Campus: Building the Future
The New Linda Boyle
Nature Center Facility
Our top project is the construction of a state-of-the-art nature center and forest preschool campus on our beautiful property in Glenburn. We are thrilled to share our plans for this facility — and why it’s so much more than just a building.
Our environmentally-based forest preschool will have both outdoor and indoor classrooms designed to serve nearly 50 young children (ages 3-5) each year. The center will be the heart of Maine Nature Kids, a place where children can start their day singing songs in an outdoor circle and finish inside with a story. It’s a one-of-a-kind project for our region, and it’s well underway — but we need your support to complete it.
_Page_16.png)
About the Site
The future home of our center sits on 88 acres of diverse habitat — from woodlands and fields to wetlands and a serene pond. The landscape itself is our greatest asset. The design of the center takes full advantage of the setting by blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Trails and an outdoor play area will radiate from the main building, encouraging kids to explore the outdoors safely.
Situating the center here transforms a once-abandoned but now reforested piece of land into a lively sanctuary for children and wildlife alike.
About the Building
We have partnered with award-winning RODE Architects to create a facility that is welcoming, sustainable and deeply connected to nature. The building will act as a gateway to the outdoors by serving as a portal for students, teachers, and parents — a bridge connecting people with nature. The architecture itself is inspired by the Maine wilderness; expect to see natural wood materials, large panoramic windows and a beautiful blend of indoor comfort with outdoor views.
-
The planned building is roughly 5,500 square feet with three classrooms and multi-use space.
-
Each classroom is linked to a crescent-shaped multi-use space and adjacent crescent-shaped porch as well as to trails and outdoor learning areas. Teachers can seamlessly move lessons from inside to outside as weather permits.
-
Inside, the design is simple and calming – think of warm wood tones and lots of natural light pouring in. High ceilings and north-facing windows will flood the space with daylight, giving kids a constant connection to the sky and weather outside.
-
There will be child-sized furniture, nooks filled with nature books and science tools, and individual cubbies for muddy boots and rain gear, emphasizing that getting dirty is encouraged here!
-
A commercial-grade kitchen will offer nutritious lunches and snacks and opportunities for nutritional education.
Sustainability and Innovation
We know that caring for nature starts with how we build. That’s why our new center is being constructed to high green standards, including plans to incorporate Passive House techniques, thus minimizing our environmental footprint. This approach will keep operating costs low and will turn the building itself into a teaching tool.
The site design also protects surrounding habitats: Our construction plan preserves existing trees as much as possible and includes creating safe pathways around sensitive wetland areas. We are working with naturalists to ensure that wildlife like frogs, birds, deer and numerous other fauna continue to thrive alongside our activities. This project is about building with nature, not on top of it.
Key Features
Expansive 88-Acre Natural Campus
Children will have access to 88 acres of forest, wetlands and trails as their outdoor classroom, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Indoor-Outdoor
Classrooms
The facility includes three indoor classrooms (for art, science, and quiet time) that open to outdoor learning areas, enabling year-round outdoor play and nature study. Even in winter, kids can bundle up and learn outside, returning to a warm indoor space when needed.
Child-Centered
Design
Every detail is built for young learners — from child-height windows that let little ones watch birds to cozy quiet areas. An indoor multi-purpose room will provide space for community events, family nights and rainy-day play.
Eco-Friendly Construction
The center will use energy-efficient Passive House design and non-toxic, sustainable materials. We’re aiming for a minimal carbon footprint, aligning our building with the values of conservation we teach.
Community Gathering Space
Beyond preschool, the facility will serve as a small nature center for the community –— a place for workshops, guest speaker events, and weekend nature programs.
Ready to Build
Thanks to generous early supporters, we have completed the land acquisition and design phase of our project. Now, the final push is on to fund the construction. Our goal is to break ground by the upcoming building season so the Linda Boyle Nature Center can open its doors and forest trails to children as soon as possible. Please browse our project gallery to view architectural drawings and renderings of the new facility as well as photos of the property as it looks today.
