Paradoxically, it has the now familiar plastic owls on the parapet to scare the birds away from beach hammock. For all, it raises the issue of the responsibilities of stewardship of biologically diverse and sensitive land and is indicative of evolving trends in the relationship between individuals and not only the natural but the urban environment as well.

Although the centre is called the Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre, this entire intervention by Ducks Unlimited has absolutely nothing to do with true conservation issues it shows little respect for or even sensitivity toward the natural systems of the marsh or our planet. It is symptomatic of an approach to both the environment and education that has evolved in North America particularly in the past fifty years. The inclination is to teach by exhibit, not by example to often, the familiar quotation "do as I say, not as I do" seems to be the guiding principle.

After surviving the dusty drag strip and upon arrival at the centre visitors then confront what they should recognize as an example of the shopping centre syndrome - a planning model where the building is an isolated object, unrelated to the immediate context in which it is located, and surrounded by a sea of asphalt to provide for parking. Hardly an appropriate model for a conservation centre.

Covering any large piece of land with asphalt has negative environmental consequences but, in this instance, the paving of a sizable piece of land adjacent to the centre is particularly insensitive and destructive previously, the area had provided nesting sites for several species of birds. But, as with the ubiquitous shopping strip projects, convenience and comfort associated with an abundance of parking close to the building prevailed over concern for the environment.

The building can best be described, stylistically, as Maginot Line modern - a solid, three - storey masonry structure with recessed horizontal slits within which the windows are placed. As in traditional fortifications, grass berms have been, where possible, constructed against the building - an attempt, in this case we assume, to deemphasize the considerable bulk of the building.

In addition, the building teaches visitors virtually nothing about the conservation of resources or methods of harnessing the forces of the sun and the wind to create a livable environment without reverting to the use of energy - draining mechanical systems. One would expect that, in a conservation centre, we could experience, first - hand, a building in which the interior climate is passively or naturally controlled.

Waste could be handled in a demonstrably environmentally sensitive manner, and other similar energy efficient strategies adopted and clearly demonstrated. Unfortunately, the Oak Hammock Conservation Centre is yet another sealed building, with non - operable windows, that relies on expensive mechanical systems to maintain the same internal temperature and humidity year - round.