Riveredge Nature Center’s Capital Campaign: A Growing Legacy
Help us Build a Sustainable Future
Help us revitalize and expand our 34-year old Visitor Center, a pivotal gateway to the 485-acre Riveredge sanctuary! Attracting over 40,000 visitors annually, Riveredge is a 56-year old destination for learning and discovery. The Visitor Center is integral to our education, conservation, and research initiatives. The building, however, has remained largely unchanged since its construction in 1990. With your support, we’ll address critical needs, ushering a new era of accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
Meeting Rising Demand
In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in engagement, from school trips and community partnerships to summer camp and family program participation. Our Visitor Center’s aging infrastructure isn’t currently equipped to meet this demand. We want to ensure that everyone can easily access the amenities of the building. Renovations will add more classroom space for visiting groups and improve accessibility for public bathrooms, learning areas, and the back deck.
Nurture a newly inspiring future
Together, let’s transform Riveredge’s Visitor Center into a modern, inclusive, and sustainable hub for conservation and education. With your support, we’ll shape a future where connection with nature isn’t just a concept, but a way of life. Your generosity will leave a legacy of sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
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Named Gifts
Learn about Named Gift Opportunities
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Listening Sessions – Learn How You Can Get Involved!
Wednesday, December 4: 6:00 – 7:30pm at Sahale in Grafton
Click here to join the December 19 Virtual Meeting!
Monday, December 9: 6:00 – 7:30pm at Von Trier Tavern in Milwaukee
Thursday, December 19: 12:00 – 1:00pm (Virtual)
CAMPAIGN NEWS: Rise to the challenge!
The Melitta S. and Joan M. Pick Charitable Trust recently contributed a $200,000
gift to the campaign, setting a challenge for new donors to collectively match
or exceed this amount. Dollar by dollar, we hope to achieve this challenge!
Whether the amount you can give is large or small, it all helps us move forward
and ensure that this building gains new life as a destination for the people of
Southeastern Wisconsin to learn, connect, protect, celebrate, and be inspired
by the natural world.
PROJECT PROGRESS updates
Riveredge has completed design development with the expertise of HGA Architects, incorporating valuable feedback from staff, volunteers, board members, partner organizations, and community members.
In early November, we released construction documents to CG Schmidt, a trusted local company and longtime partner of Riveredge. Together, we are managing the bidding process for each project element, identifying opportunities for additional cost savings and in-kind support.
To minimize disruption, we have established a multi-phase construction timeline, allowing us to keep the Visitor Center operational as much as possible throughout the renovation process. Groundbreaking is anticipated in March 2025.
A Goal with a purpose
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we are already making progress toward meeting our fundraising goal. Our donors share the belief that responsible stewardship of our current building through re-imagination and renovation is the most sustainable option to move forward as an organization. This renovation honors the history of the current building, incurring minimal environmental impact during construction. Best of all, it will help us better serve visitors, members, and volunteers from across Southeastern Wisconsin.
Our key priorities in envisioning enhancements for the Visitor Center and trail system infrastructure are as follows: accessibility and inclusivity, community gathering and engagement, educational impact, environmental sustainability, trail improvements, and long-term community impact.
To learn more about each major impact of the campaign, continue below!
Campaign impacts
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY
Addressing critical accessibility issues ensures that all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully participate in Riveredge’s programs and services. New ADA-compliant features such as a wheelchair-friendly entrance, a LULA lift, and accessible restrooms will remove barriers for those with mobility challenges.
COMMUNITY GATHERING AND ENGAGEMENT
Expanding and redesigning the main gathering area will transform the Visitor Center into a vibrant community hub. Features like a dedicated reception area, community seating, and a children’s play area will foster a sense of belonging and encourage social interactions.
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Additional classroom spaces with improved accessibility will elevate the quality of educational programs for all ages regardless of the weather. Redesigned spaces will reflect Riveredge’s commitment to excellence in education, providing a conducive environment for learning and exploration.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Implementing energy efficiency upgrades aligns with Riveredge’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Measures such as improved insulation, new and expanded solar panels, and LED lighting reduces the ecological footprint of the Visitor Center, and sets a model for environmentally-conscious practices.
TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS
Upgraded wayfinding signs including our new trail map and other navigational measures will ensure all visitors feel confident navigating Riveredge’s trail network. The upgrading and addition of connecting trails near the Visitor Center will allow visitors of all abilities to easily access the trail system.
LONG-TERM COMMUNITY IMPACT
The renovated Visitor Center and proposed trail upgrades position Riveredge as a modern and inviting destination, attracting a broader audience and inspiring both current and future generations to connect with nature and take action to protect it.