CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

 

Client: Cincinnati Nature Center / Kubala Washatko Architects

Location: Milford, Ohio

Size: 1,025 Acres

 

Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Nature Center is one of the top five nature centers in the nation.  Their mission inspires thousands each year with a “passion for nature and promoting environmentally responsible choices through experience, education, and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future”.  

 

In the evolving age of sustainability the organization has embarked upon an effort to expand educational outreach to members and the region through new educational facilities, a nature preschool, and new visitor center within the context of creating “net zero” impacts upon the landscape.  State of the art sustainable technology will be used to create and shape these new buildings and site improvements.

 

Recommendations from the Master Plan are based on a thorough site summary analysis, client interviews, and creating an appropriate pattern language.  The Master Plan preserves historic buildings and gardens, mature eastern deciduous forests, prairie, wetlands, and ponds while accommodating sensitively designed new structures, parking, trails, and landscape restoration.

 

Key proposed site features include Canopy Walk, Bioswales and Raingardens, Constructed Wetlands for Sanitary Treatment, Historic Garden Renovation, Amphitheater, All Persons Trail, and Stumpery.

 

The Master Plan for Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods creates an ideal setting for experiencing nature, nature education, and promoting sustainability.