The site plan for the Seabird Center facilities provides for the separation of visitor and manteniance areas of the Audubon Camp. The center will be located on the north end of the mainland property near existing buildings and connected to the Keene Neck Road by its own driveway. This will enhance the efficient operation of all programs and uses of the property.
PROPOSED FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS:
• The proposed Seabird Center will benefit the
existing mainland Audubon camp facility in the following ways:
• Creates a gateway to Hog Island and the
Muscongus Bay coast offering a spectacular view of islands and sea.
The design provides a single reception area where all visitors to the
property can receive information, purchase books and gifts, and begin
and end their visit.
• Creates a public attraction focused on
seabirds in the Gulf of Maine. This includes approximately 2500
square feet of exhibit area for state of the art interpretive and educational
displays useing live video technology to convey the compelling story of
Maine seabirds.
• Creates space for groups of 50 to comfortably
meet or attend a presentation. This space can accommodate a temporary
exhibit in addition to the permanent seabird exhibits. This area
is also designed for viewing movies and videos.
• Includes a model observation and feeding
area demonstrating the best kinds of improvements to make for birds and
other backyard wildlife. The woods, pond and field habitats on the
northern edge of the property provide ideally diverse habitats for this
purpose. No accurate assessment of the potential seasonal
visitation for the facility has been conducted. During summer it
is assumed that the center will draw from 1,000 to 5,000 people with little
marketing. Septic and bathroom facilities are designed for double
this visitation.
• Isolates the Caretaker’s Residence and
storage, garbage, supply and maintenance facilities from the public use
areas. Currently the single driveway that accesses the property
from the Keene Neck Road, contributes to use conflicts, and raises safety
and privacy issues. The proposed facility solves this problem by
separating the service and public entrances.
• Provides parking for 75 cars, with average
parking needs predicted in the 25 vehicle range. The facility is
designed for school children and is ADA compliant with all turnouts, parking,
and clearances designed to accommodate full size (40') buses.
• Provides work space for eight people with
two private offices. One of the work spaces serves as a public reception
desk. The office area provides room for files, copier, mail room,
and reference books.
• Provides eight, two bedroom dorm facilities
with kitchen. Separate men’s and women’s shower and bathrooms for
visitors and interns.
• Reflects the ideals and values of Audubon,
with its ecologically conscious design and energy use. With sensitivity
to regional architecture and thoughtfully designed landscape, the facility
will make visitors feel as if they are in a special place that
does not intrude on the landscape.
• Pays particular attention to how the visitor
is introduced to the spectacular water views and is carefully placed to
maximize features unique to this location.
• Integrates outdoor meeting areas and the
wildlife viewing and birdfeeding areas for compatible use.
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For General Information and Questions:
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Mailing Address: Project Puffin 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, New York 14850 |