Amazing - Indian Creek Nature...

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Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC) is a place where people connect with the wonders of the natural world. It’s a space for learning and inspiration, for solitude and relaxation, amid the beauty of Iowa’s natural landscape. Indian Creek Nature Center truly is an Amazing Space and has been, season after season, for over 40 years.

Humble beginningsIndian Creek Nature Center opened in 1973 as Iowa’s first nature center. It is the only privately funded nature center in Iowa. Noticing that children were drifting away from experiencing and understanding the earth that sustains us, the founders envisioned a center for environmental education where visitors could see, hear and smell our wild and wonderful world in a way that Native Americans did in Iowa a millennium ago. It’s been an inspiring success – and nearly two million people have visited the Nature Center since its birth.

First forty years: highlights 1979: Ecological restoration begins with the planting of the first prairie.

1980: The city of Cedar Rapids and Indian Creek Nature Center cooperated to develop Sac & Fox Trail and have it designated as a National Recreational Trail.

1986: The beloved Maple Sugarhouse was built. Sugaring remains one of the most popular programs at the Nature Center.

1993: Solar panels were first purchased and used at ICNC to commit to sustainable energy-producing initiatives.

1994: Additional farmland was purchased and the Nature Center began restoring its prairies, oak woodlands, and wetlands.

Today: Indian Creek Nature Center has nearly 300 acres of wondrous natural areas featuring brilliant wildflowers, wildlife, woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.

Approximately

40,000 visitors

each year attend

events or use the

trails at the Center.

Pioneers in Sustainability The Nature Center pioneered

sustainable practices and

it was among the first

proponents of LED lighting,

occupancy sensors, soy-based

insulation, and water efficiency

technologies. In 1993, the

first net metered photovoltaic

system in Iowa was installed and

produces 25% of the electrical

needs at Indian Creek Nature

Center. The Nature Center

installed the upper Midwest’s

first wetland septic system.

Space

2 3


Space

Mission

Indian Creek Nature Center promotes a sustainable future by nurturing children and adults alike through environmental education, demonstrating land protection and restoration, and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.

The Nature Center fulfills its mission by:

• sharing the land’s historic and cultural resources

• demonstrating land preservation and ecological restoration

• promoting a sustainable future with sound management practices

• promoting environmental awareness and respect through education

A critical resource

The concerning state of Iowa’s natural resources emphasizes the importance of the Nature Center’s mission. Iowa has lost 99.9% of its original prairie and has less than 3,000 acres of protected virgin prairie remaining. Over 6 million acres of wetlands have been reduced to a mere 70,000 acres. Ditching and straightening have already eliminated over 7,000 miles of natural stream course. While natural areas and agricultural land are being swallowed up by development, private woodlots and grasslands are rapidly being converted to cropland. Indian Creek Nature Center is a leader in today’s protection movement. Inspiring love of our land

Each year Indian Creek Nature Center holds hundreds of educational programs for both children and adults, including many age-specific field trips, summer programs, and workshops. These programs and activities create an opportunity to teach environmental stewardship to the entire family, while extending the Nature Center’s land preservation and ecological restoration efforts.

For small children ages 3 to 6, the Creekside Critters program series stimulates curiosity and imagination. Elementary and middle school children experience interactive field trips that encourage hands-on learning through doing, observing, and questioning. For home school students, the Nature Center has established a program that augments home study by providing informational materials, demonstrations, and outdoor activities with hands-on involvement.

In summer the Nature Center offers Creek Camp summer camps for children of all ages, as well as internship opportunities for college students. Group activities include workshops for many youth organizations, such as church groups and Girl/Boy Scouts.

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5% Land Management4% Creekside Shop

3% Contract Services

7% Programs

7% Office/Technology

Operational Expenses

74% Salaries/Wages/Benefits/Taxes

By the numBers

Over 17,500 children and youth ages 3 to 15 participated in

one or more of the 440 programs offered in 2013. In 2013, 40,525 people attended programs and/or enjoyed casual walks on the

nature Center’s trails. there are approximately 1,500 volunteers, 125 of whom consistently dedicate time and enthusiasm as teacher

naturalists, guides, land care partners or program helpers. the nature

Center has over 800 memberships, representing about 2,500

individuals. the nature Center has 7 full-time staff, two part-time

staff, and during the summer, usually adds one full-time staff member.

Growth is only naturalThe Indian Creek Nature Center is a living, growing space. In recent years it has become clear that to meet the needs of that growth, new facilities and outdoor educational spaces are needed. The current main building, the 1932-era former Penningroth Barn, is much loved but has become increasingly inadequate for a facility visited by about 40,000 people each year. It meets neither ADA accessibility standards nor exhibit and programming needs. The barn took on water in 2008 and is threatened by future flooding.

The Amazing Space project is designed to build a new educational and interpretive campus for Indian Creek Nature Center. The 12,000-square-foot structure will be the largest net zero building in Iowa. Once completed, it will be the first nature center in the world to achieve a Living Building Challenge certification.

