Announcing Nature Matters

We are very happy to announce the community phase of our Nature Matters Capital Campaign. This comprehensive fundraising effort is designed to prepare the Science Center for the future with multiple exhibit expansions, infrastructure improvements, and long-term financial stability. The campaign goal is $4 million and approximately $3.6 million has already been pledged through leadership gifts.

The background thinking for the campaign began in 2010 after a review of our “Forging New Trails” strategic plan looking toward the future of the Science Center. After reviewing ideas and suggestions, goals were set and the Board of Trustees launched the Nature Matters Capital Campaign in 2012 to build four new exhibits and strengthen its financial foundation through expanded marketing and additions to endowment and reserve funds.

The campaign will fund the following new exhibits:

• Wood Energy Exhibit: A model of sustainability – saving energy and dollars – using renewable, locally-sourced wood, it heats five major buildings on the Science Center’s campus. Exhibits will compare renewable wood heat to other forms of energy and demonstrate the state-of-the-art boiler system that was installed. This project was completed in February 2014 and exhibit will open for visitors in May 2014. 
• Adventure Playscape: An outdoor play structure for children that will integrate climbing with interpretive learning and fun. This exhibit is scheduled to open in spring 2015. 
• Water Matters Pavilion: A fresh and engaging experience with live turtles and mink, an outdoor water play area, native fish aquariums, amphibians, and more, which will teach visitors why water is vital for all life. This building and exhibits are scheduled to open in spring 2016.
• Raptor Mews: Housing for the collection of more than a dozen hawks, owls, and falcons that the Science Center’s educators use in programs. The Mews will replace an aging winter bird quarters and other raptor living quarters. It is scheduled for completion in 2015.

“We are delighted to announce the community phase of this campaign and share how successful it has been thus far,” said Iain MacLeod, Executive Director. “In 2016, we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Science Center. The culmination of this effort and the opening of these exciting new exhibits will be an incredible way to prepare us for the next fifty years.”

For half a century we have followed our mission “to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.” The Nature Matters Capital Campaign will prepare the Science Center for the long-term; yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Questions about the campaign may be directed to Executive Director Iain MacLeod at iain.macleod@nhnature.org or 603-968-7194 x 23.