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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 (401) 277-2771 TDD/(401)-222-4462 For Release: August 7, 1997 Contact: Stephen Morin 277-6605 Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418 Photo Opportunity* DEM AND PARTNERS TO OPEN RESEARCH LAB AND NATURE CENTER AT NARRAGANSETT BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Rhode Island Audubon Society, will formally open its new research laboratory and Learning Center at the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Prudence Island at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 9. The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 21 facilities operating in 17 states and Puerto Rico whose mission is to study the health of the nation's estuaries and educate the public about their vital importance to the nation's environment. The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is owned by DEM and operated jointly with funding from NOAA and DEM. The research laboratory and Learning Center are located in an old Navy workshop that was renovated with more than $600,000 in grants from NOAA. The contractor, Genga Bros., of Newport, did the work from a design from and under the supervision of DEM's Division of Planning and Development. The interpretive display in the Learning Center was compiled by Mil Kinsella-Sullivan, working for the RI Audubon Society. She adapted her display from a diorama recycled from the Roger Williams Park Natural History Museum. The operation of the education program both in the Learning Center and off the Reserve is being conducted in partnership with the RI Audubon Society. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System encourages the cooperation of non-profit organizations in both managing land within or in the operations of Reserves throughout the country. At the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve this is manifested not only in the educational partnership with the RI Audubon Society but with the local Prudence Island Conservancy that owns land which it manages as part of the Reserve. Lee Schisler, the Executive Director of the RI Audubon Society, will formally open the Learning Center along with Stephen G, Morin, Assistant to the Director of DEM. | |