Eco-discovery center opens at Salt Fork State Park on Earth Day
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Earth Day to open the Salt Fork Eco-Discovery Center.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Salt Fork State Park Eco-Discovery Center April 22. The new facility highlights the importance of conservation through exhibits and environmental education.
“The Eco-Discovery Center provides an engaging space for visitors to explore the connections between people and nature,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “With hands-on exhibits, live animal displays and sustainable design features, this facility serves as a model for how we can all do our part to protect Ohio’s natural resources.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Earth Day to officially open the new center.
The one-story, 3,332-square-foot building features interactive exhibits, terrariums and aquariums with live animals, fully accessible indoor and outdoor restrooms, and a welcoming introduction from Salt Fork’s legendary resident Bigfoot.
As visitors move through the exhibits, they learn how Bigfoot, despite having big feet, keeps his environmental footprint small. Displays guide guests through Salt Fork’s forest ecosystem and illustrate the interconnectedness of nature. Signage provides tips for practicing sustainability in everyday life, aligning with ODNR’s ConServe Ohio initiative.
The Eco-Discovery Center also is a model of sustainable construction. It incorporates high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and a water bottle refilling station. Outdoor features include a green roof and wall, which absorb rainwater and filter pollutants.
Additional sustainable components include solar panels, permeable pathways and a rainwater harvesting system. The landscape surrounding the building includes a patio with seating, a rain garden, native trees, a meadow and a trail through diverse habitats.
Native plants and wildlife found throughout Salt Fork State Park also are featured in the center’s displays.
The $4.9 million project was supported by a $2,250,500 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Additional financial backing came from the Ohio State Parks Foundation and sustainability partner KeyBank.
The Salt Fork Eco-Discovery Center is now open to the public.