Highlighted Projects

Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center

Rochester, MN

For nearly two decades, the companies of McGhie & Betts have been working on the development of the property that houses the Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Science Center in northwest Rochester. The Center has now opened and has applied for LEED Platinum status from the US Green Building Council, the highest ranking for green buildings. When certified in late 2011 Cascade Meadows will be one of only two LEED Platinum buildings in Minnesota.

The site area features best management practices in storm water management creation and landscaping techniques which will be used for sustainable site design programs. The site also offers a considerable opportunity to restore and improve a historically degraded wetlands within the city of Rochester.  A comprehensive wetland restoration plan has been developed and includes the restoration and creation of more than seven different types of wetland and prairie communities. These natural areas will be accessible by a planned system of trails and will serve as an educational and aesthetic resource for the Rochester community.  The first phase of this wetland project has been the construction of a 12 acre lake to provide a deep water habitat.

MBI and MBESI have been the principal planners, environmental scientists, surveyors, and civil engineers involved in the Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center which will focus on programs aimed at adult education about wetlands, water and energy. Before even opening the doors, MBESI assisted local school children and volunteers from IBM in planting native wetland species and trees for the center. Our involvement in the center has closely followed the Green Building Council goals for sustainable sites, water efficiency, design and function of energy and atmosphere systems, materials and resource selection and use, indoor air quality and innovation in design.

As another educational tool, the Client contacted our GIS department to request a large scale Aerial Floor Map to be created for the floor of the learning center.  The map consisted of the limits of the Zumbro River Watershed.  MBI partnered with the five counties that the watershed touches to create a High-Resolution Aerial Map scaled at approximately 1 foot = 3.75 miles.  The map file was sent to the Science Museum of Minnesota and printed on special paper made by 3M with an adhesive backing.  As shown below, the images were spliced together and aligned with true north to create a hands on exhibit encouraging visitors to explore their watershed from a birds-eye view.  It was our privilege at MBI to provide the learning center with yet another educational tool that is fun and interactive.