Riveredge Nature Center

Riveredge Nature Center serves as an environmental center for education, outdoor exploration, and community connection. The Visitor Center welcomes school groups and the public alike, offering year-round access to miles of hiking trails, educational programming, and immersive learning experiences. The recent expansion and renovations were designed to enhance accessibility, improve educational spaces, and better support visitors both during and outside of normal operating hours—ensuring Riveredge remains inclusive and welcoming for the community.

Scope of Work: The project encompassed a new front entry addition and comprehensive upgrades to existing classroom and office areas. Included the creation of new lower-level classroom spaces, highlighted by a wet lab designed to mirror a traditional school science classroom. Accessibility improvements were a core focus, including upgrades to all main building entrances, installation of a lift providing access to all levels, and the conversion of existing restrooms into an accessible family restroom with an adult changing station and a new employee locker room.

The new addition features a welcoming entry hall with ADA-accessible facilities on either side, automated doors to allow secure off-hours access, and an accessible ramp paired with stairs leading to the main Visitor Center entry. The refreshed Octagon Room includes interpretive displays highlighting local prairie and wetland ecosystems, and a large fish tank showcasing growing sturgeon fingerlings. Additional enhancements include a welcome desk, retail space, educator preparation room, and improved circulation connecting to refreshed main-level classrooms and the new lower-level learning spaces. Exterior improvements included reworked walking paths at the west entry to ensure accessible connections to nearby buildings, gardens, and yard areas.

Sustainable Design: The design incorporates solar panels on the rooftop, durable and locally sourced materials such as campus-provided wood used in the entry wainscot, and long-lasting, flexible learning environments designed for future generations. Expansive views to the east pond and surrounding forest reinforce the connection between indoor learning spaces and the natural landscape, while refreshed interiors, timber structures, and site enhancements support hands-on education and year-round public engagement with nature.