Accessibility at Riveredge
Visitor Center Accessibility
As part of the Growing Legacy Capital Campaign, Riveredge is undergoing major renovations to the Visitor Center. The new entrance with push buttons 0n the doors and accessible restrooms inside is open now! There is a new ramp with a handrail to the left of the stairs. The restrooms inside the front doors are mens’ and womens’ restrooms each with a large accessible stall, handrails, roll under sinks, and push buttons on the doors. A large accessible family restroom with with plenty of turning space, grab rails, roll under sink, and adult size changing table is also available inside the visitor center. There is a lift available to help folks with limited mobility get to the pond (lower) level where they can access the All Terrain Wheelchair. The finishing touches of the Visitor Center renovation are still in progress and should be completed before the end of the year. The Riveredge Barn next to the Visitor Center also has push buttons on the front door and 2 large single restrooms. An accessible trail loop is also a part of the campaign project to make the Riveredge trails friendlier to all visitors. The timeline for that project is TBD. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility at Riveredge, please contact the office at 262-375-2715.
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 Trail Days
Free Trail Days are open community days where we waive the Riveredge trail fees entirely the first Saturday every month. Come hike for free with 10 miles of trails to choose from!
Feel free to stop in at the Visitor Center to learn about Riveredge and the different sights you can see, or head out on your own! Just don’t forget to grab a trail map from the trailhead kiosk or download a digital Riveredge map here. Trails are open dawn to dusk every day.
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.
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 PROGRAMs
Family Nature Club Community-based outdoor family fun
Family Nature Club is a free offering to our community designed for kids and their families. We facilitate outdoor, environmental-education based experiences for families to enjoy together.
Ages: All ages are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult 18+.
Dates: Meetings take place in locations all over southeast Wisconsin during the academic year.
Stroll with a Naturalist Casual walks guided by a Riveredge 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! Binoculars and ID guides are available to borrow.
Ages: Designed for ages 18+
Dates: Meets at Riveredge every other Thursday from April through October from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
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.
Ages: For children and teens of all ages accompanied by an adult
Dates: Meets at Riveredge the first Saturday of the month, March through November, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, drop in any time
Science Thursday Lecture Series Lifelong learning about a variety of science-based topics
Learn from guest speakers about topics related to Wisconsin ecology, conservation, and natural beauty.
Ages: For ages 18+
Dates: Held in the barn and/or virtually via Zoom on the second Thursday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, from November through March
Photo Club All levels of nature photographers welcome
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.
Ages: Designed for adults
Dates: Held year round, typically in-person Spring-Fall and virtually in Winter on the last Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Trails Aglow Lantern-lit night hike, ski, and snowshoe
Enjoy your Friday night by luminary light! Take in the beauty and serenity of a crisp winter evening on a self-guided 1.5 mile illuminated trail – a great adventure for both grownups and children. Traverse our trails on skis, snowshoes (6+ inches of snow), or your own two feet. A warm fire and hot cocoa will be awaiting you when you return.
Snowshoe rentals are available ($10/hour for non-members and FREE for Members). Events may be altered/canceled due to weather conditions.
Ages: All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult
Dates: Occur every Friday at 4:30-8:00 pm from early January to mid February
Spring Bird Walks Early morning guided bird observation 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.
Ages: For adults
Dates: Every Friday from late April through May, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Healthy Cooking Classes Cooking classes for kids, familes, and adults
Learn to prepare a nourishing, healthy recipe! This interactive class led by Riveredge Instructor guides you through a step-by-step recipe featuring wholesome ingredients, and our instructors will share tips on incorporating healthy, balanced meals into your routine. Perfect for all skill levels, this class combines vibrant flavors with nutritious, satisfying food that’s easy to recreate at home.
Ages: For adults and kids ages 7+. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: These classes meet a few times each month typically in the winter months.
Cooking With Kids classes are Free Healthy Cooking Classes for kids ages 2-10 years old with a parent or other adult. Learn to prepare a nourishing, healthy recipe with your family! This interactive class led by a Riveredge Instructor guides you and your kids through a step-by-step recipe featuring wholesome ingredients, and our instructors will share tips on incorporating healthy, balanced meals that will appeal to all ages into your routine. Perfect for all skill levels, this class combines easy to prepare recipes with nutritious, satisfying food that’s easy to recreate at home.
Memory Café For people with dementia and their caregivers
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.