Center has plenty of work to be done

Volunteers can help clean up a lot and revamp a building.

By HELEN ANNE TRAVIS, Times Staff Writer
Published November 16, 2007

SPRING HILL - There is a small neighborhood tucked behind State Road 52 where big dogs patrol fenced-in yards and children in camouflage hats ride four-wheelers around mobile homes.

In April, Pasco County bought about 10 acres here as part of its Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, which seeks to protect natural habitats.

Officials hope to eventually open a science and wildlife center on the lot.

But first, there's a lot of work to be done. A single-story house on the property has to be transformed into the wildlife center. The two bathrooms need to be made wheelchair-accessible. A mobile home must to be removed. The yard is full of tree branches and debris.

Saturday, members of the Pasco County Master Gardeners and several other organizations will spend the morning cleaning the lot and revamping the building.

They could use your help.

"The more the hands the better," said master gardener Stanley Groves, 59.

Community volunteers are needed for dusting, sweeping and light yard work.

Saturday is the first work day. Hopefully the bulk of the labor will be done by Earth Day in April.

"It won't be a very well-developed science center by that time," said B.J. Jarvis, the Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service director. "But you'll be able to start seeing it's potential."

The center will be a place for student field trips, gardening seminars and meditative nature strolls.

The land is part of a long continuous tract that stretches through the state up to Payne's Prairie in Gainesville, and it's a hot spot for wildlife, Jarvis said.

Volunteers have seen Sandhill cranes, owls, swallow-tailed kites, foxes and eagles on their tours of the property.

"The first time I was out there, I saw three huge gopher tortoises," said Jarvis. "It reminds me of 'old Florida.'"

Funding for Pasco's land acquisition program comes from the county's Penny for Pasco proceeds and matching funds, if available, from federal, state, municipal, private nonprofit and Water Management District land acquisition funding sources.

The program lets small pieces of land remain in their natural state.

While Saturday's volunteers are excited about preserving some parts of the county, they're not opposed to development elsewhere.

"I love my Publix and my shopping centers," Jarvis said.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or 352 521-6518.

IF YOU GO

Want to help?

When:8:30 - 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: 17211 Minneola Drive, Spring Hill

What: Come ready to work. The volunteers need help mopping, vacuuming, pressure washing and making minor repairs. They'll provide all the tools and water, but you'll need to bring your own work gloves, sunscreen, and food. Long pants and work boots are highly recommended.

For information: Call the Pasco County Extension Service at (352) 521-4288.

[Last modified November 15, 2007, 22:30:25]