Well-used Sanctuary staircase gets an update

Your next visit to the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s Overlook Building might be a little smoother.

Thanks to work by the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station grounds and facilities crew, the stairs that begin near Wintergreen Lake and climb the hill near the Overlook Building have been replaced and reinforced. This project makes visiting the Overlook Building a safer experience, improves the aesthetics of the area, and increases accessibility through a more stable and even staircase.

Sanctuary stairs

The project to replace the Sanctuary stairs consisted of 80 seven-foot composite deck boards, treated wood for posts, risers, beams and trusses, and 80 feet of steel handrail. The overall length is 40 feet, consisting of five eight-foot sections.

Repaving of important roadway at KBS

It’s been a busy spring for the KBS Infrastructure Planning and Facilities teams. In addition to overseeing the replacement of the Sanctuary steps, they’re in the process of having an access road repaved. The road, off of 40th Street, is heavily used and serves many purposes, including an access route for KBS physical plant and grounds teams, Bird Sanctuary employees, long-term tenants and contractors; as well as housing the main gasoline fill stations for KBS automobiles and tractors.

Check out both projects the next time you’re at the Sanctuary!