Working Toward a Climate-Neutral Facility
Targeting net-zero energy use, the campus integrates as many sustainable building and site design elements as possible. It comprises structures repurposed from existing buildings and uses regionally sourced materials where feasible, with renewable energy components like ground source geothermal heating and cooling, solar energy, sustainable water management, and more.
By showcasing practices that are becoming increasingly necessary in the face of climate change, the Conservation Center demonstrates how a large facility can be climate-neutral and preserve the natural features of the surrounding habitat. These carefully planned elements also provide ongoing savings in utility expenses—leveraging more dollars for land protection and stewardship.

Rainwater Harvesting
A rainwater harvesting system provides about 90% of the Conservation Center’s irrigation and flushing needs. Rainwater is captured from the roof of the main building, filtered, and then used to flush toilets and irrigate native landscaping and the greenhouse
A simple rain barrel system installed at the volunteer hub also captures rain from its roof that is supplied to the greenhouse.