Wetland education center breaks ground at Botanical Center in Kaysville

WETLAND EDUCATION CENTER BREAKS GROUND AT UTAH BOTANICAL CENTER KAYSVILLE – Spring is always a busy time at the Utah Botanical Center’s (UBC) ponds with the arrival of many migratory birds, people armed with fishing poles, and children on field trips examining the plants and creatures that make the wetland their home. This spring and summer there will also be a different sort of activity going on there: construction of a new education center that will be among the most energy and environmentally sustainable buildings in the state. Wetland Discovery Point will put visitors right in the UBC wetland while they learn about these intricate ecosystems and the important roles they play in managing stormwater, providing habitat for animals and creating opportunities for recreation. More than 4,000 school children visit the UBC each year on field trips that explore topics like wetland ecology, energy conservation, wise water use, horticulture, water quality and wildlife biology. Wetland Discovery Point will provide year-round, hands-on learning opportunities and allow the UBC to double the number of visitors served. The 3,200 sq. ft. building, designed by Salt Lake City-based AJC Architects, is on track to qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification?the highest ranking awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. There are currently just 73 Platinum certified buildings in the United States and none are in Utah. Work by Big-D Construction began in late April and visitors will be welcome this fall. The building will use solar panels to generate electricity and its design maximizes use of natural light. The roof is part of a system that will gather rainwater and snowmelt for use in landscape irrigation and for flushing toilets. A biofiltration system will handle wastewater onsite and the heating and cooling system is also environmentally friendly. “Wetland Discovery Point will be the centerpiece of our education program and a very visible example of sustainable design and construction,” said UBC Director Dave Anderson. “We’ll have a great classroom space and the boardwalk and deck will let teachers work with students in the wetland area as well.” Design and construction of Wetland Discovery Point is supported by the Utah Legislature, Utah Division of Water Quality, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission, Kaysville City, Davis County and private donors.#