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A Master Plan for the Development of a Nature Discovery and Environmental Center
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Thompson Tucker, Richard D.
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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
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Abstract
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There are some that may consider Tin Mountain Conservation Center's vision to build a $2
million nature center an impossible dream. How can an organization with a staff of four, an annual
budget of $130,000, an office of 443 sq. ft., and a field station it doesn't even own possibly achieve
the growth, expertise and fundraising that would be required for a project of this scope? There is a
flipside to this question. That is, given the challenges to our environment and the opportunity to
help tens of thousands of people perceive nature and their relationship to nature in a new light,
how can we possibly ignore this opportunity? A business as usual approach to environmental
education does not recognize the magnitude of the issues we are facing locally, regionally or
globally. We as environmental educators and concerned citizens can do no less than stretch our·
resources and abilities to their maximum potential for the purpose of garnering public interest in
and support of a sustainable future. There is a risk to undertaking a project of this size and scope, a
risk of failure and a loss of credibility. There is a greater risk in ignoring the needs of the
community and the chance to make a significant difference for the environment.
Some of the elements that are required to move in this direction are already in place. Tin
Mountain recently completed a six month Task Force study on the future of its environmental
education programs inside and outside the Mt. Washington Valley. The study confirmed our feeling
that the Tin Mountain educational program is highly regarded by those who have worked with us
during the past twelve years. The study also confirmed our sense that the schools and communities
are changing and that we will have to change with them to meet their varied needs. This sets us on
the path of envisioning new ways of providing environmental education programs and services.
Another element that moves us in the direction of a multifaceted center is the growing
opportunity to work cooperatively with other organizations. Sharing resources, combining
programs, working towards common goals and missions becomes a smallscale model of what needs to
happen among communities, regions and nations if we are to turn towards a brighter future. What
might be difficult for one organization to achieve alone is made easier with the help and insights
of two or more working together. Differences in styles, in approaches, in techniques can be worked
out if our eyes are on the higher goals of environmental education, for we must do all we can to
create a citizenry that is motivated, knowledgeable and willing to make balanced decisions that
recognize our dependence on the lifesupport systems of our Spaceship Earth.
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Northern New Hampshire Foundation