News.bytes Extra, issue 459

Green Future for Desert Discovery Center

The Barstow community rallied round the Desert Discovery Center’s open house recently to see how the center’s expansion and renovation will incorporate sustainable technologies and energy efficient design features.   New features will include an outdoor classroom, as well as public park land enabling visitors to explore the natural, cultural, and historic resources associated with the Mojave Desert. (text continues below)

Leialli Kamel gives a presentation describing her experience with the Desert Discovery Center  Youth Program led by DDC Partner, Main St Murals.

The project is set to give the BLM its first “green” certification for a building in California through the U.S. Green Building Council.  As part of the open house, BLM Barstow Field Office Manager Roxie Trost signed a “Savings By Design” contract with Southern California Edison.  Through the contract, Edison will work with BLM to ensure the project is not only environmentally conscious, but energy efficient and cost effective.

The Desert Discovery Center is supported by a partnership of the BLM, National Park Service, National Parks Conservation Association, Barstow Community College, Barstow Unified School District, City of Barstow, Mojave River Valley Museum, Discovery Trails, Main Street Murals, Mojave Desert and Mountain Integrated Waste joint Powers Authority, and Off Limits Design.

From left: Jane Laraman-Brockhurst, Main Street Murals; Brad Mastin, BLM; Nancy Jackson, Southern California Edison; Roxie Trost, BLM; Cameron McPherson, SCE; Terrance Mack, SCE.

- Jane Brockhurst, Main Street Murals, November 2010

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 459