Riveredge Nature Center’s Capital Campaign: A Growing Legacy
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With your help, we’ve completed Phase one!
Phase One of the campaign revitalized and expanded our 34-year old Visitor Center, a pivotal gateway to the 485-acre Riveredge sanctuary! With these first major changes to the building since its construction in 1990, the Visitor Center is now ready to welcome all people with ADA-compliant entrances, accessible bathrooms, expanded learning space with a wet lab and new Pond Level classroom, and other exciting features to accommodate and welcome our intergenerational community. We’ve begun a new era of accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement thanks to the generous support of our Growing Legacy Campaign donors.
PHASE TWO WILL CONNECT COMMUNITY DIRECTLY TO THE OUTDOORS
The next steps include finishing touches to the Visitor Center, upgrading and expanding our solar array, and creating an Accessible Trail Loop, directly accessible from the Visitor Center’s Pond Level. Guests who use the new LULA lift can enter right onto the trail using the all-terrain wheelchair, their own mobility aid, or simply walk out. With close proximity to the Visitor Center, the loop will tour a half-mile of varied and beautiful ecosystems, traversing through wetland, prairie, and forest, including a portion of the State Natural Area surrounding Riveredge Creek. Our vision for Phase Two is making time in nature more accessible for all people.
Your help and generosity ARE needed
The work is not yet done! We still need to raise $500,000 of our $3 million dollar total goal to complete this transformative work. All donations, in all amounts, are truly needed. With your support, we’ll shape a future where connection with nature isn’t just a concept, but a way of life. Naming opportunities still remain for several key features of the renovation. Your generosity will leave a legacy of sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR…
✔ Riveredge 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 2024, we released construction documents to CG Schmidt, a trusted local company and longtime partner of Riveredge. CG Schmidt were invaluable partners throughout the construction on the Visitor Center addition, octagon, west wing, and Pond Level Classrooms.
✔ The public and press attended our Groundbreaking Celebration on May 14, 2025! Construction work began throughout the building on the Pond Level classroom, Wet Lab, atrium, west wing, and new entrance addition.
✔ New native landscaping was installed by Johnson’s Nursery in October of 2025. This 4,000 square foot area showcases native woodland and dry prairie plants, expands habitat for at-risk pollinator species, and offers new accessible learning opportunities
✔ The community celebrated with us at our Grand Re-Opening on November 5, 2025! This marked the end of Phase One, and the beginning of Phase Two.
HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have raised $2.5 million of our fundraising goal, with $500,000 to go! An important component of the Growing Legacy campaign is the installation of an accessible trail loop, so that visitors who utilize new features like our ADA compliant entrance and bathrooms or LULA lift can continue their Riveredge experience into the restorative beauty of our natural sanctuary. Fulfilling our commitment to sustainability with updates to our solar array and other building finishing touches are also still greatly needed.
We need the support of people like you to bring this vision fully to life. Together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, environmentally responsible space that strengthens our dedication to a sustainable future. No gift is too small! If you can give more,
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 remove barriers for those with mobility challenges.
COMMUNITY GATHERING AND ENGAGEMENT
Expanding and redesigning the main gathering area has transformed the Visitor Center into a vibrant community hub. Features like a dedicated reception area, community seating, and a children’s play area and library foster a sense of belonging and encourage social interactions.
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Additional classroom spaces with improved accessibility elevate the quality of educational programs for all ages regardless of the weather. Redesigned spaces 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 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.