Lime Hollow News
Our new visitor center is open!
Under a beautiful early-summer sky, Lime Hollow officially opened the doors of our new visitor center on McLean Road, during a well-attended press conference and ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 26.
The result of Lime Hollow’s three-year Ready to Grow capital campaign, that secured gifts and grants, as well as hundreds of volunteer hours, and brought the value of our new facility to well above the $1 million mark -- the new log-style center is a key milestone in the 14-year history of our grassroots, not-for-profit organization.
“At long last, we have a facility that’s truly reflective of our growing popularity, our programmatic impact on the CNY community, and our future plans,” says Lime Hollow’s Executive Director, Glenn Reisweber. “As important, this facility is a testimony to how the local community supports our environmental mission and our contribution to the quality of life here.”
Inside the Visitor Center, those who attended had a first look at our stunning central exhibit space, bird education room, nature-inspired artwork, and several new modular interpretive displays. Outside, attendees enjoyed our creek-side bird sanctuary, and “Trail for All,” designed to give people with disabilities easy access to one of our groomed trails. The grand opening also included a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service exhibit commemorating Silent Spring author Rachel Carson (developed by USF&WS intern, Carrie Asher), free nature-goodie bags for kids, and an opportunity to shop our new gift store. Last but not least, all were impressed with the facility’s many ‘green’ features, such as composting toilets, geothermal radiant-floor heating, skylights, and high “r-factor” log construction.
Here’s what Glenn Reisweber had to say at the ribbon cutting ceremony, following truly inspiring remarks from Dale Bush (who came all the way from Texas to be with us!), son of the late Robert P. Bush – the name-sake and inspiration of our new bird education room:
Throughout the United States, there is a movement that is gathering momentum. The focus of this movement is centered on encouraging parents to get their children off the couch, away from the computer screen, video game controller, and yes their iPods and get them back to where they belong…playing outside and rediscovering the wonders of the natural world.
While there are many parents heeding this message and reacquainting their families with the great outdoors, there are a few who knew of this wisdom long ago and never lost their love of the outdoors. For these select few, they never stopped wondering, they never stopped exploring, and they never stopped reading and learning about the natural world.
One of these select few was Robert P. Bush. The story of Robert P. Bush and the phone conversation with his great granddaughter is but one of the many fascinating stories behind what made this Visitor Center come alive. It is the story of a man who knew that his time with his family was growing short but felt strongly about leaving a legacy for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It is the story of a man who knew where he belonged and where his family belonged.
And so the time has come to cut this evergreen bough and dedicate this wonderful addition to Cortland and Tompkins Counties. It is only fitting that we have the great-grandchildren of Robert P. Bush officially dedicate Lime Hollow’s Visitor Center. This Visitor Center will provide a portal for people of all ages to learn, understand, and connect with the wonders of the natural world. It’s where you belong!
Photos by Gail Benedict