Quogue Wildlife Refuge Celebrates Groundbreaking For Nature Center Renovation, Expansion

QUOGUE, NY — A new day dawned for the Quogue Wildlife Refuge recently when a celebration was held to mark the groundbreaking for the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center renovation and expansion.

The event was held on July 1, "marking a major milestone in the Refuge's 'Preserve, Educate, Inspire' capital campaign," representatives said.

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The ceremony brought together community leaders, elected officials, campaign supporters, board members, donors, volunteers, and longtime friends of the Refuge to commemorate the beginning of the project.

Remarks were delivered by Michael J. Nelson, executive director of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge; Peter Sartorius, president of the board of directors; Bob Treuhold, mayor of the Village of Quogue; Ann Welker, Suffolk County legislator and former Quogue Wildlife Refuge volunteer and summer ecology program camper; Tommy John Schiavoni, New York State Assemblyman; Rob Marsh, natural resource supervisor for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 1; and Michael Weinman, co-chair of the "Preserve, Educate, Inspire" campaign committee and a descendant of Charles Banks Belt, who was the first president and a co-founder of the Refuge in 1934.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge, a 305-acre nature preserve, has been a cornerstone of environmental education on Long Island for more than 90 years, representatives said.

Open 365 days a year, free of charge, the Refuge welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually, including thousands of students, families, and nature enthusiasts.

"However, its current Nature Center, built in 1970, no longer meets the demands of its growing audience," representatives said. "This ambitious effort has been made possible through the support of major partners and donors. Leading support includes $1.2 million from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Office of Environmental Justice Community Environmental Education Center grant program; $1 million from the Winklevoss family; and $738,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ZBGA capital grant program.

According to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, the project will allow for a renovation and expansion of the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center, doubling the usable space "through a modest first floor expansion and updating facilities while maintaining the rustic charm that visitors know and love."

Key improvements, representatives said, include enhanced exhibits and animal enclosures; dedicated education space; sustainable infrastructure and improved accessibility.

To that end, ehe expansion will provide ADA-compliant entrances, and increased exhibit accessibility to ensure that all guests can fully engage.

In addition, the expansion will allow for an updated visitor educational and event space.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge, representatives said, has already secured a majority of the funding, "but community support is critical to raising the remaining funds."

Naming opportunities are available for donors looking to leave a lasting legacy, and businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute, they said.

"This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in the future of the Refuge and ensure that this special place continues to educate and inspire for years to come," said Nelson. "We invite everyone to be part of this exciting journey."

To learn more about the "Preserve, Educate, Inspire" campaign or to make a donation, click here, contact the Refuge directly at 631.653.477, or at Development@QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org.