Lake Thoreau Environmental Center
Donations
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Support Lake Thoreau Environmental Center
Lake Thoreau Environmental Center operates in partnership with the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. The university provides essential staff at Lake Thoreau. Programs, field experiences, and daily operations are supported by donations and community partnerships.
We are proud to offer free weekend access to the Center, making nature and outdoor learning available to everyone. Contributions help us maintain trails, care for habitats, and provide hands-on educational experiences for students and visitors year-round.
As part of The USM Foundation, all donations are tax-deductible.
Monetary Donations
Make a direct, tax-deductible gift online through the 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
Prefer to give in a tangible way? Visit our Wish List to purchase supplies and materials used in our programs and on-site operations. Even a single item makes a difference.
Give a Memorial Gift
Create a lasting impact while honoring a person or organization. Memorial gifts are placed throughout the Center and include engraved recognition.
- $750 - Memorial Metal and Wood Bench.
Placed along trails, these benches provide a place for visitors to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. Each includes a custom engraved nameplate.
- $1000 - Memorial Metal Picnic Table.
Located in gathering areas, these picnic tables support outdoor learning, group activities, and family visits. Each includes a custom engraved nameplate.
- $2000 – Stone Memorial Bench
A permanent stone bench placed in scenic areas along the trail, offering a lasting tribute within some of our most valued habitats. The name is engraved directly into the stone.
Business Sponsorships
Support environmental education while gaining recognition at the Center.
These 4' x 8' signs are placed at key entry points and high-traffic areas throughout the Center. They provide trail maps, site information, and educational content that help orient visitors and school groups. Each sponsored kiosk includes a permanent engraved panel (12" x 18") recognizing your business, with the option to include your logo.
- $750 - Small Kiosk Signs
These 4' x 4' signs are located along trails and at key decision points to guide visitors and highlight features of the landscape. They often include maps, directions, or brief educational information about the surrounding habitat. Each sponsored kiosk includes a permanent engraved panel (12" x 18") recognizing your business, with the option to include your logo.
Naming Opportunities
Create a lasting legacy at Lake Thoreau by supporting major spaces that serve students, educators, and visitors year-round. Naming opportunities provide prominent, long-term recognition and directly support the continued growth and maintenance of the Center.
- $5,000+ – Teaching Deck Naming
Our teaching decks are central gathering spaces for field trips, camps, and outdoor classes. Naming a deck supports hands-on environmental education while recognizing your contribution in a highly used instructional area.
- $25,000+ – Pavilion or Program Space Naming (if applicable)
These spaces support group activities, events, and educational programming. Naming recognition is prominently displayed and associated with a wide range of Center uses.
- $250,000+ – Building Naming
A premier naming opportunity for one of the Center’s primary facilities. This level of support provides lasting recognition while making a significant impact on the Center’s long-term sustainability and operations.
For more information about naming opportunities, contact Mike Davis at 601-520-1038 or Mike.DavisFREEMississippi.