Update: February 15, 2010

Chippewa Nature Center Renovation to be Completed by Year End

Two years after the Visitor Center expansion announcement, Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) has a new Nature Preschool, and plans are underway to complete the Visitor Center! Construction of the Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center (Phase I) is complete. A ribbon cutting was held on September 11, 2009, and currently, fifty 3- and 4-year olds are beginning their lifelong relationship with the natural world as the first class in that new facility. Work on the Visitor Center will commence in early spring, and CNC anticipates greeting guests in the “new” Visitor Center by the end of the year.

As the Nature Preschool was being constructed, progress was also being made on the Visitor Center (Phase II), such as site work, utility lines and architectural plans. Economic realities have impacted the original vision for the expansion, and the original plans presented two years ago have been adjusted to fit the current budget.

The goal of the expansion remains to improve the visitor experience and to address program opportunities, while improving the energy efficiency of the 35-year old facility. CNC will incorporate many of the green features originally planned. The main Visitor Center will still house the Wildlife Viewing Area, River Overlook and Ecosystem Gallery, along new and improved features, such as a hands-on kid-friendly play area, new classrooms, renovated classrooms, temporary exhibit space, a Rain Garden Terrace, a stunning 9’ X 6’ copper nature mural by Midland artist Jim Ardis and a place to relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.

The Chippewa Nature Center expansion project has received the support of nearly 800 individuals and businesses, along with 14 foundations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Foundation support includes the Doan Family Foundation, Alden & Vada Dow Family Foundations, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, Dow Corning Foundation, Francis Goll Mills Memorial Fund, Frank N. Andersen Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation, Jury Foundation, Kantzler Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and Bay Area Community Foundation. Other major supporters include the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN), Chemical Bank, 3M Scientific Anglers and Midland Kiwanis Foundation.

The Chippewa Nature Center Visitor Center expansion project reflects the need for quality environmental education and sustainable living solutions, educating the public on real-world applications of green building practices. The temporary Visitor Center continues to serve as a place to register for courses, attend programs, talk to a naturalist and find expansion progress updates.