Letters

Regarding the article “Volunteer looks to enhance Nature Preserve’s worth to town,” in your February edition, I would like to clarify two things:
Firstly, it was reported that “Apparently Treinen did not consult with the Friends of the Lantana Nature Preserve about her plans for the gathering or that she asked local businesses for donations of food for the meeting.”
Not only did I have an initial meeting with the Friends and even with a fundraising guru, but I (Denise) also emailed the invitation to the town of Lantana, the Lantana Nature Preserve Commission and also the Friends of the Nature Preserve weeks in advance.
Flyers were posted at the Preserve that stated that refreshments were included after I was given permission by the town. The meeting gathered nearly 40 individuals and organizations in Lantana and even nearby Lake Worth and Boynton Beach — all people who are eager to support the Preserve!  
Outside the meeting, I also met potential donors but it may be difficult to “preserve them” due to the expiration of the 5013C status by the Friends. And, since the mayor of Lantana states that he does not wish to use a penny of taxpayer money on the Preserve, it is important that the 501(c)3 status be reinstated so financial donations can be solicited as charitable contributions.  
Secondly, it was reported:
“In an email dated Jan. 28, the president of the Friends wrote that Friends is a company registered in the state of Florida and that Treinen should not ‘solicit donations, arrange meetings, or put out any information or communication, contact the press, etc … on behalf or without the prior approval of the Board of the Friends.’ ”
I had submitted an application to be a Friend of the Lantana Preserve over three years ago and I was never contacted by anyone. And, at a recent Friends meeting, which hadn’t occurred for a year or so, it was asked that someone finally handle the box of completed Friends applications that have not been responded to in those many years.
It pains me to see the condition of the Preserve deteriorating within the last few years as I visit it almost daily.  
The good news is the Friends have rapidly started progress. They engaged the Nature Club to remove the litter. Now done, I have secured the support of the Boy Scouts to do further cleaning and we will wait for commission approval for that to happen.
With the help of an expert in the sand business, we solicited and provided both the town and the Lantana Nature Preserve Commission with bids to improve the path which is now unsafe for the elderly that live next door at the Carlisle. They struggle to enjoy the Preserve, although they love it, and this breaks my heart!
I believe that the Preserve deserves nothing less than total dedication, energy and enthusiasm.
With patience and persistence I will continue my efforts, overcome obstacles, and “Preserve the Preserve” through the “power of partnerships.”
Dee Trifiletti/Treinen
Lantana