This is the clever, ambiguous signage that the Wild Tomorrow Fund gets to work with.
Get it, Wild Tomorrow Fund?
The organization is dedicated to the protection of threatened and endangered species and the habitats they depend on for survival. Working on the ground in southern Africa, their vision is for a world in which wildlife habitats are expanded and protected, and where existing reserves have the resources needed to keep their animals safe. In 2016 they signed a contract to acquire the rights to a 1235 acre piece of land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa they call “Ukuwela” which means ‘to cross over’ in Zulu. Ukuwela was at risk of becoming a pineapple farm. That would have meant all the animals that lived on the land, including leopard, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile would have been removed or destroyed. As would every tree, plant and flower.
Last night, we celebrated the work of Wild Tomorrow Fund’s conservation programs while exploring Drawings from the Department of Tropical Research Field Expeditions, an exhibition presenting ecological paintings, artwork and historical artifacts created and collected during pioneering field expeditions in the early 20th century. Reviewed by the New York Times Science Section, the Exploratory Works exhibition which is featured at the Drawing Center in New York City brought together, for the first time, an archive of images that illustrate the formation of our modern definition of nature. We drank wine, ate Beyond Sushi and WTF graciously received contributions.
I would have never known about the Wild Tomorrow Fund had I not said “yes” to the meeting. Just a few weeks ago, I sat down for lunch on a picturesque summer afternoon in Bryant Park with WTF’s Executive Director, John Steward, Chief Operating Officer, Wendy Hapgood, and Chairman of the Board, Seth Hendon to discuss conservation. With the initial plan to simply converse and connect with more like-minded people who have a passion for protecting wildlife, we seamlessly managed to carry on with a dynamic conversation that truly ignited a New York moment for me. We are all new-bee’s to the conservation game (WTF is a mere 2-years old), but when Africa makes it’s deeply-rooted connections, there is a power that is indescribable. WTF needs to raise money in order to wholly own Ukuwela and as a grassroots influencer, I have agreed to do what I do best, make thoughtful introductions and help expand the web of folks within my orbit who happen to be focusing on conservation. The hope is to continue networking, host a gala this fall and potentially travel to South Africa on their volunteer trip in 2018.
Won’t you consider saying “yes” to the meeting and serving as a vehicle of support. You never know where that introduction may lead; where your insight from experience may have a positive effect; or simply the lasting impression your support could make. Go Wild Tomorrow Fund! I can’t wait to see all that’s in store for the organization and the land!
grassroots influencer 