Grand Opening Celebration for the Barnyard Experience
A grand opening celebration will be held Thursday, June 28 for the Barnyard Experience, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary’s new 3,400-square-foot hands-on learning center.
The Zoo Sanctuary’s new Barnyard Experience project will provide a safe and comfortable “forever home” for rescued farm animals including Gus the draft horse, miniature donkeys Hallie and Rosie, Ernie the Zebu, and other new animal friends. Unique exhibits include a mechanical milking cow, a hexagonal glass-walled beehive, mining sluice, and a variety of farm equipment and historical artifacts.
The free community celebration will allow the public to explore the new hands-on learning center.
What: Barnyard Experience Grand Opening
When: Thursday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford Street, Folsom
How: Just show up
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, take part in hands-on activities, meet the barn animals and enjoy light refreshments.
The Barnyard Experience will expand the Zoo Sanctuary’s ability to promote its mission of responsible behavior toward all animals. Visitors will be able to closely interact with a variety of animals and participate in recreational and educational activities that align with the Zoo Sanctuary’s values.
Though the structure will be a new addition to the Zoo Sanctuary’s grounds, it will also link to Folsom’s rich history. Materials salvaged from a barn that once served the working Russell Ranch – which eventually became Folsom’s Empire Ranch neighborhood – have been incorporated into the barn’s interior.
The Zoo Sanctuary’s Barnyard Experience construction is funded by a Housing Related Parks Program grant, The Elliott Family Foundation, a significant donation from the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, Go Fund Me donors and the Zoo Trust. The C. J. Harrison Mining Co. Mining Sluice was provided through donations in memory of Chuck Harrison, a longtime employee of the City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department and a dear friend to the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary.
The Barnyard Experience is made possible by a unique partnership between the City of Folsom; Elliott Homes, Inc.; the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary; and volunteer beekeeper Jonathan Brickner.
For more information about the Barnyard Experience grand opening event call 916-351-3527.
