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Allwine Prairie Preserve Proposes Glacier Creek Environmental Initiative: Land Expansion and New Environmental Education and Research Facility.

Allwine Prairie Preserve is involved in an exciting project that proposes first, to construct a unique environmental education-research facility designed by Randy Brown Architects and, second, to expand the existing preserve by incorporating land to the east of the preserve that would extend to the Big Papillion Creek.  We are currently seeking funds to support these two exciting improvements.  If fully funded, the education-research center and land expansion would provide a one-of-a-kind, ecologically sustainable environmental resource for Omaha and the surrounding communities providing visitors or visiting groups, such as area schools, a glimpse into Eastern Nebraska's tallgrass prairie heritage.

To request more information about these projects, or to find out how you can help, please contact:

Thomas B. Bragg
Professor, Department of Biology
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE 68182-0040
Phone:  (402) 554-3378
Cell: (402) 980-7089
E-mail: tbragg@mail.unomaha.edu

Proposed Extension of Allwine Prairie: Glacier Creek Environmental Initiative Land Acquisition

The Nebraska Environmental Trust recently awarded the Glacier Creek Environmental Initiative a $1 million grant to purchase a portion of 126 acres of land extending east of the preserve to the Big Pappillion Creek but matching funds are needed to acquire the entire 126 acres. Because of its location within 30 minutes of the Omaha metropolitan area, the existing preserve provides a unique educational setting for hands-on environmental experience for a variety of individuals, groups, and organizations. The intent of the initiative to expand the preserve boundaries is (1) to ensure the long-term viability of the preserve for environmental education by protecting the entire site from isolation by surrounding development, (2) to preserve Glacier Creek, a small, spring-fed tributary, from its source on Allwine Prairie downstream to the riparian habitat of the Big Papillion Creek, and (3) to improve the environmental quality of the site by restoring natural features, such as the addition of a large wetland-lowland prairie habitat complex. The result will be a dynamic tallgrass prairie preserve where future generations can study and learn to appreciate our natural heritage.

 

Allwine Prairie Preserve, Environmental Education and Research Facility Project Site, and Land Acquisition Options (click photograph to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed Environmental Education and Research Facility

The proposed 10,000 square foot Environmental Education and Research Facility would provide a resource for area schools and researchers to use for further learning about Nebraska's tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The building would feature a classroom and a wet laboratory to supplement field activities; a lobby area for displays of Nebraska's tallgrass prairie heritage; catering area for class needs, small conventions and receptions; a residence for the Preserve Manager; guest room for visiting researchers; an equipment storage area; office space; and space for a small library and herbarium. Extending over the laboratory will be an elevated, exterior deck providing an overlook of the prairie as well as direct access to trails that wind through the prairie and wetland areas. As a major, eastern Nebraska natural resource, this unique facility will be equipped to accommodate individuals and groups of various sizes from a variety of organizations and institutions. Past use suggests a diversity of classes will use the site, ranging from PK-12 schools through university-level institutions.  The Preserve Manager and university professors will be available to assist in educational programs and visits. The programming, master plan and design for the facility have been provided by one of the top “green design” firms in the country, Randy Brown Architects. The University will provide facility maintenance and land management.

External View of Proposed Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal View of Proposed Facility