For Immediate UseContact: Alison Sheehey
March 19, 2008(760) 378-2029

Weldon, CA – With recent approval from National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors, the Kern River Preserve is moving forward on the planning of a new Audubon Center at the Kern River Preserve. This is an important step closer to realizing the goal of building a new center that will emphasize education on the natural, agricultural and cultural heritage of the South Fork and Kern River Valleys.

The key approval from the National board follows the awarding last December of a $152,000 planning grant for the project from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.

“Our aim for the new Center will be to capture and promote the natural wonders of Kern River Valley, both past and present,” said Reed Tollefson, manager of the Kern River Preserve. “Moreover, we hope to demonstrate environmentally sustainable design and construction.”

The Kern River Preserve is managed by Audubon California for the preservation of one of California’s finest remaining riparian forests and the wildlife it supports. The facility has been holding public events for more than 25 years in original ranch buildings that are increasingly unable to support its growing educational needs and nature tourism.

Approval from the National Audubon Society Board was a critical step that will allow Kern officials to begin to draft preliminary studies and plans, and seek additional funding.

The grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy will pay for the architectural design and initial environmental review for the new Center. Audubon California will raise additional community and philanthropic financial support for the construction phase and the endowment of ongoing educational programming.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.