Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

MJ provided site design, landscape architecture, and environmental engineering and for this project to improve the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. MJ worked closely with Envision Architects and the NYS Office of General Services to develop an active learning site and recreation center for natural resource and environmental topics as well as a model for green building techniques. The project includes extensive site work and a new 9,500-sq. ft. single story frame structure that fits within the architectural and site context of the surrounding community.

MJ’s design provides visitors with observable and interactive learning. The interactive design acquaints visitors with green site features within view - the rain garden, porous pavement, native plantings, bioswales, stormwater wetland, and water-retention pond. The benefits and functions of these features are detailed in diagrams and photographs, and visitors learn they can easily be incorporated into a variety of landscapes.

MJ’s design included an evaluation of the treatment facilities and their ability to meet NYSDEC stormwater management design standards. MJ evaluated the design to determine compliance with NYSDEC and LEED standards for stormwater. MJ prepared a narrative describing the stormwater treatment practices.