The Sustainable Design

The Environmental Education Center is being designed by architect Jamie Malloy of Studio Melee, and will be a state-of-the-art facility that will offer research, education and family uses. The building is approximately 7,200 square feet and will feature flexible spaces for display areas, a laboratory, classrooms, storage, kitchen, outdoor viewing platform and offices. It will also serve as a community venue capable of holding events for as many as 400 people.

Not Just a Building!

The facility itself will serve as an educational tool by demonstrating environmentally sustainable construction and operational practices that will reduce our carbon footprint and teach about the impact of green energy on climate change. The 40 Acre Site Plan for the area includes the construction of 2 ponds, a handicapped accessible paved sculpture walk, community gardens, natural playscape, wetland exploration and education area, amphitheater for outdoor education programming, shelterhouse, soft trail system, group camp area for scouts and other youth groups, and a prairie restoration. 

Environmentally Sustainable Construction & Operational Practices

The building has been designed with green energy in mind, and with the installation of a photovoltaic array that could generate enough energy to essentially operate “off the grid”. Building mechanical, plumbing, and lighting systems will be extremely efficient and construction materials will be durable, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly. Local products will be utilized to the greatest extent possible.