Vision

VISION: The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center will create a green educational center by the Rivanna River that will foster a love of nature and exploration in visitors of all ages.

"This is the first waterfall I’ve ever seen." Hearing those words from a fourth grader makes all of our efforts at the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center feel worthwhile. And in 2009 and 2010 our efforts have been more far-reaching and ambitious than ever. At the Keelboat Barn in Darden Towe Park we hosted the City of Charlottesville camps for middle income and disadvantaged children and the Boys and Girls Club of Orange for their weekly "Lewis & Clark Club." We led activities for special needs children, bringing them the joys of the Rivanna River and the experience of reenacting history on our full-sized keelboat replica. We welcomed groups from both our community and around the state, teaching them about the local roots of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Most significantly, we organized our own Camp Explore, serving the children of recent refugees and bringing them new opportunities to learn about nature, science, art, and history.

Click to see design plans for the Center

What has become apparent through the success of our summer programs and the launching of our extensive afterschool "Art and Nature" workshops is that we have been good stewards of our resources—and that we are ready for the permanent home we have been working so hard for. We have grown exponentially and so much more will be possible when we have our new building by the river.

We are close to that goal, and we are asking for your help to bring us the rest of the way. We welcome your involvement, your questions, and your dedication to creating a green, educational center by the Rivanna River, a center that will serve adults and children, tourists and community members.

We have currently secured 90% of our capital funding and are looking forward to breaking ground in 2011. The County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville have leased the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center 17 acres of riverfront property within Darden Towe Park for a 40 year period, and we are eager to fulfill the community expectations that this lease embodies. The acreage includes the building site, hiking trails, and access to the river.

The new Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center will include exhibition and activity space, a café, trails, an outdoor classroom, and a pedestrian ferry across the river. Visitors of all ages will find a place to learn and make discoveries.