Rebuilding the Ruins; Northlake Nature Center

This Northlake Nature Center, as photographed by 'Ktetleu' in July, 2003.  (There are additional pictures in his weblog).

Almost every Monday and Wednesday Beau does Volunteer work at the Northlake Nature Center.   It started way back in 2003.   Larry Burch, who oversees the Nature Center, had a vision to rebuild the building ruins, using as much of the existing materials as possible.   Beau, and Ken, who were already periodic volunteers signed on to help.   And so it went; just like postmen, whether rain, sleet, extreme humidity or heat, twice a week, they worked on the building.  At first, sorting and organizing the debris, and then, brick by brick, starting to mortar it back together.

They had made significant progress, when Hurricane Katrina came through in August 2005, and dropped a couple large trees across the building destroying countless hours of their efforts.    For awhile they were forestalled, as they performed hurricane clean-up, removing tress and clearing debris for the hiking trails.  But, by early 2006, they were back to work on the building.

Together, with a periodic additional volunteer once in awhile, they continued their efforts.   Walls went up, windows and doors were built and placed, dormers, a slate patio (from the original), and now the roof  is 3/4 finished.  

Two times a week; every week ... three men ... the ruins are no longer ruins.   Upon completion they may become on office space for the Northlake Nature Center, and perhaps a community gathering point for the boy scouts and other groups.    Three men, silently, behind the scenes, working for the good of the community.

I am very proud of them.

The Building at NorthLake Nature Center Burns

You might recall that back in January I posted a piece about how Beau, Larry, Ken and Al were rebuilding the old abandoned building at the NorthLake Nature Center and how proud of them I was.   Well, I'm now heartsick to report that early Sunday morning, the building burned.    And, just like that, the countless hours of  volunteer work, plans, and visions went up in smoke.

September 2004 -   There was a vision to rebuild the old abondoned building using as much of the remaining materials as possible.   Larry, was joined by two volunteers, Ken & Beau, and the work started. 

  

Inside of building, looking out

 Outside of building, looking in.  Initial steps were site clean-up and adding brick columns to support the structure, where needed.

March, 2005:  Doors and window shutters are built to secure the building.  Areas of brick walls are rebuilt with original bricks, salvaged from the grounds.   

 September 2005:  HURRICANE KATRINA landed several large trees on the building.   Work stopped for for several months as the three men worked hard to re-open the paths and other areas of the Northlake Nature Center to the community. 

April, 2006:  Roofing Structure going in to secure the building in sections (it's quite a large building)

May 2006:  Then they removed the doors and windows, for a short period of time for the shooting of a horror movie.  (The movie crew brought all the debris ... unfortunately, they didn't do too good a job removing it, so the men got to clean the building .... again)

April, 2007:   Section by section, layer by layer, the building continues.   Remember, this is three men, 5 - 7 hours at a time, two times a week ... rain or shine, hot or cold.

March, 2008:  1st section of exterior roof complete and interior framework and roofing well underway in the big room.

April, 2008:  I-Beams (weighing over 2000 lbs ea) carefully put in place (with just 3 men) to support the attic and roof.

October, 2008:  And, not to forget, slate cobblestone porch (from original slate roofing found in the woods) and a shade overhang.

July, 2009:  An attic is created, and dormers, along with a variety of interior works.   Al joins the volunteers, now making them a workforce of 4.

January, 2010:  The 2nd section (the big room) is almost secured

March 14, 2010:   The building burns.   An investigation is under way as to the cause.  At this point, arson is presumed.

Once again, the building is ruins.

To say the least, we are very sad.   These men were doing a great thing that, one future day, would have been a great addition to the Nature Center, as well as the community as whole.  

Their work on the building continues ... but at this point, only in the aspect of cleaning it up and securing it so it will not be a danger to those people who visit the Nature Center grounds.

  

Pine Island Rookery and Bird Fest Social

Each year we volunteer to help with the Pine Island Event for the Northlake Nature Center,  Great American BirdFest.  

Pine Island Rookery is a private property.  They have been allowing the Northlake Nature Center to bring in a group of birders once a year as part of the bird Festival.   Folks come from near and far to attend.     I do not have camera equipment capable of close-up shots of these birds, however, this picture might give you an idea of the magnitude of these nesting beauties .... 

Yep, each of those little white dots is an egret nest with occupants.   And, this picture represents only a small section of the nests, which are in cypress trees over a section of swamp. 

And, you can always tell when there is incredible birding opportunity, when almost all the pictures of the attendees have binoculars at eyes !

 If you are in the community next April, I highly suggest you sign up.   This is a once in a lifetime experience that you'll remember forever.