Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Announce Major Step Forward in Nature Exploration Space Development, Thanks to Keller Foundation Grant

Ridgefield, March 11, 2025– The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Friends of RNWR) is excited to announce its campaign to support the future Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, starting with the much-anticipated outdoor Nature Exploration Space. This significant development has been made possible by a generous grant from the Keller Foundation and will be instrumental in bringing the community’s vision to life.

The outdoor Nature Exploration Area, located adjacent to the Community Nature Center on the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, is designed as a distinct area where children and families can engage with nature in a meaningful way. It provides a space to gather, rest, play, and learn amidst the beauty of the Refuge. This initiative is a direct result of the invaluable input from our local community, who expressed a strong desire for such a space during focus group discussions.

“Creating areas that encourage direct interaction with nature is more critical than ever,” says Jim Maul, Board President of Friends of RNWR. “With urbanization on the rise, it’s vital to address the nature deficit disorder affecting our society. The Community Nature Center is a dream we’ve nurtured for over 25 years, and it’s thrilling to see it coming to fruition.”

Local landscape architect and ecologist Nature+Play Designs, a partner of the Friends, works to connect our community to the natural world. Their vision is to create an inviting environment for everyone, with the mission of “reducing barriers so all can access nature.” They advocate for accessible outdoor exploration, ensuring something for everyone. Features they encourage include firm surfacing, lots of engaging settings, sensory-rich environments, quiet spaces, and enjoyable activities. Working together, these principles will guide our development of the Nature Exploration Space, reflecting our commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for all.

As urban areas continue to expand, the Friends of RNWR recognize the importance of nature in people’s lives. “We know that time spent outdoors is key to mental health and happiness for all ages,” continues Jim Maul. According to the Children & Nature Network, outdoor experiences can lead to better student health, both mental and physical. “Our mission includes making these experiences a fundamental part of K-12 education and beyond, starting right here in our own community.”

The Friends of RNWR invite the community to support this addition to the Refuge. The next phase of campaigning will see the outfitting of the Environmental Education Classroom, transforming an empty canvas into a hub for students and the community to learn about wildlife and the natural environment.

Contributions, volunteer efforts, and spreading the word are all ways to get involved in this transformative endeavor.

To learn more about the Community Nature Center, the Nature Exploration Space, and how you can help, please visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Jim Maul, Board President, through the link below.