Bay City Tribune

The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center held an official capital campaign kick off and donor appreciation affair on the grounds of the nature center Thursday night, Nov. 5.

About 120 guests attended the event that included a silent auction, viewing of the site of the future visitors' center and plenty of opportunities to contribute to the campaign.

The funds raised in the campaign will be used to build the 7,000-square-foot indoor education and visitors' center that is projected to cost about $900,000.

According to Donna Younger, Matagorda County Birding Nature Center executive director, $4,500 in donations was earned.

Since the MCBNC board of directors has begun promoting the project, they have garnered about $150,000 in donations and pledges.

Matagorda County Judge Nate McDonald served as the master of ceremonies for the kick-off campaign.

"This is a beautiful place and it's about to become more beautiful and more functional," said McDonald.

"This is a wonderful project we've got going here and now is the time to keep our feet to the floor and build the momentum we need to build our indoor education center."

Bay City Mayor Richard Knapik also added his support of the project.

He began his comments by reminiscing about how the nature center got its start with the vision and encouragement of David Sitz.

"Today, we're asking everyone in the whole community to step up and make another vision - the indoor visitor center - a reality," he said.

Karen Barrett, Bay City Nature Club president, announced that the nature club had voted to donate two-thirds of their treasury, or $1,500, towards the visitor center project.

Barbara Sliva, another MCBNC board member, explained that she believed in supporting the capital campaign because of the value it will add to the community.

"I think this adds so much to the quality of life here," she said.

"It's really a lot of fun and I am able to bring my grandchildren and we can see wild animals and plant life up close."

Dick Barrett, a former MCBNC park host, reminded everyone what a treasure the place is for birding enthusiasts.

Karen Kinard, MCBNC board president, along with David Sitz and Becca Sitz, MCBNC board members, leach gave testimonials on the importance of the accomplishments of the center so far and their hopes for the visitors' education center.

The project builder, John Schmermund, BLS Construction president, and architect Logic Tobola were also on hand to show construction plans and explain some of the interesting features of the building itself.

Tobola explained that the visitor center would be built on a pier and beam foundation that won't require demolition of any aspect of the nature center.

"So we'll be able to build next to a tree and not even touch the root," said Tobola.

He also explained that the building will feature 7,000 square feet of space under the roof but only 3,000 square feet will be climate-controlled areas.

The center will consist of a wrap-around porch and a dog-run between two indoor areas - one for a conference area and one for office space, restrooms, gift shop and other features.

Tobola said the dog-run style construction is a throw back to early Texas construction.

"It's going to be hard to tell if it were built last year or 100 years ago," said Tobola.

As part of the capital campaign, the nature center board of directors offer donors naming opportunities ranging from $1,000 to sponsor a pond fountain to $5,000 to sponsor the reception counter, $15,000 to sponsor the fireplace and $100,000 to sponsor the education and event center.

Tree adoptions are available at $750, $1,000, and $2,500 while a recognition investment will cost from $100 to $1,000.

The recognition and naming opportunities allow individuals; groups or organizations to honor loved ones by having their name appear on the sponsored item.

The nature center board also invites people to pledge to give a certain amount of money over time at any price.

Investments of $500 to $10,000 will be celebrated on the donor wall.

Investments greater than $10,000 will be celebrated with individual plaques while other investments will be honored in the walkway, courtyard or room of your choice.

To make a donation, contact any board member or the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center at P.O. Box 2212 Bay City, TX 77404-2212 or 979-245-3336.