Coolidge State Park Nature Center

Bill and Janey Schreiber came to Coolidge in 2000.

Bill became Park Ranger mid-season of 2000.

Bill and Janey’s son, Pete Corradino was a naturalist for the State of Vermont and presented nature programs for campers at Jamaica State Park. He would also present programs at Coolidge when he had time.


Bill and Janey envisioned CSP having it’s own nature center. Because the State of Vermont couldn’t give the park financial backing for such a project, Bill and Janey began fund raising to fulfill their vision. Unfortunately Janey passed away suddenly on December 27, 2005. Not wanting to let their dream slip away, Bill continues to work diligently towards the completion of the nature center.

The nature center will be named the “Janey Schreiber Memorial Nature Center”.

Over the years fund raising has included such items as:
Specialized CSP t-shirts
Cutting Boards
CSP Photo Frames

During the 2009 season, Bill made a jewelry box and held a silent auction to raise funds for the nature center. The jewelry box was constructed using wood from a fallen cherry tree in CSP. Bids were very close and it was Bill’s decision to build a second jewelry box using the same pattern. The boxes were limited editions and numbered 1 of 2 and 2 of 2, along with the year. Box #1 generated $505.00 and box #2 $520.00. Both boxes had winning bids from campers who have been coming to CSP for many years and appreciated the fact that wood from the park was used in making the boxes.

CSP has been very fortunate to have many individual monetary donations towards the construction of its nature center. They have also had a long time camper of CSP donate his skills to survey the area for the nature center. All of the donations, in any form, are greatly appreciated and without these generous people, CSP wouldn’t be able to build a nature center.

At the end of the 2008 season, Bill was informed by his regional management that enough money had been raised to begin construction on the nature center in 2009. Knowing that more money would have to be raised, Bill was excited to at least begin the construction phase.

Bill drafted plans for the log structure and presented them to the Town of Plymouth at a meeting on 7/7/09. At the next town meeting on 8/4/09, Bill was issued a building permit and could finally begin construction.

All of the logs used for CSP’s nature center are being harvested from the park. They are spruce trees which have been collected through the marking of “hazard trees”.

With the help and support of Ethan Phelps and Reuben Allen, a group was recruited from the NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) to assist in the building phase. On August 17, 2009 the group from the NCCC arrived. This group of young adults will spend four weeks working at CSP. They reside at Camp Plymouth while working on this project and commute Monday – Friday to CSP.

Sheila Fowler has been a tremendous support with this project. Sheila is the maintenance coordinator for the region and has worked closely with Bill, providing the materials he needs for this project.

PROJECTED TIME FRAME FOR NC PROJECT:

*Fund Raising-continuously until project is completed
*Basic structure of building to be built during 2009 season
*2010 Season:
Chink structure
Begin work on inside display cases


What is AmeriCorps NCCC?

AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24 who serve under the direction of a team leader. Members live on one of five regional campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, MS; and Vinton, Iowa.

The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. In partnership with nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and faith-based and other community organizations, members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.

Drawn from the successful models of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and the U.S. military, AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs.