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Save the Date for a Green Building Opening
Feb 29, 2008 SAVE THE DATE FOR A GREEN BUILDING OPENING Visit Six Mile Cypress Slough in south Fort Myers today Fort Myers, FL, Feb. 29, 2008 - Mark your calendar for the April 12 grand opening and ribbon cutting of Lee County Parks & Recreation's first certified green building at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in south Fort Myers. Better yet, take a walk in the slough now to enjoy good spring weather and then come back for the grand opening. An 11,000-square-foot Interpretive Center will open to the public at 10 a.m. April 12. It will be a "green building," built under the nationally recognized Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification system. The certification recognizes five areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, proper materials and indoor environmental air quality. A self-guided map will be available April 12 describing aspects of the building that contribute to its green certification. For example, the ceiling is made of bamboo, which is a rapidly renewable resource, and rainwater collected from the roof is used to flush toilets. The $3.5 million Interpretive Center is expected to broaden the kinds of visitors who come to the slough, which consists of a boardwalk through a fragile 2,500-acre eco-system. This will be the site's first building. It will have a display area, a multipurpose room for educational programs, a covered teaching deck and more amenities. Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for the green center. Their tireless efforts starting in 2001 made this dream become a reality, said Mary Rude, supervisor of the slough for Lee County Parks & Recreation. The group raised $500,000 toward the effort, including garnering a $200,000 contribution from the South Florida Water Management District and additional contributions from area businesses. "They certainly have been the champions of this project," Rude said. Free guided walks along the slough's 1.2-mile elevated boardwalk are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. though March. April's walks are at 9:30 a.m. daily. From May through summer, the guided walk schedule consists of one per week at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Watch for special activities such as summertime off-boardwalk wet walks and others at www.LeeParks.org. Parking is $1 an hour or $5 a day. Animals such as otters, alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more live at the slough (pronounced "slew") year-round. Others, such as migrating birds and butterflies, inhabit the slough as a feeding area or a winter home. The boardwalk is fully accessible. Five observation decks are available for wildlife viewing, and there are seating enclaves throughout the trail for quiet reflection. A self-guiding trail brochure called the "Explorer's Companion" is available. The upcoming opening of the green building is an opportunity to showcase all the slough has to offer. "This is a chance to learn about being green and to learn about a beautiful place to enjoy in Lee County," Rude said. "Even for those who've visited the slough before, this is the time to come back." Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is an easy drive from Interstate 75, the beaches and the greater Fort Myers area. Take Exit 131 off the interstate and head west on Daniels Parkway to Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Turn north for one mile and see the slough entrance at 7751 Penzance Crossing. For more information, go online to www.LeeParks.org or call Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve at (239) 432-2004. For more information about the Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, call (239) 275-7790 or e-mail sandersj01@comcast.net During the grand opening and ribbon cutting April 12, a free shuttle will be provided to the slough from the Lee County Sports Complex, 14100 Ben C. Pratt Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Accessible parking will be provided onsite for those with disabled parking permits. Walkers and bicyclists are welcome on site. Those planning to stay for the day can bring water and a picnic lunch. Note to media: Images from the boardwalk, of nature sightings and of the new building are available upon request. E-mail rudeme@leegov.com CALENDAR LISTING Saturday, April 12: Grand opening and ribbon cutting for "green" Interpretive Center at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the center, 7751 Penzance Crossing, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Free. (239) 432-2004. Note: Parking not available during event; catch free shuttle from Lee County Sports Complex, 14100 Ben C. Pratt Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
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