The future of the Wetlands Center actually began as a piece of history -- an abandoned bowling alley on the banks of Goose Creek, near Lee High School. In its hey-day, the bowling alley was a popular hang-out, as many locals can tell you. But when the idea to create the Wetlands Center was born, the bowling alley had long been vacant.

The structure was torn down to the steel beams and then reconstructed. The part of the building that formerly housed the bowling lanes became a large exhibit area. Office areas were also added.

The center, which opened in 1998, was named the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center after local business man Eddie Gray, who helped champion the center and the idea of using the old bowling alley as its location.

Since the Wetlands Center opened, several grants have made further improvements to the site possible. The parking lot was resurfaced, and a public boat ramp was constructed next to the building. The creek was dredged to permit boats easier access to the bay, and a wetland area was created nearby with the fill material.

At the entrance to the Wetlands Center, a butterfly garden that utilizes native plants was also created. And inside, improvements continue to be made. In the last two years alone, several new exhibits have been completed, including Gator World and the Butterfly House. Several other exhibits have been revamped. In fact, there’s almost always something new going on at the Wetlands Center, so come check it out!