Hagg's Grove at Captain's Cove

What's planned

1. The main building: community and education center

   The former restaurant, with its existing kitchen, restrooms and gathering areas, will become the primary public-facing hub.

   • Hagg's Life Nature & STEM Academy: hands-on Expeditions for ages 6–12 covering science, wildlife, conservation and creative learning.
   • Educational workshops: animal care, aquariums, reptile habitats, gardening, arts, crafts and practical skills.
   • Birthday parties, family celebrations and private events.
   • Cooking and baking classes using the existing commercial-style kitchen; potential catered functions.
   • Retail and gift shop: aquarium and reptile supplies, educational merchandise, gifts, locally produced and handcrafted goods.
   • Crafters Corner for local artisans and makers.
   • Community meeting area in the fireplace/bar space for clubs, networking, organizations and business gatherings.
   • Seasonal celebrations, fundraisers and special events.

   Goal: a flexible, welcoming center that generates year-round activity and revenue while supporting education and community engagement.

2. The outbuilding: aquatics, reptiles and animal welfare

   An approximately 2,400-square-foot heated outbuilding will house complementary operations in environmentally appropriate, separated areas.

   Tropical Fish & Aquaculture. A commercial freshwater aquarium operation will breed, raise and sell tropical fish, with aquarium education and habitat demonstrations. Specialty aquaculture, including axolotls, may be added. The commercial operation will remain financially separate from the Foundation while contributing educational resources and in-kind support.

   Reptile Care & Education. Designated space will support reptile husbandry, responsible breeding where appropriate, care demonstrations and educational encounters focused on biodiversity and responsible ownership.

   Whiskers and Wishes Kitty Adoption Lounge. A temporary dedicated adoption area will allow visitors to meet healthy adoptable cats and kittens, including a communal adult lounge, limited individual enclosures and kitten accommodations. It will be separated from aquatic and reptile operations with appropriate ventilation and sanitation. The long-term goal is a purpose-built Whiskers and Wishes Cat Cottage with an enclosed outdoor catio, freeing outbuilding space for expansion.

3. The parking areas: markets and fundraising

   Three parking areas have a historically reported combined capacity of approximately 200 vehicles, an important asset for larger events. Designated sections can host flea and farmers markets, swap meets, craft fairs, rescue fundraisers, seasonal markets, yard sales, vendor expos and educational demonstrations. Events will retain suitable visitor parking, accessibility and emergency access. Capacity remains subject to verification.

4. The outdoor courtyard: community gathering space

   With landscaping, repairs and seating, the courtyard can become an attractive venue for corporate picnics and employee events, nonprofit fundraisers, vendor fairs, reunions, celebrations, seasonal festivals, outdoor education, children's activities and community socials. Indoor and outdoor spaces can support events together, creating rental and sponsorship opportunities.

5. The 14-acre property: nature and future expansion

   The approximately 14-acre property includes the existing facilities and surrounding land. Its natural character will be preserved while portions are thoughtfully developed for recreation, education and growth.

   • Walking and nature trails, wildlife observation, picnicking and environmental education.
   • Outdoor STEM Expeditions, youth groups, field trips, family gatherings and social events.
   • Educational greenhouses, horticulture, sustainable growing and youth entrepreneurship.
   • Potential future aquaculture buildings, animal care facilities, the cat cottage and catio, storage outbuildings, overflow parking and expanded gathering areas.

   Development will depend on zoning, environmental considerations, infrastructure, funding and community needs.

6. Hagg's Life Foundation: community mission

   Hagg's Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, humane education and environmental awareness. Its Captain's Cove role includes cat and companion-animal adoption, responsible pet ownership education, nature and STEM programming, community wellness and vaccination clinics, youth volunteering, rescue awareness events and partnerships with schools, organizations and businesses. Nonprofit and commercial finances will remain appropriately distinct.