(openPR) - SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – August 12th marks a celebratory and defining moment for The Ecology Center, in which founder Evan Marks and colleagues were granted their Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by city officials. Attaining the CUP for the Congdon House wasn’t as easy as The Ecology Center had anticipated, but after covering the steep fees, three-and-a-half months later the formal CUP approval was granted, allowing this local hub of sustainable living education the right to use the historic Congdon House for the specific purposes of raising environmental awareness and educating the community via outdoor demonstrations, quarterly exhibits, eco-living information seminars and an indoor “green design” studio.
“From the planning to the engineering to the water to even the cultural commission departments, the City of San Juan Capistrano has been incredibly supportive and encouraging toward the future hope of The Ecology Center,” explained Marks. “Being a small community with an organic farm and deeply rooted in a rich heritage, San Juan Capistrano truly understands the opportunity to empower its citizens while creating an exemplary model for other local communities to emulate.”
With the city’s final approval, Marks and eco-conscious volunteers are actively preparing for the eco-educational center’s grand opening this fall. The Ecology Center is currently in the process of recruiting volunteers as well as acquiring corporate sponsorships from other like-minded green businesses, individuals and organizations.
“So far, a grant has been submitted to the Metropolitan Water District to fund all our needed educational signs,” said Marks. “Contributions from local businesses, sponsors and members are the next step to funding further development ranging from exhibits, programs and an interactive resource center. Ultimately, this will lead to a direct partnership in sustainable solution education and outreach for San Juan Capistrano’s residents.”
City officials are also taking part in ensuring that The Ecology Center is prepared for its Fall debut. Local design and construction teams are planning ahead for the transformation of the Congdon House by carefully adding a handicap accessible restroom, ADA accessible ramp and parking. As far as the infrastructure is concerned, Marks is presently leading a team to install the Center’s demonstration gardens due at end of this month.
Centrally located in the suburb of San Juan Capistrano, The Ecology Center at South Coast Farms is an upcoming venture conceived by founder Evan Marks as a hub of possibility for both the people and environment of Southern California. With the support of local volunteers, the nonprofit organization is currently underway in developing a unique and poignant eco-conscious learning facility. Located in San Juan Capistrano, The Ecology Center seeks to inspire and involve people in the stewardship of Southern California’s environment, providing education in sustainable agriculture, ecological design and the heritage of San Juan Capistrano.
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