Madison philanthropist Jerry Frautschi is donating $14.3 million to launch fundraising efforts for a visitor and education center at UW–Madison campus’ Lakeshore Nature Preserve, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
The Lakeshore Nature Preserve Frautschi Center will focus on the university’s commitment to sustainability and support experiential learning and research for over 25 academic programs. It will also serve as an environmental education resource for the community.
The proposed 10,000-square-foot center, to be located near the entrance of the 300-acre preserve that includes Picnic Point and the Lakeshore Path, will provide educational and support services for a projected 149,000 annual visitors. It will also provide classroom and bathroom access.
UW–Madison plans to raise the entire $16.8 million project cost, with Frautschi’s gift covering most of the amount. The university will launch an additional $5 million fundraising effort to support programming and ongoing center operations.
Facility construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the center opening in 2026. The building will be powered by renewable energy and is expected to generate more energy than it uses through solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems. Plans also include a surrounding native plant “bioswale” or ditches filled with vegetation to collect and remove pollution from stormwater.
