Neighbor News
$225,000 Grant Awarded for Renovation of the Roaring Brook Nature Center
The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation has provided a grant of $225,000 toward completion of a $725,000 renovation and enhancement pr
West Hartford, CT (April 17, 2017) The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation has provided a grant of $225,000 toward completion of a $725,000 renovation and enhancement project for The Children’s Museum’s Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT.
The project will include new and improved outdoor enclosures for injured, orphaned and resident wildlife; a state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation clinic; new front entrance way; and an additional classroom/exhibit area. These additions will allow the Center to increase the number of wild animals admitted for rehabilitation, provide opportunities for visitors to see wildlife rehabilitation in progress through a one way window into the clinic, while also providing better viewing of our permanent birds of prey. The additional classroom and exhibit area will increase the number of educational offerings that the Center can provide and provide visitors a more enjoyable experience.
The Roaring Brook Nature Center’s many supporters, along with its Auxiliary organization, “Friends of Roaring Brook”, have already raised over $400,000 for this project. The support of the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation brings the Nature Center close to the funding needed to be able to break ground in the fall of 2017. A public campaign is now in process to raise the remaining funds needed.
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Margery Winters, the Roaring Brook Nature Center’s Assistant Director, stated that “Fifty years ago the community came together to build the Nature Center. It is lovely to see the community joining again to create a Center for future generations.”
The Roaring Brook Nature Center provides nature and science-based learning experiences to approximately 20,000 people throughout Connecticut annually. It provides the community with opportunities to connect with the natural world at any age and gain an appreciation and understanding for wildlife. In addition, the Center takes in hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals each year for rehabilitation with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
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About the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation
The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation was created for the purpose of protecting and improving the welfare of animals of all kinds with a focus on cats and dogs, the promotion of veterinary programs and, the protection of wildlife, including endangered species, flora and fauna. In 2012, The Foundation Trustees elected to become a supporting organization of the Community Foundation.
About The Roaring Brook Nature Center and The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center are the region’s premiere destinations for exploration and education. Home to over 200 live animals in their wildlife sanctuaries, they also feature many hands-on exhibits and programs for young children and families. The Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton and more information is available at www.roaringbrook.org or at 860-693-0263. The Children’s Museum with its Preschool is located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford and more information available at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org or 860-231-2834.
