PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT: Felix Neck was awarded $350,000 to transform a planned three-season barn into a four-season barn in order to accommodate year-round education programs and enable them to host a nature-based preschool. Funds from MVYouth will serve as last dollar funding for a $550,000 capital campaign. Felix Neck privately raised $200,000 for the three-season barn. Funds from MVYouth will enable the barn to be insulated, include plumbing and electricity and be compliant with local and state preschool licensing regulations. These additions will primarily benefit the year-round community. Autumn Construction will begin building the three-season barn in March and it will be ready for summer camp usage. Work to insulate, electrify and plumb the structure will continue in the fall of 2017.
Felix Neck has been offering nature education on Martha’s Vineyard for 52 years through summer camps and school collaborations. Felix Neck serves as Mass Audubon’s community nature center and wildlife sanctuary on Martha’s Vineyard. Mass Audubon is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife, through the guiding strategies of conservation, education, and advocacy.
During the school year Felix Neck serves preschool, elementary and high school aged children. They have begun offering collaborative vacation week programming for the February and April school vacation weeks to serve working families. In the summer, they provide nature education programs to roughly 125-150 people per day. In the last ten years, Felix Neck has doubled camp enrollment and increased family and school programs. The Nature Center is currently the only indoor space on the property and is no longer large enough to accommodate their successful programs.
Community demand for preschools on Martha’s Vineyard is high and many preschools have waiting lists. Part of Felix Neck’s Strategic Plan is focused on fostering environmental leadership and stewardship in the next generation. There is a strong desire for a nature-based education from the Island community that Felix Neck aims to serve.