Siah St. Clair, director of Springbrook Nature Center for 35 years, is retiring April 30. An open-house reception will be held to honor him from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Springbrook Nature Center. There will be a short program at 4 p.m.
The board is asking local residents to please help recognize Siah for his service and contributions to Fridley and the North Metro community by attending the open house. Parking at SNC is limited. The board recommends carpooling if possible.
"Few people have had as much of an impact on Fridley and the North Metro as Siah St. Clair," said Malcolm Mitchell, chairman of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. "Springbrook has been his life. He has influenced thousands of people - children and grownups alike - by enriching their lives with nature and increasing their understanding of it. The Foundation board wanted to give an opportunity to the people Siah has enlightened to thank him."
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Siah became SNC’s director in 1978. At that time Springbrook was empty land that was unique in that it has never been plowed or developed in any way. Under Siah’s leadership, Springbrook has become a leading environmental education center, an environmental research site, a place for family friendly programs and activities, and a place for community gatherings. In 2012, more than 750 programs were offered to 24,266 people; 1315 volunteers donated 17,719 hours of their time; and 4,652 people attended special events such as Pumpkin
Night in the Park and Spring Fling.
