What Riveredge Nature Center does

riveredge Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1968 and headquartered on a 485-acre sanctuary in Saukville, Wisconsin, serving southeastern Wisconsin including Ozaukee, Washington, and Milwaukee counties. It is the oldest independent nature center in the region, operating 10+ miles of trails through prairies, forests, wetlands, ponds, and Milwaukee River frontage, alongside an on-site permaculture farm and visitor facilities. The organization runs an integrated portfolio of environmental education, conservation, and research programs for families, schools, adults, and seniors, supported by a small staff of 11-50 employees.

Core programmatic offerings include summer camps, field trips, homeschool programs, scout programs, tree climbing, kayaking, birthday parties, citizen science events (Bioblitz), the Student Research Symposium, and specialized adult wellness programs such as Yoga & Mindfulness in Nature, Memory Cafe, and nature-based counseling. Conservation work is anchored by a long-standing partnership with the Wisconsin DNR for lake sturgeon rearing and release, with over 20,000 sturgeon released to date, and habitat restoration across the campus. Educational content is distributed through an ongoing "Bug o'the Week" blog series by staff naturalist Kate Redmond.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack: recurring membership dues from 2,000+ member households, program and event fees (summer camp, field trips, workshops), pay-as-you-go trail access ($5 adult / $2 child / $15 family day passes), venue rentals, signature events (Autumn Acoustics music festival, Farm to Table Dinner, Yule Log Dinner & Hunt), and charitable contributions including an active "A Growing Legacy" capital campaign. Marketing is community-led and event-driven, leveraging the website, email newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and content marketing through the Bug o'the Week blog. Distribution is direct through the physical campus and a self-serve online registration portal, supplemented by off-site community events such as the Community Rivers Program and One Watershed Conversations.

Name

Riveredge Nature Center

Legal name

Riveredge Nature Center

Website

https://riveredgenaturecenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Founded in 1968, Riveredge Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 485-acre sanctuary in Saukville, Wisconsin, offering environmental education, conservation, and research programs for families, schools, adults, and seniors across southeastern Wisconsin.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

River & Wetland Ecotours (Canoe/Kayak, Mangrove/Swamp Tours) (THAAAEAE), Wetlands, Rivers & Freshwater Nature Tours (THAJAIAH)

Keywords

• Environmental education
• Conservation programs
• Summer camps
• Ecological research
• Community nature programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Saukville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Memberships: Annual membership program providing benefits including free trail access, program discounts, and exclusive event access. Over 2,000 member households.
2. Program and Event Fees: Revenue from educational programs including summer camps, field trips, birthday parties, workshops, and seasonal events. Pricing varies by program type and includes member discounts.
3. Trail Access Fees: Day-use trail fees charged to non-members: Adults $5, Children $2, Family $15. Members receive free trail access as a membership benefit.
4. Venue Rentals: Rental income from hosting private events, corporate gatherings, and facility rentals at the nature center.
5. Donations and Fundraising: Annual fundraising events including Farm to Table Dinner and general donations. The organization maintains a capital campaign for facility improvements.
6. Special Events Revenue: Revenue from signature events including Autumn Acoustics music festival ($15-$20 adults, $5 children 5-12), Yule Log Dinner & Hunt (member-exclusive, $15-$28), and Student Research Symposium.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Riveredge Nature Center is a nonprofit organization that operates a 485-acre natural sanctuary offering environmental education programs (summer camps, field trips, scout and homeschool programs), conservation initiatives (sturgeon rearing, habitat restoration, Community Rivers Program), and ecological research opportunities. The center also generates revenue through trail access fees, venue rentals, youth and family wellness programs, and signature events such as the Autumn Acoustics Music Festival and Farm to Table Dinner.

Product overview

Riveredge Nature Center is a non-profit nature sanctuary offering environmental education, conservation, and research programs. The organization provides a diverse portfolio of over 30 distinct programs and services organized around three core pillars: Education (field trips, summer camps, homeschool programs, scout programs), Conservation (habitat restoration, sturgeon conservation, Milwaukee River watershed protection), and Research (50+ years of ecological documentation for academics and students). The Center operates on 485 acres with 10+ miles of trails and features an on-site permaculture farm. Programs range from structured educational offerings like Tree Climbing, Kayaking, and Testing the Waters to community events including seasonal festivals, workshops, and the Bug o'the Week educational blog series. The organization also provides venue rentals and accessibility equipment for inclusive access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Riveredge Nature Center: The primary brand name under which the nature center operates its environmental education, conservation, and research programs.

