“All Aboard” For The Boardwalk Mission Accomplished! Thank you, donors!

Boardwalk Project

In 1999 the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center kicked off the "All Aboard for the Boardwalk" fund-raising project to assist in funding the construction of a three phase, 1200' boardwalk system, including paths, walkways, bridges, and observation areas. The project included several phases:
Section 1 = 475' Completed & opened summer 2002
Section 2 = 300' w/ one 34' boardwalk bridge over Thompson Run (completed 2003)
Section 3 = 400' w/ one 34' boardwalk bridge over Slab Cabin Run (completed 2003)
Original TOTAL 1,175' x 6' wide boardwalk
Section 4 = 260’ extension on far side of Slab Cabin Run bridge (completed 2004)
Section 5 = 130’ boardwalk spur to bird-blind structure (completed 2004)
Bird-blind  = construction of bird-blind structure (completed 2004)
Section 6 = 50’ extension of boardwalk entrance, towards barn (completed 2004)
Grand TOTAL 1,615' x 6' wide boardwalk

The marsh trail network, per the recommendations of the MMNC Protection and Management Plan, is a series of paths, boardwalks, viewing areas, and pedestrian bridges. In the process of getting the project underway, it was necessary to apply for a “Wetlands Permit” from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), as well as official permission from College Township.

After submission of the applications, the nature center was advised by PA DEP that a Hydraulic/ Hydrology Analysis Report would be required. This study, an involved process of reviewing and documenting the impact of the proposed boardwalk project on the floodplains of Slab Cabin Run and Thompson Run, was prepared by Powers & Schram Consulting, State College. The report confirmed that the proposed boardwalk would have a negligible impact on the 50-year and 100-year water surface elevations of these streams. The approved PA DEP permit for the boardwalk was received in November 2001. The plan was also reviewed and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the College Township approval process.

The boardwalk project is extremely important to allow visitors a comfortable access to the wetland areas in the 62-acre preserve and to protect the fragile marsh environment.  The new boardwalk allows opportunity for bird-watching, exploring, writing in a nature journal, just getting some fresh air, or participating in one of many nature center programs.

Thanks to overwhelming support from the community, $38,987 has been contributed as of 11 Oct 04 to the boardwalk campaign, including a grant from the Central PA Convention & Visitor's Bureau. In addition, funds provided via the PA Conservation Corps program have totaled $18,719 for the boardwalk.  

Donors to the "All Aboard for the Boardwalk" project have been recognized on specially designed signs that are displayed along the completed boardwalk trail. This was an excellent opportunity for community members to support an important local environmental organization, as well as memorialize a loved one or recognize a special person by donating a board in their name.

Listed below are all donors to the “All Aboard” Fund for the construction of the boardwalk network. The names of those honored or remembered by each donor are not listed here, but will be noted along the boardwalk.