Brushwood Center Launches Public Phase Of $10M Campaign To Expand Programs, Renovate Building

RIVERWOODS, IL — Calling it a "critical time to increase private resources dedicated to the environment and sustainability," the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods recently announced it has launched the public phase of its largest-ever capital campaign. Organizers say that $8 million has already been raised of a $10 million goal that would help expand programming and renovate its building at Ryerson Woods.

With programming focused on children, adults, families and veterans, Brushwood Center works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County and the Chicago region.

"Nature and the arts are instruments of healing. They help us deepen connection with each other and the world," said Catherine Game, executive director at Brushwood Center. "The ACTIVATE campaign will empower Brushwood Center to expand access to nature and the arts to more of our community members, in a welcoming space."

Organizers of the campaign say the number of visitors to Brushwood Center continue to grow, which has led to a need for building renovations to accommodate a "surge in demand." They believe improvements to the historic building will create an inclusive and sustainable space for the future.

The campaign officially launched earlier this month at the 42nd annual Smith Nature Symposium Awards Dinner at Chicago Botanic Garden.

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Brushwood Center is working with renowned environmental architecture firm, Serena Sturm, to expand the buildings' accessibility and environmental impact. Among the new building improvements will be the Maxine M. Hunter Performance Plaza, funded with a $2.5 million gift from the Hunter Family Foundation.

The Plaza, named in memory of Maxine M. Hunter, Brushwood’s first board chair, will be a new outdoor venue that will "dramatically increase access" to healing arts and nature-based programs for communities across the area.

To learn more about ACTIVATE: A Campaign for Investment in Community, visit here.