River Bend Nature Center, Inc.

Helping all people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us.

"Minnesota Academy for the Deaf has partnered with River Bend Nature Center for years to provide our students with opportunities to connect with the outdoors and practice adaptive and valuable employment skills in and around green jobs. Beyond that, I think the most important thing to me is how River Bend goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our students. In a world where it's often easier to leave people with different abilities and backgrounds on the margins, organizations like River Bend Nature Center that are accessible and welcoming to everyone are more important than ever.”

~ Mark Schwartz- Minnesota Academy for the Deaf

Pictured above is Jonah from MSAB, with job coach Nancie, who loves volunteering at River Bend Nature Center

As we look back over 2022, it’s easy to see how important River Bend is to EVERYONE in our community. This is the first year since the start of the pandemic that our educational programs have been back in full swing and we continue to see more and more people visit the center during their free time to explore the trails and discover the unique diversity of plants and animals at RBNC. The people who rely on River Bend are as diverse as the plants and animals found at the nature center and we’re honored to maintain an inclusive environment for ALL our visitors.

Maintaining and growing a nature center that is accessible to everyone takes resources. As we're sure that you’ve seen in your personal lives over the last year, costs are continuing to rise for River Bend as well and that’s why your end of year gift is so crucial.

There is a place and an experience for everyone at River Bend. River Bend DOES NOT receive any regular public funds through taxes. River Bend is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dependent on individual sources of funding, including event and program fees, memberships, foundation grants, and donations from individuals and businesses who believe in the importance of our mission.

We ask for your generous support today. It is an investment in a priceless community resource. It is a vital investment in our future, and a worthy and enduring legacy.

The staff at River Bend are excited to announce that a group of anonymous donors have committed a $6,000 matching donation to River Bend Nature Center. Make your donation double today and help River Bend continue to be a community resource for everyone to enjoy!

Thank you for your continued support of River Bend Nature Center as a visitor, donor, or volunteer!

River Bend Nature Center: A Living Community Treasure