Sims Education Center

After more than four years of planning, designing, fundraising, and construction, Fernwood Botanical Garden celebrated the grand opening of the new 5,500-square-foot Sims Education Center on October 14, 2018. The new facility is the central location for lectures, classes, workshops, exhibits, and botanically and environmentally focused books for all ages. It is also a gathering space for camps and field trips and replaces the 35-year-old Nature Center on the Fernwood grounds where youth classes and camps have historically been held.

“As environmental awareness continues to take center stage in our country and worldwide, students, teachers, schools, and our region’s community members can now turn to Fernwood as an even stronger resource for youth and adults,” stated Carol Line, Fernwood Executive Director.

The Education Center doubles Fernwood’s teaching and learning space and allows the organization to serve larger groups. Two education wings – Flora and Fauna – accommodate youth and adult groups of all sizes. The Fauna wing features bird-viewing areas overlooking the ravine. When not in use for educational purposes, classrooms may be rented for meetings, retreats, and other private events.

The Education Center is designed for hands-on learning, as well as displays featuring current and historical naturalists, environmentalists, horticulturists, garden designers, and artists. Fernwood’s library moved to the Education Center to join the nucleus of educational activities. A special section, dedicated to the learning needs of children and families, will ignite in young minds curiosity and interest in the natural world.

The facility boasts sustainable design features in line with Fernwood’s environmental principles. A green roof covers 25 percent of the Education Center and works with a rain garden to mitigate the effects of rainwater runoff. The features works to protect delicate ecosystems throughout the nature preserve and gardens.

The Education Center was made possible by Seed the Future, an extensive fundraising effort that to date has raised more than $3 million for Phase One of the 10 to 15-year garden master plan. The opening of the Education Center positions Fernwood for growth.

“So many individuals, foundations, and companies have come together to support the Seed the Future campaign. Their generosity not only has made construction of this facility possible but will allow Fernwood to realize growth in other important ways and for generations to come,” stated Joanne Sims, Seed the Future Campaign chair.

The Education Center is open to the public during Fernwood’s regular hours, as well as during special events.

Principals for the Project

Architects
Tigerman McCurry Architects, Chicago, Illinois

General Contractor
ec moore of berrien county, inc., Berrien Springs, Michigan

Garden Master Plan
Pashek+MTR, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Landscape Architect
Rosborough Partners Inc, Libertyville, Illinois

Garden Design
3Fromme Design, Sanford, Florida;
Claudia Parish Landscaping, Harbert, Michigan

Green Roof Design
Christy Webber Landscapes, Chicago, Illinois