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November 22, 2004 SAN DIEGO, CA - Quail Botanical Gardens announced today that it is the beneficiary of the second largest single gift in the Garden's history, in the form of 20,000 cubic yards of top quality soil from local contractor Sierra Pacific West, Inc. The soil, delivery and site preparation are valued at "a couple of hundred thousand dollars", according to Sierra Pacific West president, Tom Brown. The Garden's largest gift was $525,000 from the Hamilton White Foundation in 1999.
"We are so grateful to Tom and Sandy Brown for this generous gift," commented Julian Duval, QBG executive director. "It provides a very substantial cornerstone to the garden's unfolding expansion plans in helping us to prepare this property for the future enjoyment of the entire community," Duval added. "And speaking as a horticulturist, the quality of the soil being delivered is some of the best I've seen, guaranteeing what we plant in it will thrive," said Duval.
A woman-owned business in operation since 1984, Sierra Pacific West Inc. (SPWI) is owned and operated by Sandra and Thomas Brown. As one of the largest builders of education facility infrastructures (from the slab down), the 100-plus employee company has completed 127 such facilities since the early ‘90's. Additionally, SPWI has undertaken many local projects such as the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail, Manchester Avenue and Encinitas Boulevard, and the recently completed Quail Gardens Drive extension, among many others.
The Brown's are strong believers in "giving back to the community." Recently appointed as a trustee to the San Diego Foundation for Family Justice, the Browns stepped up to the plate to help develop "Camp Hope," a camp for abused children and their families.
"As long time neighbors and enthusiasts of Quail Botanical Gardens, we are honored to be able to provide this donation to help jump-start the Garden's plans for expansion," commented Brown.
The initial soil placement is on the approximately 4.5 acre "community use site" (at the northeast corner of Quail Botanical Gardens (QBG), on Quail Gardens Drive, straddling Ecke Road. The soil delivery is being done concurrent with grading for erosion control as set forth in the Storm Water Prevention Plan (SWPP), and will lay the foundation for QBG's future expansion. "The Gardens is in the process of finalizing a Master Plan for the expansion, involving a full-size interactive children's garden, a new gift shop and a "Community Festival Grounds," as well as other exciting projects," said Duval.
In addition to donating and delivering the soil, SPWI is performing remediation to adhere to erosion control guidelines. The soil delivery began November 1, 2004 and should be completed within 60-90 days, depending on weather conditions. The land will then be contoured and some of the soil relocated on the site.
About Quail Botanical Gardens
The mission of Quail Botanical Gardens is to actively participate in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered plant species, to serve the botanical and horticultural needs of San Diego County, and to exist as an urban retreat. Quail Botanical Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization supported through earned revenues, gifts from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and grants. For more information, visit https://qbgardens.com, or call 760-435-3036 x216.
Contact: Quail Botanical Gardens (760) 436-3036
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