Accessibility at Riveredge

AAW Outdoor Wheelchair: “Outdoors access 4 All!”

2 people stand next to a person sitting in the all terrain track wheelchair along a Riveredge trail in the woods

Riveredge is a host site for an outdoor wheelchair provided in partnership with Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW). Reserve this capable and comfortable outdoor wheelchair for use at Riveredge Nature Center, or reserve for offsite use to tow to another site. A returnable deposit and (free) DNR Customer Number are required during the application process.

Click below for the link to Access Ability Wisconsin’s website, where you can learn about the process of reserving the chair for yourself or a loved one, and hit the trails!

Reserve the Chair!

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for memberships and camp

close up of small yellow flowers in bloom

We know that hard times can make it difficult to afford amenities beyond the basics. We believe everyone should have access to nature, so we offer confidential financial assistance for Riveredge Memberships. We also offer assistance for Summer Camp and Winter Camp enrollment through our Campership Program.

Click below to begin the application process.

Learn about Membership Assistance

Email Steff to request Campership Information

service animal POLICY

a vested service dog on leash in an autumn forest

ADA-qualifying service animals are always welcome to assist their human partners at Riveredge. This does not include emotional support animals. Service animals must be on a leash and under the control of their owner/handler at all times, except in the case that being off-leash is necessary to perform tasks.

Since the Riveredge sanctuary is home to sensitive wildlife and native plants, we do not allow pets on the grounds. (Even though they aren’t permitted at Riveredge, we do love them very much, and understand why you would want to bring them with you!) For their safety and comfort, please leave pets at home rather than in the car while hiking.

Memory Café

a group of older adults stand outside looking away from the camera at a presentation

Through a partnership with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee, Riveredge is proud to host Memory Café. This is a free program for persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment, early-stage Alzheimer’s, or a related dementia, and their care partners. Participants socialize and have fun with other people going through similar journeys while enjoying nature-based activities, informal conversation, and light refreshments.

Memory Café meets at the Riveredge Visitor Center on the first Thursday of each month, year round, from 1:00pm – 2:30pm. To register yourself or your loved one, please contact the ADRC at 262-284-8120.

ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS for YOUTH AND ADULTS WITH IDD

2 disabled people smile while watching a Riveredge staff member tap a maple tree — Photo credit: Balance, Inc.

We are proud to partner with Balance, Inc. and Blossom IDD on joyful outdoor programs to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our educators are experienced in offering adaptive formats for a variety of Riveredge educational programs. To inquire about a specific program, please call the Visitor Center at 262-375-2715.

FREE CHECKOUTS FOR Sensory bags and adventure backpacks

close up of red backpacks with tags that read "Sensory Packs"

Families can check out a variety of adventure packs at the Visitor Center desk for free. The sensory pack includes hand lenses, bug boxes, ID guides, clipboards, books, and scavenger hunt activities, as well as ear protection for those with auditory sensitivity.

REGULARLY MEETING FREE PROGRAMMING

3 kids huddled together looking at a map in the forest

Family Nature Club

-for families with school-age children

-meets at a variety of parks one each month from September through May (View calendar here)

-times vary, usually late afternoons and evenings on weekdays

-explore nature in nearby parks with games, snacks, and learning that focuses on a seasonal theme

a group of adults strolling through a prairie on a sunny day

STROLL WITH A NATURALIST

-for adults

-meets at Riveredge every other Thursday from April through October from 10:00 am – 11:30 am

-enjoy a guided hike with an expert naturalist to closely explore the Riveredge trails, looking for wildlife and plant life that syncs up with the season

-binoculars and ID guides available to borrow

people sitting in the Riveredge barn listening to a presentation

Science Thursday Lecture Series

-for adults

-includes virtual option by joining via Zoom

-meets at Riveredge on the second Thursday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, from November through March, held in the barn

-learn from guest speakers about topics related to Wisconsin ecology, conservation, and natural beauty

the milwaukee river with trees along the banks on a sunny summer day

Community Rivers Program (CRP) EVENTS

-for residents of all ages in CRP communities: Kewaskum, Fredonia, Grafton Newburg, and Saukville

-meets at parks, libraries, and other venues within CRP communities at various times and dates throughout the year to connect around the care and enjoyment of our local waterways and all the creatures who call them home

-to see events for CRP communities, please click here!

UPCOMING ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS!

We’ve got big accessibility improvements in the works as part of our Growing Legacy Capital Campaign! New ADA-compliant features such as a wheelchair-friendly entrance, a LULA lift, and accessible restrooms will remove barriers for those with mobility needs. An accessible trail loop is also a part of the campaign project, to make a trail loop friendlier to those who require mobility accommodations.

Donate or Learn More about the Campaign

In the meantime, please feel free to stop in at the Visitor Center before your hike or program, and one of our friendly staff or volunteers will be happy to direct you to the most suitable route for any mobility NEEDS or strollers.