Tanglewood Nature Center in Elmira kicks off public fundraiser for new treetop walkway
Tanglewood officials hope to raise another $1 million through the public phase of its fund drive for a project that's expected to be a major tourist draw for the Southern Tier at the facility located at 443 Coleman Ave. in Elmira.
The Tanglewood Treetop Walkway will give a panoramic look at the northern mixed hardwood forests, nature center officials said.
This region is part of the Allegheny Plateau and Appalachian foothills. Visible from the walkway will also be the rolling hills, large valleys, and surrounding topography resulting from the glacial movement nearly 20,000 years ago. Visitors can observe the forest from a bird's-eye view and gain a new perspective of the ecosystem, according to a Tanglewood news release.
"Tanglewood Nature Center is a pillar in our community for education, conservation, recreation, and local tourism," Congressman Nick Langworthy said last year when he announced the Appalachian Regional Commission grant for the treetop walkway.
The project aims to attract 24,300 new day visitors and 16,200 overnight visitors annually, generating an estimated $171,000 in new tax revenue within three years of its completion, Langworthy's office said.
Total project funding is about $3.5 million, and also includes $600,000 in state grants and $1.93 million in local funding.
Tanglewood officials hope to attract birders, artists, photographers, educators, students, and families, both from the local region and beyond. The goal is to boost tourism, spark creativity, support education, and generate revenue that will support the entire community.
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The walkway will also be handicap-accessible.
To learn more about Tanglewood Nature Center's Treetop Walkway, and to donate to the project fundraiser, go to tanglewoodnaturecenter.org/treetop.
The Tanglewood Nature Center now maintains over 10 miles of trails, offering educational programming for children and adults. It has exhibits for more than 40 native and exotic animal species.
The Tanglewood Nature Center currently welcomes over 35,000 visitors a year.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Tanglewood Nature Center hopes to raise $1 million for treetop walkway
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