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DESERT DISCOVERY CENTER DEVELOPMENT

The Barstow community rallied round the Desert Discovery Center’s open house recently to see how the center’s expansion and renovation will incorporate sustainable technologies and energy efficient design features. Work is set to begin on the first phase of the building renovation in Spring 2011. New features will include an outdoor classroom, as well as public park land enabling visitors to explore the natural, cultural, and historic resources associated with the Mojave Desert.

The project already has been registered for certification with the U.S. Green Building Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).” The certification will provide third- party verification that the project was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. All eyes are on the Desert Discovery Center as this project is set to give the BLM its first “green” certification for a building in California.

To support the LEED goal, BLM Barstow Field Office Manager Roxie Trost signed a “Savings By Design” contract with Southern California Edison (SCE). Through the contract, SCE will work with BLM to ensure the project is not only environmentally conscious, but energy efficient and cost effective.

BLM has awarded Adrian-Gaus Architects, Inc. of Redlands, Calif., the architectural contract for the project. The firm has eight current and completed LEED-certified projects.

The Desert Discovery Center is supported by a partnership of the BLM, National Parks Service, Barstow Community College, Barstow Unified School District, City of Barstow, Mojave River Valley Museum, Discovery Trails, National Parks Conservation Association, Main Street Murals, the Mojave Desert and Mountain Integrated Waste JPA, Off Limits Design and Southern California Edison.

Project Design Team

For all queries contact Desert Discovery Center Tel: 760 252 6060