The project will achieve three goals:

• Create a new campus on ICNC’s property to support outdoor learning and land restoration functions. The outdoor elements of the campus will include a butterfly house, outdoor amphitheater, land protection workshop, and relocated maple syrup house.

• Build a new, sustainable, and green Living Building to support education and administrative functions, staying true to ICNC’s mission of promoting a sustainable future.

• Increase the Nature Center’s current endowment fund of $2.1 million by at least $1 million to support annual operations of the campus and building.


Space

42% Contributions

2% Investments

7% Creekside Shop

7% Membership

11% Program Service Fees

15% Grants

16% Special Events

Operational Income

“ Indian Creek Nature Center is a jewel in the crown that is Cedar Rapids.”

James Tinker, Retired CEO,

Mercy Medical Center

Sources of Funding – Indian Creek Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) corporation and does not receive any regular tax appropriations. The Nature Center has no debt and has a reserve fund of $70,000 to cover unexpected emergency expenses. Currently, the Nature Center has over $2.1 million in endowment funds.

2014 BUDGET

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Space

Building a sustainable future The Living Building will meet LEED platinum

standards, but the Nature Center’s focus on

sustainability goes beyond efficient building design

and solar energy production. ICNC has accepted the

International Living Future Institute’s Living Building

Challenge (LBC). LBC requires the Nature Center to:

• Protect the site and natural resources

• Prove the building’s performance

• Manage rainwater on-site

• Meet high indoor-air quality standards

• Avoid a red-list of environmentally toxic materials,

such as mercury and PVC

• Source materials locally

• Recognize that everyone has a right to nature

• Educate visitors on the value and beauty of nature

Energy sustainability and low impact requirements

Geothermal System (Ground Source Heat Pump and

Radiant Floors) – The system relies on steady underground

temperatures to preheat and precool air entering the building.

In winter, liquid in the geothermal wells will provide radiant

floor heating throughout the building. During summer the

geothermal system cools ventilated air entering the building.

Cost to Install: $509,000

Harvesting the Power of the Sun – A roof-mounted

photovoltaic array will produce all the energy the building and

site require. The system will be tied to the utility grid, allowing

excess electricity on sunny days to be used by Alliant Energy

customers. The system will be sized for future expansion.


Sustainable Building Materials – Responsibly sourced

and produced materials will be used in the construction of

the building and site. Toxic chemical products such as PVC

piping, formaldehyde, and mercury will be avoided. Wood

products will be salvaged or certified sustainable by the

Forest Stewardship Council.


LED Lighting & Natural Daylighting – LED lighting will be

used in all areas requiring traditional lighting. Well-placed

windows allow natural daylight into all occupied spaces,

dramatically reducing the need for electric lights. Operable

windows will allow natural ventilation, reducing the demand

on mechanical heating and cooling systems.


Roof-Mounted Solar Water Heater – The sun will preheat

water that will be used to feed traditional hot water uses,

such as sinks, kitchen use, maintenance, and a shower.

On-demand electric heaters bring water up to final

temperatures as needed.


A. Education Building

B. Maple Sugar House

C. Workshop

D. Butterfly Hoop House

E. Amphitheater

F. Prairie Labyrinth

G. East Picnic Area

H. Gathering Circle

I. West Picnic Area

J. Enclosed Shelter

K. Constructed Wetland

L. Sense of Wonder Trail

M. Native Food Forest Area

N. Bena Brook Crossing

O. Woodland Education Shelter

P. Prairie Education Shelter

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Expected resultsThe Amazing Space project is expected to create the

following positive results:

• The new Living Building and campus will be 100%

environmentally friendly and sustainable.

• The Living Building will be the second and largest

commercial net zero facility in Iowa.

• Educational opportunities will be significantly expanded

with two classrooms and separate project areas.

• Space is provided for new permanent exhibits, including

an expanded children’s nature discovery gallery.

• The entire complex is accessible for those with

disabilities and special needs.

• The space for facility rentals as a community retreat

and/or conference center for corporations, community

groups, church groups, and weddings will be increased

and enhanced.

• The building will serve as the hub for trails radiating

outward to different habitats.

• Students, artists, photographers, birdwatchers, and

naturalists will have new locales for participating in and

observing nature’s four seasons.

• School program attendance and summer day camp

enrollment will see a significant increase.

• Annual drop-in visitation and memberships will increase

by about 30% and 25% respectively.

• An expanded endowment assures financial stability well

into the future.

Project preparation Indian Creek Nature Center worked with Brad Lang, Partner,

Solum Lang Architects, LLC in preparing the schematic

designs for the project as envisioned. General contractors

Ryan Companies and Rinderknecht Associates provided

cost estimates. Design Engineers P.C. provided electrical

and mechanical costs, while The Weidt Group provided

energy modeling and estimates on energy usage and life

cycle costs of all systems.

Both Linn County and Cedar Rapids have reviewed the

initial plans and provided feedback. Appropriate regulatory

approvals will be sought upon completion of the capital

campaign and should take no longer than four to five months.

Completion of the total project, including receiving regulatory

approval, is anticipated to be 12 to 15 months.

