Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve near Buchanan has broken ground on a new education center. Dignitaries gathered Thursday to celebrate the beginning of a $2 million, 5,500 square foot facility set to be the location of classes, workshops, interactive exhibits, research materials, and a gathering space. The project is three years in the making, and it’s been made possible thanks to the Seed the Future capital campaign, which has so far raised $3 million. The rest of the money will be used for improvements to the garden and the welcome center, and also to boost Fernwood’s endowment. The new education center’s two wings — Flora and Fauna — will bring Fernwood’s classroom capacity from 72 to 400. Fernwood will remain open during construction, and the project is expected to be finished next fall.
