Accessibility at Riveredge
Free Outdoor Wheelchair: Riveredge Trackchair®
Riveredge has an outdoor all terrain wheelchair available for any guest to use on the trails. Reserve this capable and comfortable outdoor wheelchair in a quick and easy process, free of charge. All you need to do is complete a brief application and fill out a five-minute survey at the end. Funding for the chair was generously provided by Mel’s Charities, The Wispact Foundation, and the Ozaukee/Washington County Wisconsin Chapter of Pheasants Forever. Click the button below to learn about the process of reserving the chair for yourself or a loved one and hit the trails!
Financial Assistance for Memberships and Camp
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.
Service Animal Policy
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, stay on the trails, and be 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.
Free Use of Sensory Bags and Adventure Backpacks
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.
Stop by the Visitor Center before your hike to check out a sensory or adventure backpack.
Memory Café
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
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.
Photo credit: Balance, Inc.
REGULARLY MEETING FREE PROGRAMMING
Cooped Up Naturalist: Drop-In Naturalist Sessions
SOS! A Riveredge Naturalist has been cooped up in the Coop near Farm Pond and is looking for some curious folks to listen to all they’ve learned about the landscape around them. Explore seasonal nature objects (pelts, bones, stones, dried plants, seeds, or branches), check out an ID book for your hike, and bring your questions.
– for children and tees of all ages accompanied by an adult
– meets at Riveredge the first Saturday of every month, March through November, 9:00 am – 11:00 am drop in any time
Stroll with a Naturalist
Take a casual walk with a naturalist on the trails of Riveredge. Each stroll focuses on a specific aspect of nature, but other things of interest will be explored as well. These educational programs expand visitors’ understanding of the flora and fauna at the nature center. Ask all your questions, learn about the history of the land, and enhance your naturalist skills under the guidance of one of our experts!
– for adults
– meets at Riveredge every other Thursday from April through October from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
– binoculars and ID guides available to borrow
Ozaukee Washington Bird Coalition
OWBC is dedicated to sharing both enlightenment and enjoyment of bird life in our area and beyond by offering free in-person and virtual events to the public. The OWBC brings together the Noel J. Cutright Bird Club and four important organizations: Riveredge Nature Center, Friends of the Cedarburg Bog, Lac Lawrann Conservancy, and Mequon Nature Preserve.
– for adults
– programs are held at all 4 organizations, virtually, and at other locations around the state
– most OWBC programs are free, but some field trips may have a fee
Spring Bird Walks
Start your day with an early morning bird walk with Conservation Manager, Nathaniel Reinartz, to observe the amazing diversity of migrating birds that stop off to refuel at Riveredge’s hotspots before continuing on their journey north. Spring Bird Walks meet rain or shine.
– for adults
– meets at Riveredge every Friday from late April through May, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
– bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from Riveredgethe
Photo Club
The Photo Club meetings are friendly and informal, with a brief discussion of upcoming activities, a short program and conclude with the opportunity to share and discuss photos. You’re welcome as a photographer, regardless of your skill level.
– held year round, typically in-person Spring-Fall and virtually in Winter
– last Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Science Thursday Lecture Series
Learn from guest speakers about topics related to Wisconsin ecology, conservation, and natural beauty.
– for adults
– most include in-person and virtual options
– meets at Riveredge on the second Thursday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, from November through March, held in the barn
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 an accessible family restroom will remove barriers for those with mobility needs. An accessible trail loop is also a part of the campaign project to make the Riveredge trails friendlier to those who require mobility accommodations. Construction is set to begin in March 2025. The visitor Center will remain accessible throughout renovations.
In the meantime, please feel free to stop in at the Visitor Center before your hike or program. One of our friendly staff or volunteers will be happy to direct you to the most suitable route for mobility needs or strollers.