Work is getting underway on a series of “green” infrastructure improvements at the Waterman Conservation Education Center in Apalachin.<\/p>\n

The project will include the installation of porous pavement, stormwater purification technology and a “babbling brook” waterfall.<\/p>\n

Center executive director Christopher Audette said the work will start with reconstruction of the parking lot, which will require a deep excavation.<\/p>\n

Speaking on WNBF Radio’s Binghamton Now<\/em> program, Audette said the new lot will demonstrate technology which will allow water to pass through it. Water collected will flow through several layers of sediment and rock before it’s released.<\/p>\n

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A rendering of the planned improvement projects is on display at the Waterman Conservation Education Center. (Photo: Bob Joseph\/WNBF News)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
New York state government has awarded a $330,000 grant to cover much of the project cost.<\/p>\n
The Waterman center is continuing to seek $50,000 to $100,000 in donations to fund the planned work.<\/p>\n
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Construction equipment staged at the Waterman center on September 29, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph\/WNBF News)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Audette said he’s hoping an outdoor classroom will be built as part of the project, although that component may not become a reality unless enough money is received from other sources.<\/p>\n
The improvement project is expected to be completed within a year.<\/p>\n
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The conservation education center is based on property which had been part of the Waterman family farm in the town of Owego. (Photo: Bob Joseph\/WNBF News)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: <\/strong>bob@wnbf.com<\/a><\/u> or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.<\/strong><\/p>\n
For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow <\/em><\/strong>@BinghamtonNow<\/em><\/strong><\/u><\/a> <\/em><\/strong>on Twitter.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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