Products and services

• Summer Camp Ages-based summer camp programs for children offering exploration, outdoor adventure, and nature education experiences at Riveredge Nature Center.
• Field Trips Age-specific educational programs for preschool through high school students that align with classroom curriculum using real-world examples at the nature center.
• Summer Day Adventures 90-minute outdoor education programs for visiting daycare, scouting, or student groups during summer months.
• Homeschool Ed-Ventures Science education program designed for homeschooled students featuring hands-on learning and outdoor adventure.
• Tree Climbing Rope-based tree climbing programs for youth and adults age 7 and above with equipment provided.
• Kayaking and Canoeing Water-based outings providing access to Wisconsin waterways through kayak and canoe experiences.
• Scout and Youth Groups Programs Outdoor programs for groups that help progress towards badge requirements, designed for ages 5-13.
• Testing the Waters Watershed education program empowering teachers to use the Milwaukee River basin as a learning lab for water quality research and data collection.
• Birthday Parties Nature-themed birthday party celebrations with multiple party themes and naturalist-led programs.
• Community Rivers Program Community initiative supporting healthy river communities through collaborative actions to improve Milwaukee River health and quality.
• Family Nature Club Free outdoor family-based experience led by Riveredge staff at various locations in neighboring counties, running September through June.
• Riveredge Farm On-site permaculture farm providing educational opportunities about sustainable farming practices.
• Trails and Trail Access Access to 10+ miles of trails through forests, prairies, ponds, and Milwaukee River frontage, available to members and day visitors for a fee.
• Summer Storytime Outdoor story reading program where Environmental Educators read seasonal stories and lead outdoor activities for children ages 2-6.
• Riveredge Summer Art Series Weekly art workshops exploring creative expression inspired by nature with guided art projects.
• Memory Cafe Monthly gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers featuring nature-related activities, offered in partnership with Ozaukee County ADRC.
• Nature Based Counseling with Youth and Family Project Free counseling sessions bringing families together in nature to strengthen connections, improve communication, and support mental well-being.
• Yoga & Mindfulness in Nature Mental and physical health program combining beginner-to-intermediate yoga flow with outdoor mindfulness practices including walking meditation and journaling.
• Green Thumb Gardeners Garden-based early childhood program for learners ages 2-5 focusing on garden exploration, literacy, and nature intelligence.
• Stroll with a Naturalist Guided nature walks focusing on specific topics such as butterflies, dragonflies, prairie flowers, and edible/medicinal plants.
• Geocaching Program GPS-based treasure hunt experience using handheld units to track down hidden containers around the property.
• Welcome Hike Free guided tour for new members covering Riveredge history, membership benefits, and trail highlights.
• Free Trails Day Community open day where trail fees are waived, allowing free access to 10 miles of trails.
• Riveredge Bioblitz Annual citizen science event where participants help identify and document wildlife and plant species at Riveredge.
• Autumn Acoustics Music Festival Annual all-ages music festival featuring indie rock, folk, blues, and singer-songwriter performances on two outdoor stages.
• Farm to Table Dinner Annual fundraising gala celebrating environmental education and conservation with dinner beneath the stars.
• Student Research Symposium Annual academic event showcasing undergraduate and graduate student research with poster and oral presentations in biology, environmental science, and related fields.
• Yule Log Dinner & Hunt Member-exclusive winter solstice celebration featuring Yule Log stew over campfire, lantern-lit hunt, and seasonal traditions.
• Venue Rentals Rental of Riveredge facilities for private events, weddings, and group gatherings.
• All-Terrain Wheelchair Free reservation of Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair for visitors with mobility needs.
• Scientist in Residence Program engaging students in nature-based scientific research experiences.
• Ski and Snowboard Club Family-oriented snow sports program for skiing and snowboarding.
• Winter Camp Seasonal winter camp program for children.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ lake sturgeon released through conservation partnership
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wisconsin DNRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for lake sturgeon conservation. Riveredge raises young sturgeon at their facility and releases them into Wisconsin waters. Over 20,000 sturgeon have been raised and released through this partnership. The Return the Sturgeon project is a key conservation initiative.
• Ozaukee County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly Memory Cafe partnership providing nature-based social activities for people with memory loss and their caregivers. The cafe meets on the first Thursday of each month and offers nature-related activities in a supportive environment.
• Youth and Family ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree nature-based counseling sessions for youth (ages 8-12) and families. Programs aim to strengthen connections, improve communication, and support mental well-being through nature activities including walking, crafts, and mindfulness practices.
• Access Ability WisconsincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing free all-terrain wheelchairs (Action Trackchair model ST) for visitors with mobility needs, making nature accessible to all.
• Urban Ecology CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization for bird monitoring projects and conservation initiatives in the Milwaukee area.
• Mequon Nature PreserveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for conservation and research initiatives, including shared bird banding programs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: State government agency that is Riveredge's sturgeon conservation partner. Comparable in ecosystem management focus but operates as a regulator/manager rather than a nonprofit nature center.

Direct peers

• Mequon Nature Preserve: Southeastern Wisconsin nature preserve explicitly named as a Riveredge partner for conservation and research (bird banding). Comparable in mission (preservation, education, research) and regional scope.
• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Milwaukee-area Audubon-affiliated nature center offering environmental education, summer camps, and conservation programs on comparable acreage in the same metro. Direct competitor for members, school field trips, and donor dollars.
• Urban Ecology Center: Milwaukee-based nonprofit nature center explicitly named as a Riveredge partner for bird monitoring. Operates three locations, runs similar environmental education, summer camps, and conservation programs.
• Wehr Nature Center: Wisconsin-based nature center operated by Milwaukee County Parks offering environmental education, trails, and seasonal programming. Comparable in scale and programming mix to Riveredge.
• MacKenzie Environmental Education Center: Wisconsin environmental education center offering outdoor programming, school field trips, and nature-based learning. Directly comparable in educational mission and program portfolio.
• Heckrodt Wetland Reserve: Wisconsin-based nature preserve focused on wetland education, wildlife observation, and environmental programs. Smaller in scale but similar in nonprofit nature center model and educational mission.

Regional players

• Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve: University of Minnesota-affiliated long-term ecological research site in Minnesota. Comparable in ecological research, citizen science programming (BioBlitz analog), and outdoor education model but on a larger research-driven scale.
• Aldo Leopold Foundation: Wisconsin-based nonprofit focused on land conservation and ecological research at the Leopold-Pine Farm. Comparable in Wisconsin conservation focus but distinct in land ownership vs. nature center operations.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy - Wisconsin: Global conservation nonprofit with Wisconsin chapter active in watershed protection and habitat restoration (areas overlapping with Riveredge's Milwaukee River work). Larger scale, broader geographic scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwaOkZYuVLjta80vSxSHMBw
• Facebookfacebook.com/riveredgenaturecenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/riveredge-nature-center-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/riveredgenaturecenter
• Xx.com/RiveredgeNC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Riveredge Nature Center