Just like so many of you, we at the Central Park Conservancy are taking the time to pause and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. The list is long; in our 30 years of caring for the Park, we've been able to count on so many generous friends and supporters to help us in our mission. As we think back on the past year's challenges and successes, we'd like to give thanks to all those who have been so central to the Park. Here's a highlight of all that we have to be thankful for – with our gratitude equal for each one.

1. Conservancy Staff

2011 dealt Central Park a blizzard, a hurricane and a destructive Halloween snowstorm that claimed nearly 1,000 trees. Our staff stepped up to the challenge every time, working hard to clean and recover from the damage – and ensure that visitors could use the Park. Their talent and dedication is behind every flowerbed, landscape and monument you see in the Park.

2. Volunteers

If Central Park is the heart of New York City, then volunteers are the heart of the Conservancy. In 2011, 2,000 individual volunteers lent us a hand by raking, painting, planting and mulching. All told, they donated over 40,000 hours of their time to keep Central Park clean and beautiful.

3. Supporters

Many people have the misconception that tax dollars pay for Central Park's upkeep. In fact, the Conservancy actually raises 85% of the cost to maintain New York City's great green space. We wouldn't be able to do it without the continued support of Conservancy members and donors. They're contributions are truly central the Park.

4. Conservancy Partners

With nearly 38 million visitors each year, Central Park is many things to many people. Our partners – Central Park Paws, New York Road Runners, and the Central Park Playground Partners among them – keep us connected to the Park's various user groups. They are the eyes and ears of the Park, and we're thankful that we can rely on them to get the word out about responsible Park use.

5. Facebook Friends and "Tweeps"

In 2011, we've loved staying in touch with Central Park fans and Conservancy supporters through Facebook and Twitter.  We look forward to the Park photos and stories they share with us every day, and their kind words, kudos and thanks gives our staff a boost.  We're grateful for the dialogue they help create about the Park we all love, and for helping us get the word out about the Conservancy and our mission to maintain and preserve Central Park.