New Jersey Conference Inaugurates First Nature Center

Story by Anthony Baffi

The New Jersey Conference (NJC) recently inaugurated its first ever nature center on the grounds of Tranquility Camp in Andover. After the idea of opening a nature center was proposed, it became a reality in less than two months.

Eliasib Fajardo, youth and camp director, his staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to renovate the old ABC building. The Mount Aetna Nature Center (Md.) provided taxidermy animals, Pastor Robert Holbrook (aka Nature Bob) and his wife, Lonnie, drove from Oklahoma to New Jersey twice to help and bring items to display. Carlos Portanova, Jr., NJC treasurer, also lent several items from his personal collection. It was a team effort from all areas of the country.

"The transformation of the building is beautiful, and the nature center started out with more items on display than expected, ” says Portanova. “Now church members and the community can enjoy seeing God’s creation up close.”