Monthly Board Update September 2014 (For June, July, and August 2014 Activities) From the Executive Director Questions: Contact Jim at 609-737-3735 x22 or
[email protected] Environmental Center Our spectacular new environmental center emerged from a flurry of summer activity. Most of the external work has been completed and the focus has largely shifted to the interiors, external pathways and landscaping. We are busy will scores of decisions on small construction details and planning and fundraising for the new programming that will take place in the new center. Over the summer, we secured a donation of our solar panels from RECOM Solar and are working with a donor who has agreed to support our furniture needs. We’ve entered a contract with Exhibit Concepts Inc. to fabricate and install our exhibits, which have been designed by Van Sickle & Rolleri, Ltd. Work continues on the wetlands-based wastewater treatment system and should be completed in October. We currently expect the building to be completed and ready for staff to move in by mid-December. Science Education Initiative Jeff Hoagland supervised a Hopewell Middle School and Hillsborough High School teacher over the summer to prepare several units of science curriculum that advance the Next Generation Science Standards. Jeff immersed himself in two weeks of training on the new standards to prepare for a new chapter in Watershed education programs. We are hosting the Hopewell Valley’s new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) magnet program this fall during its “water and weather” unit. Three Environmental Questions on November Ballot A flurry of activity over the summer has put three important measures in front of voters on the November ballot.