Phase 1 Complete: Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Unveils New Education Center

In a ribbon cutting event held on Sept. 19, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park showed off its new education center. 

The Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center is the first phase of a project undertaken by the non-profit to reuse buildings from the old Camp Saratoga Boy Scout Camp  in an effort to make the park more accessible and improve the quality of life for residents of Wilton. 

Margo Olson, executive director of Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, said the idea of the project was a long time coming and started out of the desire to honor long time board member and Saratoga County planner, Larry Gordon. It was also possible due to a Grant from the state to make the park more accessible. 

“It’s important for Wilton Wildlife to feel that everyone has a place here,” Olson said. 

The new facility includes a ramp and staircase as well as paved paths to access the preserves. Inside, visitors can find displays about the history of Camp Saratoga as well as the natural landscape. 

The education center resides in the former health building of Camp Saratoga. The Boy Scout Camp operated from 1930-2001. Originally the land had been the site of tenant farm before being revitalized through the planting of trees and construction of buildings to accommodate the scouts. 

One of those scouts was Larry Gordon, who would go on to be a crucial figure in the area’s preservation. Linda Baker, a former chair of the Preservation’s board spoke about Gordon and his love of natural preservation. According to Baker, Gordon found a swarm of blue butterflies in the camp site and worked to preserve and nurture it. 

“Camp Saratoga would not be here today if it weren’t for that decision that Larry made,” Baker said. “We would not have the educational programs with this new facility that we’re creating.” 

As for what’s next, the Preserve plans on revitalizing other buildings like the cafeteria and making them more accessible.