Nature Center breaks ground
Hosting the event will be the Solano Land Trust, which is offering significant recognition opportunities to donors to the center, the nearby historical buildings, the trails and overlooks at the ranch. The nature center, to be completed in summer 2007, will include a classroom with nature displays, a working science lab, offices and living quarters for visiting scientists. The project was jumpstarted with a $500,000 grant from the National Estuarine Research Reserve, a Rush Ranch partner. The project subsequently received a $500,000 grant from the Coastal Conservancy. An anonymous donor recently gave $250,000 to support Rush Ranch and pledged up to $200,000 more if $450,000 is raised from other supporters before June 30, 2007. Rush Ranch was acquired by the land trust in 1986 and is home to rare and endangered plant and animal species. Solano Land Trust President Bob Berman noted, "We have a national, natural treasure right here in Solano County and now we will have an excellent showcase for this unique property." In addition to the new nature center, the property has numerous historical buildings, including a barn, blacksmith house, water tower, and a circa 1930 Sears Kit House. Marilyn Farley, executive director of the trust, said, "The public is invited to our celebration of getting this exciting project under way." Once complete, we will be able to offer greater public access and a more significant historical perspective to the Rush Ranch experience." Rush Ranch protects 2,070 acres of marsh and rolling hills in Solano County. The preserve is considered one of the best remaining examples of brackish marsh habitat in the United States and is home to many rare and endangered plants and animals. In 2003, Rush Ranch was designated as part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a state-federal partnership with National Oceanic AA and other agencies. |
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