Donations

Lake Thoreau accepts monetary donations in any size. We are an entity under The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation operated by the Department of Biological Sciences at USM. As such, we are a non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible. You can help Lake Thoreau in several ways!

 

Monetary Donations

If you would like to make a monetary, tax-deductible donation, you can either make your contribution online at The USM Foundation, or mail a check to Mike Davis, Director of Lake Thoreau Environmental Center at:

            Mike Davis

            The University of Southern Mississippi

            118 College Dr. #5018

            Hattiesburg MS, 39406

 

Wish List

If you would like to contribute by purchasing supplies and materials needed at Lake Thoreau, please visit our Wish List. Even one item can help!

 

Give a Memorial Gift

You can make a lasting impression by purchasing a memorial that would be placed at Lake Thoreau Environmental Center. If you decide to give a gift, we will contact you for more information with the information you provide during the purchase. Memorials are available in four different options and can be purchased through the following links:

 

• $750 - Memorial Metal and Wood Bench.  With this gift, we will place a bench near our teaching deck and alongside trails for visitors to appreciate. Each bench will also have a metal-engraved nameplate with your name or organization.

 

• $1000 - Memorial Metal Picnic Table.  With this gift, we will place a metal picnic table with thermoplastic coating. Each bench will also have a metal-engraved nameplate with your name or organization.

 

• $2000 – Stone Memorial Bench.  This gift will provide an honorary stone bench that will be placed alongside our nature trial. Visitors will appreciate this bench while viewing some of our most pristine habitats. Each bench will also have the name given for the memorial engraved in stone. 
  

Business Sponsorships 

Several sponsorship opportunities are available at Lake Thoreau. 

• $1,500 - Large Kiosk Signs.  Several large (4' x 8') kiosk signs are placed around the Center to provide directions and information to visitors.  These signs are placed in highly visible areas and are seen by most visitors to the Center.  Sponsored kiosks will have a permanent, 12"  x 18", wood-engraved sign identifying the sponsor.  Sponsors may place their company logo on the sign if they wish. 
  

 

• $750 - Small Kiosk Signs. Small (4' x 4') kiosk signs are placed along trails to provide directions and maps to trail users.  Like the large kiosks, the small sponsored kiosks will have a permanent, 12" x 18", wood-engraved sign identifying the sponsor.  Sponsors may place their company logo on the sign if they wish.
  

 

Naming Opportunities 

Several other naming opportunities are available beginning at $5,000 (Teaching Decks) up to $250,000 (Building).  Contact Mike Davis, Director of Lake Thoreau Center, if you are interested in these opportunities.  601-520-1038 or Mike.Davis@usm.edu