Building Description
The Dorothy K. Vallier Environmental Learning Center, designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects and built in 2003, is the portal to 185 acres of varied habitats. Features of the Gold LEED-certified building include extensive use of natural light with window systems that supply 10-20% of the building’s electricity. The building includes classrooms for Nature School through adult education.
Outdoors, six miles of trails take visitors through wetlands, restored prairies, forests, ravines, bluffs, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Our new Bluff Pavilion Courtyard & Gardens offers both a place of great beauty and ecological sustainability. The courtyard is made has been locally sourced stone obtained from a quarry in Beaver Dam and is surrounded by woodland, savanna, and pollinator gardens.
Visitor Experience
Our six miles of trails take visitors through wetlands, restored prairies, forests, ravines, bluffs, and Lake Michigan shoreline. We also offer more than a mile of boardwalk and crushed stone that is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Hike our trails anytime throughout the day at your own pace or on a guided hike.
Other drop-in activities include a meet and greet with birds from our Raptor Program between noon and 2:00pm and encounters with other live animals between noon and 3:00pm.
You are welcome to explore the building on your own throughout the day and encourage you to head upstairs to our art gallery.
Address
1111 E Brown Deer Rd
Saturday Hours
Not Open
Sunday Hours
10 am - 5 pm
Photography
Photography allowed, Videography allowed, Tripod allowed
Handicapped Accessible
Fully wheelchair accessible
