Twenty-eight people including Cathy Kipp, president of Poudre School District Board of Directors, attended the dedication of a new shade structure on the grounds of Soaring Eagle Ecology Center in Red Feather Lakes on October 29.
“The structure will provide us with a third outdoor classroom and offer protection from the sun and inclement weather,” Judy Viola, president of SEEC’s board of directors said. “It means we’ll be able to accommodate more students for our environmental programs which we offer free of charge.”
Materials for the structure were provided by a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology facilitated by Dr. Brad Baack, a local dermatologist. Viola knew about the existence of such grants and made the initial approach to Baack. She has a background in nursing and works with a spot skin cancer program to provide sun protection for children. She is also a volunteer instructor for SEEC.
Twenty local volunteers built the structure during a two-month period this fall. Audie Wilson served as lead organizer and Wellington architect Chuck Mayhugh contributed the design.
SEEC served 1,240 people in programs they sponsored or co-sponsored during the past year. In addition to programs at their site, SEEC offers programs in Poudre School District classrooms during the winter months.