The nature center is located at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton adjacent to the Watson Woods entrance to Roebling Park. The building and accompanying lots were purchased in 2006 by Mercer County. Two Green Acres development grants awarded to D&R Greenway Land Trust and matched by Mercer County are to be used for the renovation.
Currently, the building is used for a limited number of Mercer County Parks programs and meetings by the Marsh partner group and Friends for the Marsh. Following renovations, the nature center will offer educational and recreational programs that focus on the cultural and natural history of the Hamilton – Trenton – Bordentown Marsh.
Renovations are awaiting a letter of agreement with the NJ Commission on American Indian Affairs that defines the construction process as it relates to the cultural resources. Archaeological oversight is to occur during construction to determine where the footings for the classroom expansion can be placed. It is expected that the letter will be executed within the next few weeks.
Once the location of footings is known, the architects, SSP Architectural Group, Inc., can draw up final plans for the renovation and expansion, and the project can go out for bid.
It is expected that the renovation will be completed by the end of 2012 with dedication during spring 2013.