Darien Nature Center Receives $50K Challenge Grant For Animal Room Renovation

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Nature Center announced that the Riley Family Foundation has pledged a $50,000 challenge grant to support the reimagining of the center’s Animal Room, which serves as the focal point of the organization’s educational programming.

The Nature Center said it has raised more than $150,000 toward its $250,000 fundraising goal, and the Riley Family Foundation grant is intended to encourage additional community donations to help fund the remaining balance.

The foundation is based in Darien and supports small to mid-size organizations.

"We are truly thankful for the Riley Family Foundation’s support of our vision to reimagine the Animal Room," said Darien Nature Center Executive Director Angela Whitford, in a news release. "This transformative project represents the largest renovation to the building since it opened in 2002, and every dollar donated brings the Nature Center closer to reaching its goal and beginning renovations in June."

Plans for the redesigned Animal Room include three-dimensional trees, immersive murals and naturalistic habitats reflecting Connecticut’s native ecosystems.

The updated space is expected to serve thousands of visitors each year, including preschool and elementary school students, families, scouts and community groups, offering an interactive setting for hands-on learning.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin immediately after the conclusion of the preschool year in order to reduce disruption to the animals and ongoing programs.

An early phase of the project, including a new snag tree habitat and painted forest canopy for resident owls Luna and Blinken, was completed in 2024 through a gift from The Darien Foundation, the campaign’s lead donor.

"The Darien Nature Center is truly a gem in our community, and this stunning Animal Room renovation will serve Darien families for generations to come," said Molly Robertson, program director and animal care director, in a news release. "We are deeply grateful to all who have felt inspired to be part of this project."

Additional information and donation details are available at dariennaturecenter.org.