Riverwood Nature Center

CONNECT WITH NATURE ON THE APPLE RIVER

IN THE HEART OF STAR PRAIRIE

Riverwood Nature Center, Inc. is a non-profit conservation organization formed in 2019, located in Star Prairie, Wisconsin. Riverwood consists of 33.7 acres with over 3,100 feet of frontage on the 77.5-mile Apple River with prime upland and aquatic wildlife habitat. The property had previously operated for over 100 years as the former Utgaard Chicken Hatchery. 

Riverwood’s mission and purpose is to acquire and maintain property for conservation purposes; to provide education to the public about environmental conservation and preservation; to provide opportunities for community members to connect with nature and each other, and to ensure that future generations can experience and enjoy natural habitats, land, and water resources.

With over two miles of maintained trails leading along the banks of the Apple River to points of interest and beauty, Riverwood hopes to create a social infrastructure within the community that bonds its citizens by encouraging engagement with the outdoors and inspiring an appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship. Riverwood plans to continue creating community events such as seasonal walks, trail days, scavenger hunts, nature-inspired art activities, with ample volunteer opportunities that bring even more occasions for environmental mindset and community bonds to grow. 

Riverwood has several existing buildings on its property which are in varying levels of repurposing and refurbishing to create additional community space. Several organizations and school groups have enjoyed the use of Riverwood’s Outdoor Environmental Shed which opens directly to the trails and Apple River. One of the existing sheds now features River Revival Thrift Store, stocked entirely by previously loved goods donated by the community, and staffed by countless hours of creative and generous volunteers. Riverwood is also undergoing restoration work on its prairie to support the natural habitat that once thrived as an oak savanna, and a flyway for both the Karner blue butterfly and the rusty patch bumblebee. 

There’s a lot happening at this region’s newest Nature Center and we invite YOU to come be a part of its growth and success and to help protect this gem on the Apple River for generations to enjoy!

SO MANY WAYS TO HELP!

• Donate to this fundraiser today!
• Donate your gently used goods or come shop at River Revival Thrift Store
• Join us with Volunteer support at the Nature Center or at the Thrift Store
• Bring your leadership and ideas for programming in our new spaces
• Connect with the Riverwood on Facebook and Instagram
• Grab a friend and join us for an event or work day
• Visit Riverwood and explore the trails and the Apple River