Laguna Learning Center
A Place For Education And Celebration
The Laguna Learning Center is a 3-phase project that currently includes a restored historic farmhouse that is the Foundation’s offices, and will eventually include an outdoor learning, classroom and nature center. The Laguna Learning Center will help to educate visitors about the importance of preserving and restoring the Laguna. It will also be a place to celebrate the natural environment that makes our region so special, and point the way forward to a regional future where the natural world and human activity can complement and inform one another.
Phase 1 - Churchill Farmhouse
The Farmhouse renovation was completed in August of 2009 and has become the Foundation’s offices. The renovation was a true community project with numerous volunteers and over 104 individuals and businesses providing funding and in-kind donations. As a result, the renovation was completed for half the original $1.4 million estimated cost.
The farmhouse was named the Churchill Farmhouse in appreciation of Ken and Susan Churchill’s significant contribution to the renovation and completion of the project.
Phase 2 - landscaping and Outdoor Learning Center
Thanks to a grant from the Costal Conservancy, we will be making outdoor improvements that will enable visitors to take self-guided walks to learn about the Laguna and it will also be a great starting point for docent lead hikes into the Laguna.
The 3-acre project will include a heritage garden and orchard next to the farmhouse, native plants and trees, picnic area, outdoor classroom, demonstration pond, observation deck with spotting scope, Native American history exhibits, and native plant nursery.
Phase 3 - laguna learning center
Also, as part of the same grant from the Coastal Conservancy, The Laguna Learning Center will be built. It will include a classroom that we will use for our Learning Laguna program, docent training classes, meetings and for public education events. We plan to construct this facility in 2011.