Glass Rail gains grants for natural studies
From our weekly issue dated May 19, 2010
The Glass Rail Outfit in Cave Junction recently received two grants to help with building a nature center and butterfly pavilion.
The Mountaineers Foundation granted $1,000 toward an interpretive trail; and Americorps VISTA approved a request for a VISTA member to help set up and secure resources for the center and Butterfly Pavilion.
The Glass Rail Outfit (TGRO) is a nonprofit organization formed with a mission “to promote the physical and social well being of the residents of our community.“ In 2007 the organization received a generous donation of 50 acres of rural property sandwiched between Illinois River and Hwy. 199 in Illinois Valley.
There are large meadows; forests of pine, fir and cedar; and high country hardwoods. The Illinois River West Fork flows through the back of the property and offers access to lower channeled areas rich with unique flora and fauna communities growing in an area of constant disturbance.
The strategic plan of the organization includes creation of the Rusk Ranch Nature Center, cultural & historical exhibits, interpretive trails featuring wetlands and the river, youth sports fields, outreach youth partnership programs, and a community and event center. In addition, Illinois Valley Youth Soccer Club has a partnership with TGRO and is building a field on the property.
The Butterfly Pavilion is the first part of The Glass Rail Outfit plan to create an interactive natural history center called the Rusk Ranch Nature Center. Through a series of focus groups with leaders, residents, teachers and stakeholders in the community, the board of TGRO found that there was a need for families and children to have safe environments for outdoor activities.
Using native species and the help of volunteers, the Butterfly Pavilion will offer an interactive learning environment for youth in the area. School-age children will be offered the opportunity to observe, learn and help with the growth and nurturing of the caterpillars and butterflies at no cost.
High school-age youth will be recruited to act as docents and helpers for the butterfly programs. Additionally, the Butterfly Pavilion will be available during the visitor season as a destination activity, thereby enhancing the valley community, bringing revenue to the nonprofit organization and the valley, sponsors believe.
The Butterfly Pavilion will offer hands-on activities for youth to participate in the nurturing, emergence, and controlled release of local butterflies as a free service to schools in Josephine County.
These activities, and the planned butterfly raising activities, will provide opportunities for learning science, communication skills, self-esteem and real world interactions. The Butterfly Pavilion will garner revenue, in the form of visitor fees, from some of the 100,000 visitors per year who drive by on Hwy. 199, said TGRO.
Research indicates that many of them visit Oregon Caves National Monument as a “spur-of-the-moment“ decision. Situated across from the Great Cats World Park, the Butterfly Pavilion and Nature center can further enhance visitor experiences in Illinois Valley and help support the center programs for youth.
People who would like to help make the Butterfly Pavilion a reality are encouraged to adopt a butterfly or join the organization as a volunteer.
The Glass Rail Outfit will convene an advisory group for the Rusk Ranch Nature Center and is looking for interested parties and volunteers. Currently volunteers are building the first interpretive trail and working on the planning for the Butterfly Pavilion.
The organization is partnering with the Josephine County Food Bank to present River Rush, a benefit for both entities — with music, food, games, and theater — on July 3. Booth space for artisans is available at River Rush for a small fee.
Applications are being accepted for the Americorps VISTA position.
To apply, or to volunteer at the Nature center or for additional information on River Rush, phone 541-287-2164 or visit ruskranchnaturecenter.org .
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