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| The Paul
Newman Butterfly Garden |
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In 1994, Glen
Dochtermann, Park Supervisor at the time,
perceived a need for a nature center, and he
created one from an existing first aid
station at the southwest end of the park,
near the West Beach. |
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In
this little building, in a non-threatening
environment, young people could learn about
waterfronts, marshes, ecosystems, and the
plants and animals that inhabit this area. |
| But
... the building deteriorated to the
point where it was no longer safe for public
use. It was open for awhile in summer 2003,
and then closed, and then demolished. |
| A new Nature Center is
coming |
| In 2002, FSISP launched
a capital campaign to raise $150,000 for a
new Nature Center. The CT Department of
Environmental Protection made a
commitment to assist with infrastructure
and erect a structure on the eastern end
of the park. [Fundraising
update.] |
|
The
new facility
will be built at the
eastern end of the park, adjacent to the nature
trail, with access to the salt marsh and the beach
front, a dedicated parking
area, and group bus drop off. Improved
design features will offer visitors and groups a
congregation area for
presentations,
group activities, lectures, and programs in a shade-protected adjacent area.
The
new location will provide nature and
beach walkers, birders, and shell hunters a
destination site as well as a permanent place to
pick up park maps, birding guides, trail marker and
tree guides, and other program information.
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