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Many of you are familiar with the Vista Camp and the visions that have been forming for its future over the years. The Refuge is getting ready to apply for a mega grant to fund improvements and enhancements at the Vista Camp and we will need lots of supporting comments to help the application's ranking. This unique property has inspired ideas ranging from a dynamic welcome center or museum to an outdoor retreat called Destination Nature—a place for programs, activities, and events that connect people to the wonders of nature. Even simpler plans, like an interpretive path and a few picnic tables, could still honor the spirit and story of this remarkable site.  The Vista Houseboat by Mark Gluckman The Vista Camp is more than just old buildings on a piece of land. It’s a living testament to life along the lower Suwannee River from the 1940s to the 1970s, preserving stories of how the river shaped lives and communities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Suwannee River’s recreational, educational, economic, and ecological significance. But there’s a challenge: funding. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and our Friends group are unable to provide the necessary resources, so Refuge managers are pursuing a large grant to maintain and protect the property. A key component of the grant application process is demonstrating strong public support—and that’s where you come in. Time is taking its toll on the historic wooden structures, and we must act quickly to save them. You can make a difference by showing your support today. Please take a moment to fill out this support form or write us an email and send it to [email protected]. Your voice can help secure funding to preserve this special place for future generations. Together, we can ensure the Vista Camp becomes cherished part of the Lower Suwannee NWR. Thank you for your support! Find more information about the Vista Camp here.  Inside the Vista Boathouse by Edward Holland
4 Comments
Troy Gills
12/12/2024 03:53:22 am
Id say keep it simple since the funding is already lacking to maintain and repair the things already in place in the refuge. I mean the boardwalks are closed ,piers are closed etc but gonna put a museum in ridiculous . Maybe keep the trails mowed a little,fix the existing areas that are closed and clean up the trash . .
Debbie Meeks
12/23/2024 05:03:22 pm
We weren't very clear in the article. A museum, in our minds, just means preserving the camp houses that are left and arranging the nostalgic gear into displays that will tell the story of the place.
Mark Gluckman
12/12/2024 07:22:49 am
Vista connects the past: (lumbering and sustainability) to understand the present (water quality and quantity) and plan for the future (climate change, water quality and quantity).
Michael Via
12/14/2024 09:43:28 pm
Preserving the history is as important as keeping it open. Next generation needs to know the story and what life was like. Go for the grant! Leave a Reply. |
Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 [email protected] We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
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