The Grand Traverse Conservation District broke ground last month on the Boardman River Nature Center.

The Sept. 20 event was attended by approximately 100 supporters, three of whom were drawn randomly to break ground by digging a young spruce true to be replanted next year once construction is complete.

The district also began the final phase of a $1.5 million capital campaign for the center, which is located on Cass Road at the Sabin Pond Trail Head on the Boardman River. The 7,000-square-foot building is being constructed to meet the growing demand for natural resources education.