Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1093FY0001 Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital - "Environmental Learning Center"
Requester:		Joan Kohl			Organization:		Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital
Project Title:		Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital - "Environmental Learning Center"			Date Submitted:		02/07/2001 4:39:56 PM
Sponsors:		Stacy Ritter
Statewide Interest:		To provide a location to educate the public about the unique environment within South Florida
Recipient:		Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital			Contact:		Joan Kohl
		3916 NW 73 Avenue			Contact Phone:		(954) 752-7732
		Coral Springs 33065
Counties:		Broward
Service Area:		Private Organization
Project Description:
The Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital is seeking funds for construction of a new Environmental Learning Center being built on 5 acres of land donated by the City of Coral Springs, in a regional park, adjacent to the Everglades in the North West Section of Broward County (on the West Palm Beach County borderline). The Nature Center is located next to the Sawgrass Springs Middle School (Broward Counties Environmental & Science Magnet School). The Center would be run by Joan Kohl, recipient of the "Governors Point Of Light Award". The Center would service both youth and adults in Broward & Palm Beach County as well as to tourists visiting the area. Its goal being to educate the public about our unique South Florida environment, especially focusing on the Everglades and the many species that reside there. The Center will contain a museum consisting of live animal exhibits, butterfly and native plant gardens, classrooms, wet lab, library, and Native American display. Classes and lectures would be offered in Bird & Animal Identification, Nature crafts & photography, native plant gardening, creating backyard habitats and wetland restoration. The Center's second story balcony will serve as an observation deck, offering views of the Everglades and newly restored wetlands.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The Center will provide environmental education to students in Broward & Palm Beach Counties. It will also be ADA compliant, giving many people with special needs a chance to interact with wildlife and experience the uniqueness of the Everglades. This center will partner with County and private schools, colleges and universities offering work-study programs, internships and help transition children into the work force. After school, weekend and holiday programs will be provided to help eliminate juvenile delinquency and offer children a happy and healthy source of recreation and education.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$800,000
Identify item(s) in the Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:			689
Specific Appropriation Title:			Department of Corrections: Executive Direction and Support Services, Expenses; General Revenue
Amount to be reduced:			$800,000
Fund Source:			General Revenue
Total cost of the project:			$1,300,000
Request has been made to fund:				Construction
Type of funding match:		Local
	Total Cash Amount:		$500,000		Total In-Kind Amount:		$100,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?							No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							No
Is there a documented need for this project?							Unknown
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							No