Senator Lea Webb Announces $250,000 in State Funding for Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland

Lea Webb

May 31, 2024

Senator Lea Webb Announces $250,000 in State Funding for Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland

CORTLAND, NY – Today, Senator Lea Webb announced the allocation of $250,000 in state funding for the Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland. This significant funding will support crucial building renovations for the center's visitor center, including the installation of a new solar panel roof to enhance energy efficiency. 

The renovations and upgrades facilitated by this funding will enhance the visitor experience, ensuring the Lime Hollow Nature Center remains a vibrant and educational hub for future generations. The Lime Hollow Nature Center has been an integral part of the Cortland community, providing educational programs, conservation efforts, and recreational activities that highlight the importance of preserving natural and cultural resources. The addition of a solar panel roof aligns with the center’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

"I am thrilled to have secured vital funding for the Lime Hollow Nature Center," said Senator Webb. "This cherished cornerstone of our community has been serving local families for over three decades. Their organization is dedicated to conservation education, stewardship of nature, and recreation through the utilization and protection of the natural and cultural attributes of the Lime Hollow area. These funds underscore my commitment to furthering their mission. I am proud to support the necessary renovations and upgrades they are making to their facilities."

Said Ilya Shmulenson, Executive Director of Lime Hollow Nature Center, "Our buildings, including the Visitor Center and the buildings at the Dr. John Gustafson Environmental Education Campus, are the backbone which support our year-round education, recreation, and conservation efforts. We are grateful to Senator Webb for providing this significant investment towards improving the vital infrastructure at the Lime Hollow Nature Center. Not only will it ensure that our buildings remain safe for programming, we are excited to simultaneously be contributing to NY State’s renewable energy goals with the additional solar capacity at our campuses."

“We are honored to receive this funding from Senator Webb,” said Forest Earl, President of Lime Hollow Nature Center’s Board of Directors, “This grant helps ensure that Lime Hollow will continue to be a vital part of the Central New York community and that future generations will have a place to enjoy and experience our natural world.”

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