Little Storm Lake Discovery Centre
Region
Americas
Country
USA
Flyway
Americas flyway
Initiative
WLI Americas
About
Overall aims of the centre include to invite visitors of all ages to explore the environment of the Storm Lake Watershed and particularly the Little Storm Lake Wetland.
Funding support: Donations and grant support – $250,000 current budget
Number of staff: Three full-time staff, eight active committee members
Overall aims of the centre
To invite visitors of all ages to explore the environment of the Storm Lake Watershed and particularly the Little Storm Lake Wetland
Description of the centre
Site plans: 2500 sq. ft. exhibit hall, ½ mile boardwalk focusing on aquatic plant and animal life.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
The unique relationship and collaborations between the City of Storm Lake and Buena Vista University (BVU), which currently has an active freshwater biology and education program, has created an environment that is visibly altering the dynamics of this NW Iowa region. For example, BVU is involved in school programs, environmental education grants, and state-wide assessments and reporting through IOWATER.
Top three successes
Obtaining state grant money for Project Awaysis
Connecting with BVU for current and future collaborations
Soliciting state-wide interest in the wetland science center.
Top three challenges
Small population numbers within Storm Lake community
Combined ownership of land at site
Current use of land area for hunting.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning
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