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Thank you so much for your support this summer in renovating the River Pavilion. We’ve replaced the badly deteriorated roof with a new metal one, added simple safety rails, and repaired damage to the deck from Tropical Storm Bertha. This project is important as we reactivate our riverfront.
In the few weeks since the pavilion was completed, we’ve put it to work. Our NatureNauts STEM education team has returned to using the real-time water monitoring station to teach school field trips about the constantly changing tidal Fowl River. The Pavilion has also returned to use as a dock. On NatureNauts STEM Day, our partners at Historic Blakely State Park took participants for rides down the Fowl River. In addition, our partners at the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program docked at the Pavilion to pick up volunteers to plant marsh grasses on the Bellingrath Spit to stabilize it for decades to come. Finally, we’ve hosted a delegation of EPA officials on a tour of the restoration work and will welcome more dignitaries in November.
Alongside the recently repaired Boardwalk, the Pavilion offers visitors of all ages a way to connect with the river and better understand the natural beauty that drew Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath here. Next time you’re in the Gardens, make sure to visit the Pavilion. You’ll also notice recent plantings by our horticulture team, including more rare agave as we expand that collection. This progress is possible because of you and your generosity. Thank you.