Work will begin this year on a $1 million nature center to accompany the Todd Nature Reserve.The new park, sponsored by Buffalo Township and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, will be a mile from the Todd Nature Reserve along Little Buffalo Creek and near the Buffalo-Freeport Trail.

The trail brings an estimated 130,000 people per year to the region, The new center will be surrounded by 6.83 acres of forest. Although it won’t be in the nature reserve, it will be considered part of the reserve, said Jim Bonner, the society’s executive director,

In addition to the center, the park will have a nature-themed store, concessions and bike rentals. Bonner said he hopes to add picnic facilities and a nature play area.

The society also plans to clear brush along the creek and make access easier for youths and people with special needs to fish in the creek. Bonner said the project’s timeline starts this summer with improving the driving paths and dealing with pooling water in selected spots. He said they also may be able to install some bathrooms and pavilions this spring and summer.

A complete report appears in Friday’s Butler Eagle.