Executive Summary
History
Gore Range Natural Science School was founded in 1998 to “awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental
stewardship through natural science education.” Today, we have become an educational resource for the entire community,
offering year-round, educational programming that is aligned with state and national curriculum standards to over 3,000
students annually in 23 public and private schools located throughout the Eagle Valley. In addition, we serve over 23,000
residents and visitors to our valley through engaging adult and family natural science programs offered in partnership with
the Forest Service, Vail Resorts, Vail Recreation District, and others.
The Need
As we move into an increasingly complex world where an understanding of scientific concepts is a necessity, U.S.
students’ performance on standardized tests of math and science is slipping. Once a leader in the world, our students now
rank eighteenth out of 38 developed nations tested. Colorado ranks 21st out of 44 states tested in the U.S., with only 34%
of students passing (score of proficient or advanced) in 2005. We believe that nonprofit educational organizations such as
ours can partner with school systems to assist in meeting tougher academic standards and in making our students, once
again, the best in the world.
This center will also reconnect students of all ages to our natural world, promoting improved physical and emotional health,
increasing interest in the sciences, and inspiring stewardship of this precious resource.
Vision
Once based in the historic town of Red Cliff, our school has moved into the Valley so we may expand our community
presnce and increase our accessibility to the residents of the Eagle Valley. The goal of the Campaign for the Buck Creek
Campus is to build a dedicated home, a natural science education campus that will allow us to serve every student in
Eagle County throughout his or her academic career. This centrally-located facility will make possible the following goals:
- Expose the over 6,000 students in Eagle County to innovative and engaging field based natural science programming that is aligned with state and national curriculum standards
- Increase our students’ aptitude and ability in the sciences and in academics in general, increasing their chances at success in college and career.
- Offer training that is aligned with teacher continuing education requirements in the sciences allowing our school
to maximize impact by positively affecting the educational experience of thousands of school children.
- Attract the best and brightest educators to our graduate studies programs, positively impacting our community,
our teachers, and our young people.
- Inspire thousands of residents and visitors, through innovative natural science education programs, to become
better stewards of our natural world.
Goal & Scope of Project
The Campaign for the Buck Creek Campus has been carefully planned in response to a generous gift of land from Mr. Oscar
Tang. This 5-acre parcel is centrally located in Avon, and will increase our accessibility to the children and adults in our
community. It also boasts a pond, natural spring, wetlands, aspen stands, pine forests, and other natural attributes that make
it the perfect setting for field based scientific exploration. The goal of The Campaign for the Buck Creek Campus is to secure
funds to complete the construction of a state of the art, interactive exhibit hall, two dedicated classrooms, laboratory space,
an educator residence and a community hall.
Center Components
Mountain Discovery Center
Exhibit hall, educator workshop, natural science library, administrative offices |
6,093 s.f. |
Field Studies Base Camp
Staging area for overnight programs, community hall for lectures |
1,744 s.f. |
Meadow Learning Studio
Classroom and laboratory space to complement our field programs |
1,154 s.f. |
Educator Residence
Residential hall for our educators and graduate fellows |
2,412 s.f. |
| Outdoor features will include year round interpretive trails, an aquatic education area, an outdoor amphitheatre, a creek side classroom. |
|
Timeline
Our intermediate goal is to raise the $8 milllion needed to break ground on the Mountain Discovery Cednter and the Field
Studies Base Camp by May of 2010. We will contine to raise the funds required for full campus build-out during the summer
of 2010. We plan to commence programs at the site in fall of 2011.
Campaign Goal
We currently estimate that the full campus build-out will cost $10 million. To date we have raised $7 million in pledges, of
which $5.2 million has been paid.
Tax Considerations
Contributions to the campaign are fully tax deductible for federal and state tax purposes. In addition, a 50% tax credit
is available to Colorado taxpayers that reduces the after-tax cost of your gift dramatically. Please call our office for
additional details.
Donor Recognition
Naming opportunities are available for donors who pledge $25,000 or more to the campaign, over the course of five years. A detailed list is available and our staff will be glad to discuss these options further. Donors who contribute at least $5,000 will be recognized on a
permanently placed plaque. A flexible 5 year pledge payment period is available to all donors. If you would like to schedule
a tour, find out more about this project, or make a pledge to the campaign, please contact Doug Dusenberry at (970) 827-
9725 ext. 21 or dougd@gorerange.org.
