Our New Greeting Center
The renovation of our reception and the construction of the Charco Interpretation Center continues. The pace of construction, despite its forced decline due to the health contingency, has not stopped, thanks to the generosity of the friends and donors of El Charco. This work, which marks a watershed in the history of the Botanical Garden, has already made considerable progress and is gradually approaching its inauguration. The new visitor center will strengthen the commitment with the San Miguel community to conserve and study the regional flora, as well as promote a culture of respect and love for nature. We will continue working to achieve this dream, for which we require the financial support of the community. All help is important to continue!
The new design will be a functional space with solid and simple structures inspired by local historical forms. It is in charge of an architect, Jose Maria Bilbao, and an exhibition designer, Marco Barrera Bassols, both having great talent and experience in the creation of public and natural spaces. Municipal permits are currently in process and we aim to start construction in the coming months. The work will be done in a way that does not obstruct access to the Garden, as well as to be able to continue the services of the gift shop and the cafeteria.
The approximate budget for the entire project will be 5,000,000 pesos (about 280,000 USD). We have already received financial support for the preliminary works. But broad economic participation is necessary to achieve our goal. So we ask you, the community of members, friends, collaborators, and lovers of El Charco, for a generous financial contribution to complete the project. We are pleased to announce that several benefactors have made a commitment to match any contributions we receive towards this project. This will mean that any amount you contribute will double in value in our fundraising for the construction of our new visitor center!
US tax-deductible contributions can be made through the San Miguel Community Foundation (sanmiguelcommunityfoundation.org) by making the notation “for El Charco del Ingenio visitor center.”
I would be glad to personally share more information, including blueprints and renders for this envisioned project. We will also hold several briefings in this regard, and we will be making progress reports regularly through our monthly Newsletter and subsequent communications. Public recognition will be made to donors in different ways, including a panel at the remodeled area.
We are convinced this is a wise investment that will solidify our institution in this region and in the entire nation. El Charco and San Miguel deserve it
