A campaign for irvine nature center
For close to 50 years, Irvine has been a community resource for nature exploration and inspiration. As the largest independent nonprofit environmental education center in the Baltimore region, Irvine connects children, adults, and families to nature by providing access to the outdoors on our 211-acre property.
Irvine’s Cultivating Community campaign is an expansion and renovation project that will further solidify our position as a key destination for nature-based exploration and a leader in environmental education. To date, we have raised nearly $5 million dollars and are over halfway to our goal. By investing in Irvine, you are providing access to nature for all on our Baltimore County property for years to come.
Supporters of Cultivating Community will help Irvine Nature Center achieve:
In preparation for its 50th anniversary in 2025, Irvine wishes to expand capabilities to accommodate a growing need for access to nature for more children, adults, and families on Irvine’s 211-acre property. Access to nature is critical to the health of our diverse community and our Cultivating Community campaign is about connecting more people to nature in all seasons.
Serving thousands of diverse audiences each year on its campus through robust nature-based programming and events, Irvine must make the necessary changes to manage recent growth to remain a vital community resource for years to come. To continue being an effective educator of students and steward of nature, the space must grow with us, and our expansion plans support these efforts. Our new facility will provide additional classrooms with centralized gathering spaces, which will help meet the demands for growth in early childhood programming and accommodate more young children on their journey to connect with nature. A second floor, all-season space will allow us to fulfill numerous requests for public events and programs, opening doors to nature for more in our community.
Renovations to the Exhibit Hall will provide expanded space for our resident Animal Ambassadors. Exhibits will showcase the natural history of the Piedmont region, the trails and property at Irvine, and the importance of protecting our planet. The revamping of this space will significantly enhance the experience for all Irvine visitors and program participants.
We invite you to join our campaign, help open doors to nature, and create a legacy of environmental stewardship for the next generation. To learn more, contact Brooks Paternotte, Executive Director at 443-738-9229.
CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS
List reflects gifts and pledges as of March 1, 2025.
$1 MILLION +
Charles T. Bauer Charitable Foundation
$500K +
The Preston G. and Nancy M. Athey Fund
State of Maryland
$250K +
Douglas Allchin
Baltimore County, Maryland
The Estate of Charlton Friedberg
Gail and Jim Riepe
$100K +
Anonymous
Bunting Family Foundation
France-Merrick Foundation
Lynn and Terral Jordan
The John J. Leidy Foundation
The M&T Charitable Foundation
Carolyn S. and Donald F. Obrecht Family Foundation
George and Jennifer Reynolds
$50K +
Amy Jean Boebel
Janet and Dixon Harvey
Mary Howard and Stephen Howard
Middendorf Foundation
The Rockwell Family Fund
Truman Semans
Shawe Family Foundation
Jim and Barbara Shea
$25K +
The Estates of Nancy and Richard Allchin
Caves Farm
Constellation
David and Jen Dardis
Stephen and Glenda LeGendre
George S. Rich Family Foundation
Nettie and Tom Washburn
Thomas Wilson Foundation
$10K +
Geoffrey and Elizabeth Adams
Anonymous
Richie and Lisa Blue
Dana and Angus Burton
Dr. Suzanne E. Chapelle Ph.D.
Eric and Lacie DeCosta
Helen Pumphrey Denit Trust
Frank and Lesley Dudek
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Farber
Grumbine Family Fund
L’Aiglon Foundation
William Legg
Thomas & Carol Obrecht Family Foundation
Clement and Gabrielle Palevich
Brooks and Elizabeth Paternotte
David D. Seifert
Brian and Joy Singer
Anna and Beetle Smith
David Wilmerding
$5K +
Wendy Bond
Charm City Run
Melissa and Augie Chiasera
Jack Finney
John and Michelle Guinee
Harry Holt Jr. Family
Kari-Ann and Mark Lynne
Catherine and Seth McDonnell
$1K +
Jamie Brown
Debbie Cameron
Greenspring Valley Garden Club
Diana Krevor
Kara and Josh Levinson
Leah and Jeff Maddox
Cara and Mark Norris
Bob and Arden Travers
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Washburne Jr.
Michael Yaggy
