Sibley Nature Center Expansion – Status & Plans
Photos of the construction progress will be available via this page...please check back regularly!
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place on February 12, 2008 at the Sibley Nature Center. Texas Speaker of the House Tom Craddick was the featured guest.
Sibley Board members and other dignitaries at the Groundbreaking
The Center raised $630,000 for new developments to the Center, described below.
Phase One
This year we will begin constructing Phase One of a million-dollar project. Four trail shelters will be built along the trails at specific habitat locations. Plantings representing the other four major habitats of the Llano Estacado will be integrated with a larger teaching shelter, fire circle, corral and barn near the building. The entrance to the building will be revamped with a large sheltered patio and additional habitat gardens. On the east side of the building a fenced wildlife garden with a viewing room on one-way glass and embedded microphones enable visitors to observe wildlife “close-up.”
Phase Two
Phase Two of the project will focus on the development of an archaeological/Indian study area, outdoor geology and fossil exhibits, and on additional outdoor signage. Fundraising for Phase Two has begun. Naming opportunities will recognize significant donors. Completion for both phases is targeted for 2009.
If you would like to make a donation to this project, please use the button on the left side of this page to contribute online via PayPal, or visit this page for more options. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Supporters
The Sibley Nature Center’s Board of Directors and staff are deeply appreciative of all the community support we have received to enable us to expand our services and educational opportunities.
The staff and directors are deeply appreciative of all of the wonderful financial support we have received from the following foundations organizations, and public entities; Potts-Sibley Foundation, Abell-Hangar Foundation, Prairie Foundation, Permian Basin Area Foundation, the Anne and C.W. Duncan Foundation, the Greathouse Charitable Trust, the Dora Roberts Foundation, the Chaparral Foundation, the Buddy Davidson Foundation, the Midland Arts Assembly, and the City of Midland.
We have also received donations from Basin Electric Company, BP America, Campbell Construction, Forrest Oil, Marbob Energy, Marathon Oil, Pogo Producing, Summit Homes, TexStar Bank, White Star Energy, and Yarbrough Ranches. We also are very appreciative of the donations from foundations, corporations, and individuals that wish to remain anonymous. We are also grateful for the wonderful advice provided by Midland’s NonProfit Management Center.
The Gem and Mineral Society, the Midland Archaeological Society, the Midland Naturalists, the Llano Estacado chapter of the Master Naturalists, the Midland Woodcarvers, the Environmental Professionals group, Professor Paul Mangum at Midland College, and the Environmental Study Group of the Petroleum Engineer Society of the Permian Basin have also aided us.
Celebrating our Bioregion
Over the past three years we have worked diligently to synthesize our efforts to celebrate our home bioregion, the Llano Estacado, as we teach young and old about our home’s ecology and history (including cultural lifeways), by developing many new displays in the building, by developing our website, and by developing new partnerships with organizations and institutions.
The success of a democratic nation rests upon an informed populace. Every citizen should be ably conversant about their own home’s landscape, history, and infrastructure. Only then can wise decisions be made for the common good. The Sibley Nature Center is proud to be of service in achieving this goal. Although our bioregional approach has been labeled innovative, it is literally a return to basics. It makes sense!