Construction is complete at the Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Education Building.
Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement Wednesday that construction on the site has been completed.
“Climate change is a reality we cannot afford to ignore, and New York is tackling the challenge head-on. As part of those efforts, we are working to rebuild, reimagine and protect the shoreline communities that were devastated by the high waters of 2019,” Governor Hochul said. “With strategic infrastructure investments, and through our partnership with local governments, we are seeing important community projects, like the Sterling Nature Center, come to fruition. This completed project is a testament to the great feats that can be accomplished when state and local government work together.”
Now that the work is complete, it is hoped that the building will improve tourism through expanded programming and events. It is also hoped that the space can be used for educational exhibits and programming related to green infrastructure lakeshore protection, and climate resiliency.
State Senator Rachel May said, “The Sterling Nature Center’s Resiliency Educational Building project is impressive. It provides an excellent opportunity to educate people about environmental protection and shoreline preservation. By creating a hub for learning about these vital topics, we can increase environmental awareness and attract more visitors, boosting the local economy. Congrats to the Sterling Nature Center for this exciting project. I look forward to its contribution to the region.”
A $3.2 million grant through the Resilience and Economic Development Initiative helped complete the project. Back in February, the Cayuga County Legislature approved allocating $200,000 in ARPA funding for plumbing, HVAC, and floor work.
Cayuga County Chairperson Aileen McNabb-Coleman said, “This project is a tangible investment in tourism and the Lake Ontario blue economy. It will deliver a return on investment for Cayuga County and for the region. It is a celebration of place and a commitment to conserving and preserving the Sterling Nature Center, its 1400 acres of public lands, natural shoreline, and bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario.”
Owned and operated by Cayuga County, the center covers over 1,400 acres of land in Sterling along Owasco Lake.
Town of Sterling Supervisor Andrew Joyce said, “It is very exciting to see the completion of the Sterling Nature Center REDI project. What a wonderful opportunity for our community and visitors to the region to be able to learn, explore, and enjoy one of Sterling’s most amazing natural features. This project is a great example of the REDI Program and New York State’s commitment to bolstering our shorelines and economic development. More importantly it shows the pride and dedication of the volunteers who donate so much of their time to preserving the Sterling Nature Center.”
The center features over nine miles of trails; however, flooding and rain have damaged the trails along the Lake Ontario shoreline. The county was awarded $804,500 in grant funding for a second project to address these issues and improve the visitor experience. Work will include green infrastructure for stormwater management, permeable pavement in the parking area, and planting rain gardens as well as repairing or rerouting roughly four miles of trails.
Sterling is the largest nature preserve in the nine counties that make up the Central New York region.
More statements from officials can be found below.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York State continues to advance strategic investments to help communities better prepare for the potential impacts of our changing climate, such as more frequent and severe storms, while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The new Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Education Building will empower visitors and help educate New Yorkers by providing environmental education to help connect people with nature, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and grow public awareness of climate change and its impacts.”
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “The completion of the Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Education Building project in Cayuga County will help mitigate future impacts of extreme weather events, improve shoreline resiliency and enhance tourism and recreational opportunities with trails and spectacular lake views, while promoting environmental education in the region. Kudos to REDI for protecting the great basin of Lake Ontario.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The work that began in 2019 in Cayuga County, a place I visited frequently as a REDI Chair, is coming to fruition in extraordinary ways. The work performed to restore and enhance the Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Educational Building and its surroundings is a shining example of resiliency and collaboration among state and local REDI partners in Cayuga County. From the beginning, this project was about advancing tourism, economic development, education and resiliency and I’m pleased that it has succeeded on all counts.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Through the REDI initiative, New York State continues to successfully assist flood-prone communities on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to rebuild and protect critical infrastructure against future high-water levels caused by climate change. The Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Education Building project not only accomplishes Governor Hochul’s important REDI goals but also has the added benefit of promoting recreation and environmental education in this ecologically diverse region of the state.”
Empire State Development President, CEO, Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Hope Knight said, “Spring has everyone excited about spending time outdoors, so it’s a perfect time to unveil the new Sterling Nature Center. Governor Hochul’s just completed REDI project, located in Cayuga County, will play a vital role in educating the young environmental stewards of tomorrow, while also attracting visitors to appreciate the new observation decks and informative exhibits.”
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York Vice President Charlie Williams said, “DASNY is proud to support Governor Hochul’s vision for safeguarding communities and protecting important educational resources like the Sterling Nature Center and Resiliency Educational Building. This REDI program investment, and the work done here, will help sustain this facility’s unique natural, historic, and cultural mission for New Yorkers long into the future.”
Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay said, “It’s great to see the Sterling Nature Center Resiliency project come full circle. This is a transformative project for the region and a significant investment of state funding. I’m eager to see the benefits this initiative will have on impacted shorelines and economic development for the area. I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work to bring this effort to fruition. This endeavor will contribute greatly to our natural resource protection.”
