NAPA RIVER ECOLOGY CENTER

The Plan

Where Nature & Community FlouriSh Together

The Napa River Ecology Center will create a community gathering space where nature, art, and science shine. Visitors to the Napa River Ecology Center can take classes and programs, learn about watershed science, meander new wetlands paths, and connect with nature through art. School groups and field trips are welcome. Napa River Ecology Staff are experts in Watershed Education and conservation.

rendering of living building and community space
Education Areas
Approximately 5,000 square feet of indoor space situated on two beautiful riparian acres encourage indoor/outdoor learning. A covered outdoor classroom, indoor gathering area, and learning garden make hands-on learning exciting, inviting, and fun. The Napa River Ecology Center is designed to welcome school groups and field trips as well as community seminars, wildlife festivals, and more. The .5 mile accessible Wetlands Discovery Path offers a rotating display of Watershed and environmental education signage.
Community Space
A 1,500 square foot Nature Based Play area invites children to explore and connect with the beauty of the Napa River Wetlands. With four large nature play features including ADA accessible loose parts play area, the Ecology Center nature play area engages children in outdoor free play, promoting a social environment and fostering crucial social and collaborative skills.
rendering of living building and community space
rendering of living building and community space
Wildlife Viewing Deck

A 700 square foot wildlife viewing deck designed to accommodate up to 49 students or community members at a time will be built on top of an existing pump house building, approximately 12 feet above ground. A nearly 360-degree view of the Napa River Wetlands is visible including Highway 37 and the San Pablo Bay to the South, Mt. Tamalpais to the west, and Mount Veeder and Mount St. Helena to the North. From this vantage point users will study bird migration, observe shore birds, spot river otters or beavers, or observe the Barn Owls or Raptors that live nearby. The deck will be accessible from the Ecology Center building via the stairs or the elevator, or from a separate outdoor staircase. Two interpretive signs on the deck provide education about wetlands wildlife species.

The Ideal Location

205 Wetlands Edge Road, American Canyon

The 3 acre Napa River Ecology Center site is located along the Napa River Wetlands and adjacent to the San Francisco Bay Trail and Bay Water Trail. The site is within a 15 minute walking distance to three Napa Valley Unified District schools – two elementary and one middle school, as well as a 10 minute walking distance to Boys and Girls Club American Canyon Club House.

The site is approximately ¾ mile from the Napa Bay Trail Wetlands Trailhead which provides 10 miles of trails with an estimated visitation of 5,000 + from throughout the region. Furthermore, the Napa River Ecology Center is directly accessible from Highway 29, a major artery into the Napa Valley and centrally located to major interstates 80 and 37.

Download the conceptual site plan. >

Download the building floor plan. >

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