A favorite local destination needs support as it looks forward to re-opening its grounds and museum to the public in 2021.
Established in 1964, Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center in Jurupa Valley offers a museum, and 9 acres of gardens that include over 20 dinosaur sculptures, turtle pond, tortoise paddock and picnic areas.
Normally, the park would be open for visitors, but after a brief reopening in October, has been forced to shut down until the end of the year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Staff continue to care for its collection of animals and the gardens while they await reopening.
JMDC features specialized gardens including cactus and succulents, aloe fields, butterfly, iris, orchards, and there are several more under development. Visitors can add to their own gardens by purchasing plants at JMDC’s Granite Hill Nursery specializing in cactus and succulents. There are also branded souvenirs, minerals and fossils available at the gift shop.
“We have families who have come on to the property for generations,” said Wes Andrée, the organization’s executive director. “We open people’s minds to things they wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to.”
S.T.E.A.M. Station and Critter Corner are both in the gift shop. Critter Corner showcases live reptiles visitors can hold. The S.T.E.A.M. Station is an interactive area for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with projects for all ages.
JMDC’s Museum of Discoveries houses a collection of paleontology specimens ranging from palm-sized to SUV-sized pieces and a unique selection of minerals and rocks on display. In addition, there are modern taxidermy specimens and modern animal skulls and skeletons. Visitors can watch an animated video explaining the unique geology of the Jurupa Mountains.
The north and east parts of the property are paid activity and education venues. These can be accessed during one of JMDC’s Learning Expeditions, which are offered to visitors on weekends. During a normal school year, students travel on bus from all across Southern California. The organization has 12 Learning Expeditions for school groups and was preparing to serve 1,800 students when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented.
“We are here to provide you a fun place to explore and make discoveries,” Andrée said. “We will go on expeditions with you to make discoveries.”
JMDC programming has been on hiatus during the pandemic. The organization receives no funding from Federal, State, County or City governments, instead relying on visitors, customers, members and schools to maintain its grounds and pay for operation expenses. It has also not been able to rely on its volunteer workforce, increasing staff expenses.
The organization was able to secure a PPE and SBA loan, and recently received a Field of Interest Grant through Inland Empire Community Foundation. However, support has not been enough to replace lost income during the pandemic.
Community members have been helping by donating produce to feed JMDC’s reptiles, such as the sulcata tortoises, which can consume 24 heads of romaine lettuce, a half a dozen apples and additional vegetables a day.
Community members can also assist the organization by purchasing memberships while they wait for JMDC’s reopening. Members receive free parking, and depending on membership, discounts on purchases and programming as well as invitations to special events.
Andree hopes that more of the community will become members and visit the organization’s website. JMDC plans to open an online shop offering items from its gift shop soon.
“Memberships help offset the losses and the losses are large,” Andree said. “This is very unique place that has a lot of heart and gives a lot to the community.”
Information: https://jmdc.org/ or 951-685-5818.
Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy.
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December 26, 2020 at 11:00PM
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Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center brings learning to Southern California students - Press-Enterprise
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