Over the past six months, visitors to Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary have likely noticed a buzz of construction activity at our entry circle. We’re thrilled to share that our entry area improvement project is mostly complete, and we can’t wait for you to experience the results!
This project grew out of conversations with staff, volunteers, and community members who shared thoughtful feedback about how Habitat could provide a more welcoming and accessible experience for all. The result is a redesigned entrance that not only looks beautiful but also enhances safety, accessibility, and the ecological health of the landscape.
A Warmer Welcome for Visitors
Many visitors noted that they weren’t always sure where to go upon arrival, and even longtime friends of Habitat sometimes missed out on interacting with visitor services staff and accessing resources and opportunities. With the new layout, guests will now be greeted right from the start. A new welcome booth at the top of the parking lot will be added in the coming months, allowing our staff and volunteers to greet and orient visitors, answer questions, and share information about programs and trails.
Improved Accessibility for All
Previously, the only ADA-compliant entrance to the main building was at the back, requiring a long and confusing route to reach the front welcome desk and art gallery. Now, an accessible trail and ADA-compliant ramp connect directly from the parking area to the main building’s front entrance. Adjustments to make the doorway itself fully accessible are still underway—once finished, it will create a seamless and inclusive entry.
Safer Paths and Greener Spaces
A new pedestrian pathway now leads from the parking lot to the visitor center, surrounded by plantings of native trees, grasses, and shrubs that reflect Habitat’s ongoing commitment to native plant landscaping and education. During construction, several large boulders were unearthed and cleverly incorporated into the new design, adding natural character and texture to the space. In addition, a rain garden and underground storage system will improve stormwater management, enhancing the climate resilience of the property.
Our team took great care to preserve as many of the original plantings as possible. Shrubs like Mountain Laurel were dug up and replanted, and wood from a few removed trees—including a non-native yew—will be reused in future woodworking projects. The new front circle highlights native, ecologically valuable plantings that improve habitat function and reflect the sanctuary’s natural beauty.
Showcasing Habitat’s Historic Heart
The redesigned layout enhances sightlines to our historic main building, helping it stand proudly as the welcoming centerpiece it was always meant to be. The improved orientation draws visitors naturally toward the building and its inviting front entrance.
What’s Next
While the major construction wrapped up in early November, a few finishing touches are still on the way. These include:
- Installation of new light posts and updated parking lot lighting
- A repurposed black metal fence section
- A toe rail along the new ramp and handrails at the new entry stairs
- ADA-compliant electric-operated door
- Installation of the fully equipped welcome booth
Looking Ahead
This renovation is just one part of Habitat’s broader vision to enhance visitor experience, deepen partnerships with local organizations, expand community-centered programming, using our landscapes as powerful spaces for nature-based education on biodiversity and climate action.
We’re excited to welcome you to the newly transformed entry area and invite you to come experience the difference for yourself. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime member, we hope the new entrance reflects the spirit of Habitat—open, inclusive, and deeply connected to nature.
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