Groundbreaking at Indian Creek's "Amazing Space"

Indian Creek Nature Center gathered a healthy crowd on a sunny afternoon last Thursday as they broke ground on their new 12000 square foot facility, which they call Amazing Space. The Nature Center's headquarters and classrooms will move to the new building, out of the 1932 barn they currently call home. The building will produce all of its energy, and then some, with an array of 350 solar cells on the roof, continuing the Nature Center's tradition of pushing the envelope on our thinking about sustainability. The project will unfold in the midst of a restored prairie on Otis Road, about 1/2 mile west of the current facility.

The prairie location; woodlands in the background are also open to the public

The construction is the largest part of a $6.9 million capital campaign, most expected to come from individual and corporate donations. They received a $400,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. [UPDATE 8/3/15: Nature Center staff say construction is expected to take about a year, meaning it will be ready to open summer 2016.]

Executive Director John Myers hosts the program

City officials unveil the newly-named City of Cedar Rapids Prairie

Snacks were "cups of dirt," prepared by Nature Center staff

Model of the proposed facility

Rendering of the building

Project site scheme, including entry off Otis Road, parking area and wetlands