Wichita Falls, Texas

SLA is providing design concepts for the revitalization of the full campus for River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls. The purpose of the revitalization efforts will create classroom spaces, interactive exhibits, live exhibit space, and a learning lab within the Conservatory; reprogram space within the Learning Center to add additional interactive educational space, add a covered walkway between the Pavilion and the Learning Center; and upgrade the building envelope of the Conservatory to improve energy efficiency. These renovations will begin once River Bend Nature Center reaches their capital improvement fundraising goal.

The highlight is the Butterfly Conservatory, a 7,500sf facility that attracts the eye of motorists near downtown Wichita Falls and sits on a hill overlooking Lucy Park. The 6,000sf Pavilion features an educational exhibit space and also houses administration, conference center, display areas, and support. Two acres of surrounding land was also developed and provides a large open plaza with handicapped accessible walkway systems linking the facility to Lucy Park and the Wichita River below.

The Butterfly Conservatory provides a distinctive, educational experience and is a major attraction to the Texoma Region. The entire environmental education facility serves the communities in northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. Uniquely placed in a conflux of geographical regions, River Bend connects people to their natural environment through educational activities, environmental awareness, and conservation examples.