Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve

Riggs Ward Design created a playful, hands-on exhibit for the Stevens Creek Nature Center, a 281-acre preserve that includes forest, creek, and garden environments. The new exhibit is designed to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the natural features of North Carolina through interactive learning and imaginative displays.

At the heart of the space are several immersive elements, including a touch tank modeled after a creek bed, a digital sandbox, and a large-scale model of a mussel that highlights the preserve’s aquatic life. Informative graphics and a biotic resources table offer opportunities for deeper discovery, allowing children and families to learn about the diverse ecosystems found throughout the surrounding landscape.

A suspended Pirate Perch fish, complete with detailed glochidia models, adds a whimsical and eye-catching focal point overhead. Together, these tactile, visual, and interpretive features create an engaging environment that encourages visitors to see, touch, and connect with the natural world.