A challenge to raise $100,000 for construction of an Environmental Education Center on the southeast edge of Newton for Jasper County Conservation has been met and exceeded. In October 2024, Jeff and Jodi King issued the challenge. They promised to match that amount in honor of their late daughter, if the money was raised by the end of the year. Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante says donations, multiyear donor commitments, and grant money soared past the $100,000 goal.

“We about tripled that. Not counting Jeff and Jodi’s donation, we have almost $300,000 in funding. With their $100,000 we are pretty close to $400,000 in three months. That’s crazy! We are excited!

In early October, ground was broken for the 7,200 square-foot $2.9 million dollar building that will house offices for the County Conservation Department and have classrooms for educational programs.

Jeff and Jodi King own Keystone Laboratories in Newton. Their donation was done to honor their daughter Dana King Ceretti, who died of cystic fibrosis in December 2009.

“She was always excited about conservation, and what we can do to make the world better. For her legacy to live on in this facility is extremely humbling for us.”   

Van Zante says the project has been talked about since the mid 1980’s. She says more funding is needed to outfit the classrooms, purchase and build educational displays, install signage and cabinetry, finish a basement bathroom and install an elevator. The Jasper County Conservation Director talks more about this project on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.