Time is of the essence when it comes to a natural disaster. You go on autopilot and often wonder at the end of the day, how you accomplished all that you did. I know how we accomplished what we did at Riverside Nature Center. It was done by the grace of an army of concerned and dedicated volunteers, staff, board members and a generous community.
We will be forever grateful and hope to welcome the public back in the very near future. Maybe as soon as mid August. Please watch your inbox for event dates and possible venue changes.
Thank you to everyone who has graciously donated to our Flood Recovery Fund. Your contributions will assist in our journey. We have a long road to cover.
The Sign Does Say Wildlife Sanctuary
The arboretum and wildscape is a protected area from the hungry and hooved. This allows us to grow many native plants that are highly desirable to our deer friends. The high fence was damaged in the flood. The fence was down for a brief period but long enough for the area to be chosen as a safe nursery for several fawns. With so much of their habitat destroyed, eviction was not in our heart. We allowed the does to come and go as they cared for their young. A thorough sweep and search was conducted this past weekend and to our delight, the arboretum was declared deer and fawn free.The fence is temporarily erect but is need of total replacement. Estimates for the job average $15,000.
Staging Area
The education rooms are currently being used as a staging area. Office supplies, exhibit props, accounting records, library books, gift shop items and anything else that were formerly kept on bookshelves, tables and cabinets fill this area to its fullest.Though the water and sludge/silt is gone, we are unable to put anything back until the walls throughout the visitor center are repaired. We had hoped this building would be spared from water damage but that was not to hold true. Moisture readings were too high to ignore. Baseboards and wallboards were removed up to 12 inches. Once the saturated insulation and weather barrier were removed, the drying out process began. We are now awaiting estimates for the repairs.
Update on the Lawson Store & Nature Lab Repairs
Our two companion buildings, the Lawson Store and the Nature Lab were hit the hardest with flood waters. Rising over 3 feet in both buildings. The Nature Lab has been completely gutted leaving only the exterior and bare studs. Baseboards and partial wall board were removed in the Lawson Store. Unfortunately the cabinetry was not salvageable in this building either.
Moisture readings are back to acceptable levels in both structures. We have plans for repairs and remodel once funds are secured.
Renewal
You may recall this time last year, we had posted signs, “Brown is the New Green!”. Nature teaches us many lessons and certainly keep us humble. Please find peace in knowing we will pull through these dark days together.