Wildlife for Everyone Foundation has received a $250,000 state grant to begin planning and construction of a new, fully accessible wildlife center at the Tom Ridge Wetlands Preserve in Huston Township.
With the grant, the State College-based nonprofit foundation will be able to move forward with the project, which will include an ADA-certified outdoor learning space and nature observatory with a 1-mile accessible trail.
The grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through its Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
“The planned Wildlife Center will significantly improve the quality of life for our community and region by providing increased access to our natural resources,” said state Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, in a release. “This is an exciting project that not only encourages people to get out and experience nature, it makes experiencing the outdoors accessible to everyone. It’s yet another example of why our community is a great place to live and visit.”
“This funding will help create an attraction that will entice wildlife enthusiasts and tourists to visit our wonderful district,’ said state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township.
Wildlife for Everyone began working with WHM group more than a decade ago to develop the wetlands preserve, located along state Route 220 between Julian and Port Matilda, to help offset environmental disruption caused by the construction of Interstate 99. In 2010, WHM gifted 135 acres of property, including 55 acres of wetlands, to the foundation.
Fundraising for the wildlife center project began 18 months ago, with the goal of addressing a shortage of accessible natural areas not only in Centre County but across the state for passive recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities. The foundation worked with the Centre County Board of Commissioners to apply for the state grant.
The new center will meet or exceed all ADA requirements and allow individuals with disabilities to navigate from the parking lot to all of the center’s features, including a trail loop, picnic facilities and restrooms.
A 1-mile boardwalk trail will have benches and observation areas, an educational pavilion with picnic tables, interpretive signage and restrooms. A handicap-accesible fishing platform also will be constructed along Bald Eagle Creek, in the same area where 660 feet of stream restoration work is scheduled to begin in October.
The Ridge Wetlands attracts more than 190 species of birds as migrants or breeding residents and the new wildlife center is intended to ‘capitalize on the beauty of the wetlands for the aesthetic, educational and recreational value it offers its visitors,’ according to the foundation.
Jerry Regan, chair of the wetlands project for Wildlife for Everyone, said the wildlife center project is expected to go to bid in the winter.
‘If all goes to plan, we will begin construction in the summer and have a dedication next fall,’ Regan said. ‘Creating accessibility for everyone is the keystone of this project and when completed, it will become a crown jewel in our state’s rich outdoor heritage.”
Artist’s rendering of the planned boardwalk trail.
