Sandhill center to hold open house Saturday

Clemson University’s Sandhill Research and Education Center will hold an open house Saturday.

The center is promoting its activities for children, nature walks, summer programs and special events.

Plans for new construction and renovation of the center, including a $10 million, 300-seat conference center, also will be presented.

Gov. Mark Sanford’s budget proposes cutting Clemson’s outreach efforts to reduce duplication and focus programs more clearly on the state’s agricultural mission. The budget also would close the Richland County extension office, which is located on the 500-acre site.

Many Northeast Richland residents say they are worried that the university might be forced to sell the property to raise money.

Clemson sold 300 acres across Clemson Road to developer Alan Kahn for $13.5 million in 2000.

The open house is 1 to 5 p.m. at the Sandhill Research and Education Center, 900 Clemson Road.