Empowering Access to Nature: The Impact of Wispact Foundation Legacy Grants on Riveredge Nature Center, Saukville, WI.
Riveredge Nature Center, a nonprofit that stewards 485 acres of restored prairie, woodland, and wetland along the Milwaukee River.
At Wispact Foundation, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through thoughtful and strategic grantmaking. Recently, we had the privilege of supporting the incredible work of Riveredge Nature Center, a nonprofit that stewards 485 acres of restored prairie, woodland, and wetland along the Milwaukee River. Since 1968, Riveredge has been a beacon for environmental education, conservation, and community connection. With the help of two Wispact Foundation Legacy Grants, Riveredge is expanding accessibility and inclusion in transformative ways.
Making Nature Accessible to All
One of the most remarkable projects funded by the Wispact grant is the acquisition of an Action Track Chair, a state-of-the-art all-terrain wheelchair. This innovative device allows individuals with mobility challenges to navigate rugged trails, snow, mud, and other challenging terrains effortlessly.
“The feeling of empowerment and joy is so evident on people’s faces,” said Amy Casey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Riveredge Nature Center. “It’s always a little bit of a curiosity or timidity when they use the chair for the first time, but once they’re seated, belted in, and get the quick tutorial, they’re so excited to move freely and independently.”
The Action Track Chair has opened up Riveredge’s 485-acre campus—home to over 10 miles of trails, old-growth forests, ephemeral ponds, and diverse Wisconsin habitats—to individuals who might otherwise have been unable to explore its natural beauty.
“Our campus is a little slice of Wisconsin’s natural heritage,” Amy explained. “It’s a place of serenity, connection, and restoration. Making that accessible to everyone has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Expanding Programmatic Access
In addition to the Action Track Chair, Wispact also funded a programmatic grant that allows Riveredge to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This grant has enabled the center to:
• Expand programming tailored to individuals with disabilities.
• Provide memberships to partner organizations, benefiting their clients and families.
• Create holistic access opportunities, both physically and programmatically.
“This grant allows us to remove financial and physical barriers for so many individuals,” Amy shared. “It’s about making nature and its benefits accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances.”
A Shared Mission of Inclusion
At its core, the partnership between Wispact Foundation and Riveredge Nature Center reflects a shared commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces. Riveredge’s dedication to fostering community connection and environmental stewardship resonates deeply with Wispact’s mission.
“We’re so grateful for Wispact’s support,” Amy said. “The turnaround time from application to response was excellent, and everyone we interacted with was responsive and positive. The impact of these grants on our organization and the community has been profound.”
The Transformative Power of Nature
Riveredge Nature Center is more than a destination; it’s a sanctuary where individuals can find peace, connection, and inspiration. From birdwatching in a migratory hotspot to exploring diverse ecosystems, visitors of all abilities can now fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes.
“When people realize they can navigate almost anywhere on our campus, the moment of empowerment is palpable,” Amy noted. “It’s an emotional and transformative experience.”
How You Can Support Riveredge Nature Center
Riveredge’s mission to make nature accessible to all depends on the generosity of supporters. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, there are many ways to get involved. The center is currently fundraising for a capital campaign to renovate its aging visitor center, prioritizing accessibility in the new design.
For more information about how you can support Riveredge, visit riveredgenaturecenter.org.
A Grateful Partnership
Wispact Foundation is honored to support organizations like Riveredge Nature Center that make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Together, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and restorative power of nature.
As Amy Casey put it, “This is such important work—to support individuals with disabilities and create inclusive opportunities. We’re so glad to be among the many organizations receiving Wispact’s support.”