On June 17, the Pacific Flyway held its groundbreaking where it will bring walking trails, an education center and preserve marshlands. The project sits in 845-acre wetland.
Located in Fairfield in the Suisun Marsh, this project has been in the works for a decade. The project was able to move forward after a provisional permit was granted in February.
According to Veronica Cornett, in July, grading will begin on the project and estimated to be completed by October and in spring they will begin the trails and parking lot.
Groundbreaking — what they said
Congressman Mike Thompson said he was happy to see this project come closer to fruition after known Ken Hofmann and personally knew his dedication to wetlands and waterfowl.
“He wanted to make sure everyone understood how important wetlands are and wanted to make sure that every kid in California understood it and knew the advantages that we all gain from a good healthy environment and good healthy wetlands where ducks and other waterfowl and other birds like to hang out,” stated Thompson.
He called the groundbreaking “very important” and could not wait for the trails in the wetlands to be completed to allow everyone to see the benefit.
State Senator Bill Dodd said this project was presented to him 8-years ago and called it an amazing amount of work put into this project by Claude Grillo to get private and public funding to make this vision a reality.
Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy said many people have worked for years on this project.
“It’s a remarkable day for my hometown to commemorate the groundbreaking of the Flyway Center and this momentous occasion signifies the realization of a vision dear to the heart of the late Ken Hofman,” stated Moy. “It is with great pride and joy that we witness this dream become a reality.”
She said with the Flyway Center, Fairfield will make its way to the global stage and a sanctuary for wildlife. She also thanked everyone for making this project a reality.
Kris Corey, Fairfield Suisun School District Superintendent called this another way to expand opportunities for youth with field trips, education and future careers.
“We see this as expansion and growth for our students,” said Corey. “Our students love experienced learning… its about making those life long lasting impressions on our youth and future families for many years to come.”
Campbell Ingram of the San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, called it a great project to get kids out into the area to experience nature and conversation.
Claude Grillo, vice president and board member, said so many people believe in this and provided an overview on how they looked at multiple locations, land swaps and were able to finally get the property to bring the project to reality.
“I couldn’t have done it without everyone here,” said Grillo. “I believe in what we are doing here.”
