomplish the first two goals in a positive, sustainable way.
To realize this vision, Phragwrites is pleased to donate 10% of all profits to organizations working to manage invasive species. Each year website visitors vote for the organization they would like to see receive the yearly donation.
Vote For 2009 Donation
Click Here To See Nominees And To Vote
2008 Donation Winner
The winner of the 2008 Phragwrites Donation is the Beaver Island Association(BIA): Save Our Shores Program for their outstanding work to protect Beaver Island from the invasive reed.
Click here to learn about all of the 2008 nominees
Largest Donation yet, 2008This was the first year that Phragwrites turned a profit and could donate a decent amount to a deserving nonprofit battling invasive species. Like last year, the winner was chosen by an on line poll and with a whopping 42% of the vote,the Beaver Island Association: Save Our Shores program was the clear winner of $150! Beaver Island Michigan is the largest island in Lake Michigan and home to about 600 year-around residents and 6 million phragmites plants. The Beaver Island Association mobilized the community to beat back the invaders and has created an outstanding model for addressing ecological threats. By partnering with numerous organizations and implementing an effective outreach campaign, the Association's Phragmites control program had treated 80% of the island's extensive phrag growth and has enlisted over 300 property owners in a voluntary treatment program. Their website offers useful tips for other organizations battling phrag and they even collaborated on several outstanding outreach products, including an on line phrag video by the Peaine Township of Beaver Island. Thanks again to all who have supported Phragwrites pens and I am really looking forward to 2009. - DK |
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First Donation, 2007Due to start up costs, Phragwrites did not make a profit in 2007. However, as a thanks to all who bought pens, Phragwrites made a $50.00 donation to the Coastal Habitat Invasives Monitoring Program of the Salem Sound Coastwatch at the end of 2007. This program collects valuable monitoring data on invasive species with vreceivers to help develop management policies and identify locations of highest risk. This organization was selected by an online poll of visitors to the Phragwrites website. Thanks again to all who have supported Phragwrites pens and we hope 2008 will generate more money to combat invasive species. - DK |
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