The board of directors of the Ridges Sanctuary has announced that the purchase of the former Sandpiper Restaurant in Baileys Harbor was completed on Monday. Earlier this year, the Ridges selected the Sandpiper property as the site for its interpretive center & set a fundraising goal of $575,000. The parcel, located at the corner of Highway 57 & Ridges Road, is expected to provide a much needed visible public entrance to the sanctuary. The new building is the centerpiece of an expanded vision of the sanctuary which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2012. That vision includes not only the interpretive center, but also addresses the development of programs, media trail systems & other site improvements which will enhance the visitor experience & help to tell the Ridges story. On Friday, November 4th, an open house will be hosted at the Cornerstone Pub & Restaurant in Baileys Harbor from 3PM to 5PM in appreciation for the support received for the project. For more information about the open house, call 839-2802. The organization will continue to seek donations in 2012 with construction of the new building expected to begin in 2013. Conceptual designs for the new interpretive center can be viewed at www.ridgessanctuary.org/planning
