The Scherrer family acquired the original 140-acre homestead where the Nature Area is located in 1895. They came from Bavaria and resided in Georgetown as miners. Annie Scherrer deeded five acres of her land to the Georgetown Public School and 4.54 acres to the CA Water and Mining Co. for the canal, which runs through the property. Frank and Joseph Scherrer were involved in quartz mining in search of gold bearing veins from 1880-1890's. (Researched by Jean Starns.)
Between 1929 and 1945 this property owned by Clarence Collins was cleared and planted as a pear orchard. In 1947, it was bought by the Iseli family who tried unsuccessfully to restore the fruit trees so instead, they raised sheep to keep the brush down. In 1965, 73 acres were purchased by the Georgetown Divide Union School District, and Superintendent Paul Mello dedicated part of the land to be used for the study of natural science and ecology. Science teacher Ray McClellan developed a plan to build a nature conservatory on 35-acres of the property.
During the next ten years the ponds, trails, classrooms, amphitheater, and picnic areas were developed with assistance from the Department of Fish and Game, and Growlersburg. In 1975 a grant from the Georgetown Resource Conservation District was obtained to improve the facilities. Over the years, many educators and community members have been instrumental in the maintenance and supervision of the Nature Area. Jack Cann, Mike Haines, Howard Heimke, Bruce Leiper, John Daniels, and neighbor Gene Shaeffer have spent endless hours creating this unique learning facility for the youth and community members of the Divide to enjoy. Thanks to you all.
In 2002, an advisory group was organized with the Black Oak Mine Unified School District Superintendent Terry Gary, teachers, and community members to help oversee the Nature Area. This group called Friends of the Nature Area (FONA) had goals of developing a maintenance and management plan. With the help of Ray Griffiths and Bruce Wadsworth, this was accomplished within the first year.
Another goal was to develop an interpretive trail and improve existing trails focusing on native plants. Recently this has been accomplished and a section of the area was landscaped for fire protection. Much of the signage was paid for by a grant through Project Learning Tree. Volunteers have installed new entrance signs, tree labels, and trail markers on workdays.
In the summer of 2005 a long time resident of Georgetown, Ury Afanaseif passed away, leaving his estate to the Nature Area. This bequest will be used to help maintain the Nature Area and support programs there for BOMUSD students and community members for many years to come. FONA created an advisory board to manage the yearly budget and make recommendations to the superintendent, on the expenditures for the Nature Area fund. The School District is also collaborating with the Georgetown Divide Recreation District (GDRD) to offer classes and recreation opportunities for the community beginning spring 2007.
