Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundatio (Buford, GA)

General

• Mission:

Organization Background

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation (GEHC Foundation), the University of Georgia, the Gwinnett County Board of Education, and the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

The GEHC Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) founded in 2006 (Fed Tax ID: 26-1091320). Its purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for the Center’s various educational programs and exhibits. The GEHC Foundation seeks to transform the concepts of science and history into interactive, learn-by-doing experiences that will encourage a visitor’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder about themselves and the world around them.

• History:

The Center opened in 2006 as a multi-use science, history, culture, heritage, and environment facility. It is located on a 700 acre campus with green space and walking trails, as well as a 66,000 square foot educational building. The Center was Gwinnett County’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green building. Its distinctive design includes a one acre vegetated roof with over 40,000 plants.

Under the leadership of Steve Cannon, Executive Director, the Center provides an opportunity for over 52,000 students (public, private, and home school) and community members annually to participate in interpretative, hands-on field studies and educational programming. The Center is also unique in its staffing through partnerships with the aforementioned organizations. These partnerships allow for sustainable funding and program resources.

The Center has been recognized by various groups and organizations for its outstanding achievements in education, environmental design, and programming. The Center earned Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, becoming the first LEED certified building in Gwinnett County. Recently, the Center was named a finalist for the 2010 Atlanta Environmental Awards sponsored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. In 2009, the Center received a Regional Excellence Award presented by the Civic League for Regional Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources awarded the Center the 2008 Watershed Award. That same year, the Georgia Water Council honored the Center with the Fox McCarthy Water Wise Award. In 2007, the National Association of Counties presented the Center with its Sustainable Communities Award. The Georgia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors presented the Center with its Award of Excellence in 2006. The readers of Gwinnett Magazine have voted the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center “Best School Field Trip” for five years in a row (2007 - 2011).

• Year established:2006

Registration

• Organization type:Grantseeker
• Country of registration:United States
• Year established:2006
• Tax Determination Letter:Received Determination Letter
• IRS Section:501(c)(3)
• IRS Subsection:None