Boardwalk Open     Years after the idea for a raised boardwalk at San Elijo Lagoon was first conceived the project is finally completed. The boardwalk is located along the trail at the Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Avenue in Cardiff. This trail provides the only American Disabilities Act (ADA) approved nature trail in a county managed coastal wetlands. The boardwalk allows wheel chair access from the parking lot and pavilion area, through the riparian corridor to complete the loop trail. It crosses a drainage area that had become impassable in the wet season, allowing year round passage while protecting sensitive plants and habitat. It passes over a restoration area that was once choked full of invasive weeds and is now growing back into a high quality habitat.   The boardwalk is constructed of recycled plastic lumber, keeping with the original design of the existing viewing decks. It is designed to allow the passage of water and wildlife under it. It is a great place to look for animal tracks and observe riparian species.   The boardwalk project began in 2001 with funding from the Spight Foundation, and private donors, Carl & Christina Fredericks and Mac & Audrey Elliott. The City of Encinitas Community Grant Program provided funding for the preliminary design and engineering costs. A grant from The San Diego Women's Foundation covered the architectural and structural engineering costs and the interpretive panels that will be installed later this year. The County of San Diego was awarded a Community Development Block Grant to fund the construction of the boardwalk. The project was completed by the county in December 2006 with additional county funding.   San Elijo Nature Center Update   The County Department of Parks and Recreation is in the process of designing a new Nature Center building to replace the existing facility at the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, at 2710 Manchester Avenue. This new building would be two stories in height and include an exhibit room, ranger office, multi-purpose room, assembly and observation areas, public restrooms, and storage. Exhibits will educate the public about the reserve, including its rich plant and animal communities, its fascinating history, and the various natural and human influences that affect this sensitive ecosystem.   This green building will also include many energy conserving and environmentally friendly components, including solar panels, recycled content construction materials, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, and water conserving restrooms and irrigation.   Design and environmental work are not expected to be completed until the fall of 2007, with construction anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008.   Concept drawings of the proposed new San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center are now available for viewing at:   http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/news.html#selrcenter   The state's Coastal Commission has approved the permits necessary to begin work on the new San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center.   The $4.75 million project has been a long-awaited dream for the public's use and enjoyment. Construction is now expected to begin in late Fall of this year. An opening date is expected about December 2008.   The new, 4-230-square-foot, two-story center promotes the latest in green construction, in which natural and recycled materials are used to reduce energy consumption and the impact to the environment. The new facility offers expanded space for hands-on displays and interactive exhibits that clearly explain the lagoon's history and its importance to the natural environment. It will be a learning session for the region's children.

Email info@sanelijo.org

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