Fundraising strategy and timeline The Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of Indian Creek

Nature Center engaged Ernhart & Associates to conduct

a marketing/pre-campaign study. The firm conducted

interviews with 75 individuals from the greater Cedar Rapids,

Marion, and Linn County area. The results showed a very

positive response with 92% of those interviewed saying they

or their company/foundation would financially support Indian

Creek Nature Center’s Amazing Space capital campaign.

Overall, the study suggested that the campaign goal should

be attainable.

Campaign schedule and timeline:

September 2013 – November 2013 Project Design Phase

October 2013 – April 2014 Pre-Campaign Marketing Study, Lead Gift Solicitation

April – August 2014 Campaign Leadership Recruitment & Organization, Major Gift Solicitation

September 2014 Public Campaign Kick-Off Launch Event – September 9

December 2014 Announcement of Campaign Success

Spring 2015 Groundbreaking*

Spring 2016 Move-In/Ribbon Cutting

the challenge The following costs reflect the needs associated with building a new educational and interpretive

campus with low impact and energy sustainability requirements as well as site development

and parking. Campus development, educational displays, and increased endowment are also

included as well as project/campaign administration costs.

NEW NATURE AND INTERPRETIVE CENTER $3,160,794

A 12,000-square-foot facility will have an entry/exhibit area, a 150-person auditorium/event space, two educational classrooms, bird viewing and library room, hands-on displays, kitchen, restrooms, project/work room, ample storage, and offices. It will have views of forest, prairie, and wetlands, and modern exhibits that will weave natural and human history together to tell the story of the environment. 3% contingency is included.

ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND LOW IMPACT REQUIREMENTS $1,410,580

Environmentally appropriate materials and mechanical specifications will reduce environmental impact and provide long-term operations sustainability for the new Living Building. (See full detail of costs on page 8.)

SITE DEVELOPMENT, WATER, PARKING, AND WASTE TREATMENT $ 695,276

Natural bioswales and rain gardens will manage water runoff, reducing the impact on the site. Waste will be treated using a health department-approved septic and natural filtration system. Parking will serve the needs of daily visitors and large special events. 3% contingency is included.

CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT $ 190,000

Outdoor learning spaces will include open-air classrooms, a 250-person capacity amphitheater, and natural vegetation. A workshop for equipment storage will support land and facility operations and serve as an educational hub for land restoration techniques.

EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS, INTERPRETATION, AND SIGNAGE $ 100,000

FACILITIES SUPPORT ENDOWMENT FUND $1,000,000

Investment earnings from this fund will support facility operations and long-term maintenance of the Amazing Space project.

PROJECT/CAMPAIGN ADMINISTRATION $ 343,350

Administrative costs consist of internal project management, campaign administration fees, and Living Building Challenge certification requirements.

TOTAL CAMPAIGN COST $6,900,000


Space

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* Exact groundbreaking date will be determined based on fundraising progress through 2014.

6665 Otis Rd SE | Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 | 319-362-0664 | IndianCreekNatureCenter.org

Board of Directors

Board Member Professional AffiliationJeff Hines – President Bankers Trust Tom Hughes – President-Elect Hughes Nursery & LandscapingDon Johnson – Treasurer Shuttleworth & Ingersoll Brooke Fitzgerald – Secretary The Early BirdRebecca Mumaw – Past President Freelance Marketing ProfessionalSteve Allsop MediaQuest SignsScott Arensdorf RuffaloCODY Brad Doyle AEGON USA Steve Dummermuth, Jr. IGD IndustriesMike Felton DuPont Industries Biosciences David Gosch Rockwell CollinsHelga Mayhew Community Volunteer Emily Meyer Ryan CompaniesAndrew Morf AcumenBrad Morgan Alliant Energy Jeff Portman Solum Lang Architects, LLC David Rokos Rockwell Collins Travis Schroeder Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman Hunter Skogman Skogman Homes

Board of Trustees

Jim Seifert, Chairman Paul Brundell Dick GarbersonMarc Gullickson Sue Hawn DeeAnn McIntryeMark Ogden Charlie Rohde Jim Tinker

Printed on recycled paper. FSC 80% Mixed Sources made with 80% post-consumer fibers

Project TeamSolum Lang Architects, LLC Architect

Design Engineers P.C. Mechanical and Electrical Engineer

Schnoor Bonifazi Engineering & Surveying Civil Engineer

DCL Consultants, LLC Structural Engineer

Ruth L. Fox, Landscape Architecture and Planning Landscape Architect

Liz Christiansen, Director for the Office of Sustainability, University of Iowa Sustainability Consultant

Rinderknecht Associates and Ryan Companies General Contractors

The Weidt Group, with Alliant Energy & MidAmerican Energy Energy Consultant

Indian Creek Nature Center Project Team Members

John Myers, Executive Director

Jean Wiedenheft, Project Manager

Nancy Lackner, Development Coordinator

Lindsey Flannery, Marketing and Business Development Coordinator

Rich Patterson, Director Emeritus

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