Biodiversity Stewardship

This blog reflects my exploration of the tools, pathways, and general current events regarding biodiversity on multiple scales. What I have learned from my research and through others' blogs is that tools exist to study and protect biodiversity on many levels: from uneducated community members to graduate-level students. These tools are fortunately widely accessible, and many serve to educate the community which I feel to be very important. An educated community is one that takes interest in the protection of biodiversity, which will serve us well in the future. Overall, I feel that any naturalist or environmental scientist would find use in the many of the tools I've explored this summer, especially identification apps, mapping tools, and knowledge centers. We are lucky to have this many tools accessible through the internet, especially those that can be used to achieve professional-level tasks such as ArcGIS. The use of these tools will serve me well in my career, and I espec...

 1. File Articles of Incorporation The first step in establishing a non-profit organization is to file Articles of Incorporation with the State Corporation Commission (SCC). This step requires basic consideration of details of the desired organization, such as a name, purpose, and functionality. Once the SCC accepts the Articles of Incorporation, a certificate of incorporation will be issued by the SCC, establishing the legal existence of the non-profit. 2. Creation of Bylaws If not previously determined by the SCC, the non-profit must next establish a board of directors who will be able to determine bylaws of the organization. Bylaws will include general organizational structure of the organization, including leadership and election cycles. 3. Obtain Employee Identification Number (EIN) An EIN, which is assigned by the IRS, allows the organization to function economically. This will allow the organization to open a bank account and apply for tax exemption. 4. Apply for Federal Tax...