The funds will support a 7,800-sq ft building that includes a spacious conference room, a classroom, library, kitchen, gallery, and large wrap-around porch. It also will include an elevated deck built out over the surface of Lake Mize. With high ceilings, clean lines, and large timbers, the building is designed to complement its natural surroundings.
Rayonier explains that the learning center is needed to replace the Austin Cary Forest Conference Center that opened in 1986, remembered by thousands of current and former Alachua County residents as a place where UF classes met and special events were held. That building was destroyed by fire in July 2011.
News of the disaster inspired Rayonier executives to reach out to UF's School of Forest Resources and Conservation, said Paul Boynton, president and CEO of the company. "Rayonier has a long connection to the University of Florida, particularly IFAS and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation," Boynton said. "We consider them great partners in the success of our company, and we're proud to provide assistance to this effort."
Boynton noted that many graduates of the UF forest resources school are hired by Rayonier's forest resources operation, one of the company's three primary businesses. The others are real estate and production of high-performance fibers.
Jack Payne, UF SVP for agriculture and natural resources, said the new center will help UF/IFAS programs keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of forest landowners. "Rayonier has come to expect the best from us, in terms of producing students who know the latest production technologies and challenges," Payne said. "Their generous contribution helps ensure that our students continue to receive top-flight instruction and practical know-how through programs at Austin Cary."
Fund-raising efforts have so far produced more than half the $1.5 million goal, said Tim White, director of the UF forest resources school. If fund-raising continues at its current pace, he added, the full amount needed may be raised by the end of the year. Groundbreaking for the project could happen as early as March 2013.
Administrators have set a goal of drawing 25,000 visitors to the learning center annually, for classes, outdoor youth programs, professional meetings, and social events.
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