FBCC enthusiasm kindled for Egans Creek Greenway Nature Center

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 22, 2017 4:17 p.m.

In listening to the reaction and comments from Fernandina Beach City Commissioners (FBCC) during their February 21, 2017 Regular Meeting, the creation of a nature center as part of the Greenway may just be an idea whose time has come.

The Amelia Island EarthKeepers (AIE) through its spokesman Chris Occhuizzo put forward a suggestion to help locals and visitors better enjoy and appreciate the vibrant plant and animal life found in the city’s Egans Creek Greenway, a 300-acre tract of undeveloped land opened to the public in 2000 as a passive park.

In a brief slide presentation, Occhuizzo detailed for city commissioners the benefits of the greenway experience to local citizens, who constitute the majority of park users, as well as to visitors seeking ecotourism experiences. The Greenway, which is part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department contains grass-covered roads that serve as a network of trails suitable for walking and bicycling. Its environment exhibits a variety of natural wildlife and vegetation and allows visitors to enjoy local wildlife, such as alligators, snakes, bobcats, and many birds, from a distance.

Benches and interpretive displays are located throughout the Greenway, and restrooms are available at the Nature Pavilion, located at the Greenway entrance behind the Atlantic Recreation Center on Atlantic Avenue. But as Occhuizzo explained the existing Nature Pavilion currently is primarily useful for calls of nature as opposed to serving as a true educational center.

To optimize the benefits to visitors of this preserve which is home to many species of birds, reptiles and mammals AIE proposed creating a true educational center, where staff and/or volunteers could assist visitors in understanding and appreciating the Greenway’s ecology.

Occhuizzo, who was later seconded in his recommendation to create a true Nature Center by supporter Faith Ross, presented examples of what they termed world class nature centers in other locales.

AIE proposed a mission statement for the nature center: to educate the public both for their enjoyment of the natural offerings and for protection of the preserve. Static and dynamic exhibits would highlight the Greenway’s history and explain the water system. As an educational center, plans also include walks, seminars and demonstrations.

Initially, AIE proposed using an area inside the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center that once housed the scuba operation for this purpose. However, after discussion with commissioners, discussion refocused on building a facility that would encompass the existing Nature Pavilion at the trailhead.

Commissioners were strongly supportive of the concept, while acknowledging that additional work was needed to develop plans, costs and staffing needs. AIE has already received endorsement from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Occhuizzo agreed to work with Nan Voit, Parks and Recreation Department Director, to flesh out more details for presentation to the FBCC at a future workshop.

Commissioners commended the Amelia Island EarthKeepers for their positive effort in developing this initiative. There seemed to be agreement that public/private partnerships have worked well for past city projects, and hold promise for this as well. Occhuizzo said that AIE has already talked about small steps toward fundraising in the form of grants and fundraisers. Commissioners suggested using Parks and Recreation impact fees, perhaps on a matching basis, to assist with funding.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project and agreed that such a Nature Center could be a boon to the local citizens, city businesses and ecotourism. For more information on the Egans Creek Greenway, visit the Parks and Recreation tab on city’s website, http://www.fbfl.us/index.aspx?nid=104.

An important aspect of the project is protecting the Greenway. AIE has spearheaded clean up projects for the Greenway in the past and invited commissioners and the public to help them remove invasive plants during a Taro Pull and Pizza Party on February 25, 2017. For more information on the group and how to get involved, visit http://ameliaislandearthkeepers.com.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.