Phase II Construction

Project Updates Diane Kerly Welcome Pavilion progress November 2023

Construction of the new Diane Kerly Welcome Pavilion and Phase II of the Spring Creek Education Building is exciting and creates the need for extra care and attention. For everyone's safety, all Millbrook Marsh visitors should use caution, take notice of moving construction vehicles in the parking areas, paths, and fields, and keep out of the fenced-off areas.

Restrooms and the lobby in the Spring Creek Education Building (Phase I) will remain open during Nature Center office hours and programs; all other education building areas are closed until construction is complete.

The Nature Center grounds, boardwalk, and trails will remain open to the public during the construction of the facilities. Please excuse our mess and use caution while visiting Millbrook Marsh. Thank you; your patience is appreciated!

Check back for updated project information and progress photos.

View of Spring Creek Education Building from Puddintown Road - Community Room and two lower classroomsThank You, Donors! 

Fundraising is complete for the Phase II renovation and expansion of the Spring Creek Education Building and the construction of the Diane Kerly Welcome Pavilion. The $2.6 million project is supported by community gifts, The Hamer Foundation, grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, College, Ferguson, Harris, and Patton Townships, and the Borough of State College.

Donald Hamer, of Bellefonte and founder of The Hamer Foundation, and Diane Kerly, of State College and former Hamer Foundation Trustee, were passionate about conservation and environmental education.

"Millbrook Marsh Nature Center was a special place to Don and Diane, and we are really pleased to support this effort."

-- Pat Morse, Hamer Foundation Trustee.

Expanding Our Ability to Offer More Enriching Experiences

Our Phase II expansion project will more than double the square footage of the existing Education Building—expanding the capacity to host educational community programs and provide space for meeting groups and special events. Phase II of the Spring Creek Education Building includes the Donald Hamer Community Room and Visitors Center with a greeter, hands-on interpretive displays, and wildlife viewing areas, two additional classrooms that open to the nearby aquatic ecosystem, the transformation of the existing lower classroom into a multipurpose public programming space, and the addition of two restrooms.

Additionally, the Diane Kerly Welcome Pavilion will greet arriving visitors and provide them with information and educational materials. The pavilion will include a water fountain, a water bottle filling station, four family restrooms, and resting areas. 

Once the project is complete, the Nature Center will expand education and recreation opportunities by increasing the number of naturalist-led programs, events, and workshops offered each year and expand the type of events to include music, films, art exhibits, and more.

Welcome Pavilion