Construction is Almost Complete!
Ground-breaking for the new Forestry and Natural Resources Outreach Center at the Hopkins Demonstration Forests began in January 2022. Now, just over one year later, the 2,400-square-foot multi-purpose building is being prepared for occupancy.
“This has been a pretty amazing project,” said Forests Forever, Inc. Executive Director, Ken Everett. “Our contractors have done a wonderful job and our volunteers have really come through—big time!” According to Everett, the final details for the building include cleaning the building inside and out; moving in and setting up appliances and furniture; installing steps, walkways, and patios; constructing a custom-made conference room table; and landscaping.
One-half of the Center will include a private residence for a new Caretaker who will receive a reduced rent for their work around the Demonstration Forest. The other half of the Center will include two overnight motel-style rooms, a shared office, and a public conference room.
A public dedication and grand opening for the Center is planned for later in the Spring of 2023.
![Outreach Center Pouring concrete for new outreach center](https://demonstrationforest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Outreach-Center.jpg)
Outreach Center is now mostly finished. Still have exterior finish items like steps, walk ways, and patios and to move in all of the interior furnishings.