Copper Center at Cattus Island

For decades the Cooper Environmental Center has been a destination for visitors seeking to learn about and reconnect with nature. It is the centerpiece of the parks annual Nature Festival, which on average hosts more than a thousand visitors. In 2012 the building was awarded by the Asbury Park Press Readers Choice Contest as the winner of Best Museum in Ocean County. Free educational programs offered to the students of the county reach out to thousands of children every year.  Now the 33-year-old nature center is gutted, locked up, and actively ignored by the powers-that-be. Despite the immediate emergency efforts of the Parks staff and dozens of concerned volunteers all of whom suffered damage or power loss to their own homes by February 2013 the Ocean County Parks Department ceased all efforts to support the restoration of this local landmark.  The staff are "house" in a trailer without proper water and power.  At this point it is more than a shame that nothing has been done.  Hundreds of children, and families have relied on the Center and the wonderful generous staff that make Cattus Island a wonderful resource in our county.  PLEASE PLEASE respect and rebuild.  We have waited too long