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Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
and Forest Learning Center The Katherine & Fred Buffett Forest Learning Center, in Bellevue, NE, opened in October 2000. Sited within a learning landscape, the Center is nestled within an established oak-hickory-basswood forest. Visitors to the Learning Center enjoy the experience of being enveloped in a forest and learning firsthand about the remarkable importance of forests. The Center was designed to preserve the site's existing mature forest. Extensive tree preservation planning, site design and careful monitoring during construction resulted in minimal tree loss. Yet, the new building and parking areas are up to twice as large as the facilities they replaced. The enlarged parking area includes a learning landscape of native trees, shrubs, native plants and wildflowers. A timber bridge spanning through the treetops provides special event access to the nature center building. A 60-person amphitheater and paved terrace extend the children's exhibit area outdoors, allowing play and educational activities nestled close to the building. The nature center's front yard includes native grasses, wildflowers, ponds and a stream, to shift visitors' attention and senses from the urban to the natural environment. |
The Forest Learning Center provides a gateway to Fontenelle Forest 
Interpretive programs are often held in the amphitheater. 
A tree-top walk along the timber bridge provides an alternate entry to the Center. 
The terrace provides an area for eating and outdoor entertainment. 
The Center was sited close to the forest and construction of the new building was managed to provide protection for the trees.  |