August 17, 2005 == MEDIA ADVISORY
The main benefactor behind Calvin College's Vincent and Helen Bunker
Interpretive Center has given the college $1 million for programming and
maintenance for both that facility and the Ecosystem Preserve where it makes
its home.
"Needless to say, we're thrilled, and it definitely allows us to plan with a
broader vision than we have in the past, particularly in the outreach for
community groups," says Randall Van Dragt, a Calvin professor of biology and
the preserve director. "It's hard to overestimate that value."
The Bunker Center and the Ecosystem Preserve regularly host area school
groups, environmental groups and other visitors who come to both enjoy and
learn about the site's 90 acres of trails, hardwood forest and wetlands and the
many species of both plants and animals that live there.
Helen Bunker's gift comes at a time, VanDragt says, when other area
environmental education centers are feeling the pressure of budget
constraints.
Income from the $1 million gift will pay for maintenance of the Center and the
Preserve, will allow more programming for upper elementary and lower middle
school students, will pay for additional display design, and could fund further
staff for the center.
Since the September 10, 2004 dedication of the Bunker Center, the Ecosystem
Preserve has attracted double its usual number of visitors, and the preserve's
staff has been able to provide year-round camps and classes for them.
"As I've watched programs come and go this summer, and kids using the building
this summer, it truly reminded me of the interest Helen has taken in Calvin's
preserve and environmental programs," Van Dragt says. "She's become a real
friend to the college and a real friend to the Preserve and the Interpretive
Center, and I hope we're reciprocating and making the kind of program that
meets her expectations. We certainly have Helen in mind when we're working."
For the full story see www.calvin.edu/news
-end-
Received on Tue Aug 16 23:59:03 2005
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