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The new ecology center is supported by $93,500 in new grant funding. The Cathance River Education Alliance received $15,500 in grants from Alfred M. Seneca. An additional $75,000 was donated by The Merrymeeting Bay Trust for the construction, with $3,000 donated by State Farm to support the center. The site work, which included the laying of a concrete slab, was donated by Harry C. Crooker. Hancock Lumber company donated all of the building materials for the barn. Green technology has been used in every phase of the project, from recycled cotton batting for insulation to interior clay plaster, in place of conventional paint. In addition, the center will be completely solar powered. The barn is designed to accommodate two classrooms. People who visit the ecology center can also sign out equipment: bug nets, field guides, water monitoring equipment, etc. The ecology center will also provide for guided hikes, workshops and meetings. CREA’s executive director Rick Wilson summarized, “Having a home base, a launching pad for our field study and learning activities will take CREA to the next level. The learning center will make it easier for students and teachers to use the preserve and help realize our goals of hands- on environmental studies for area students.” |
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The 26-foot-by-36-foot structure was donated by John Wasileski, Highland Green developer. The post and beam barn used to belong to Mr. Wasileski’s aunt in New York. It was carefully disassembled, numbered, and transported by truck to Topsham. It was reassembled by workmen who were familiar with traditional building techniques. The ecology center is located on the Cathance River Preserve which is connected to the Highland Green community.