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Monona Educational Facility
This building was created to demonstrate that we can live lightly on the earth. It showcases
renewable energy systems, building techniques, and natural and recycled materials which help
us live compatibly with the rest of the environment.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Energy is not forever. When we heat, light, and cool our buildings, we are using up natural
gas, oil and wood faster than it can be replaced. When we burn these fuels, toxic substances
are sometimes released into the air. Therefore, we need to find new energy sources which are
readily available, and, at the same time, find ways to make those that we are using last
longer. One way to do this is to rely on renewable energy by using the sun's energy to make
heat and electricity. Another way is to make ice when it is cold and save it to cool the
inside air in the summer. These systems heat and cool our new facility.
Building Location - The Aldo Leopold Nature Center uses both of these methods to heat, light
and cool the new building. Our building faces south and uses the sun's light and heat
especially in winter when the sun is low in the sky. The sun's heat is absorbed by the
concrete floors and is gradually released into the room. The building, located at the foot
of a hill, is protected from the cold north wind. The shape of the building and the
insulation around the building keeps heat inside and cold outside.
Solar Hot Water System - On the roof, we have installed solar panels which heat liquid that
circulates in tubes in the concrete floor. The heat then radiates up into the room. We can
save additional energy by turning down the thermostat when the room is not in use. The sun's
energy will heat water for our kitchen and bathrooms.
Photovoltaic Energy System - In addition, we have another system that changes the sun's
energy into useable electricity. Mounted on the roof, these special solar collectors are
called photovoltaic cells. If these collectors produce more energy than we use it could be sent on for others to use. If this was the case, the meter would run backwards, reducing the monthly electric bill.
These renewable energy systems were provided by Wisconsin Power and Light Company and were
installed by Altech Energy LLC.
OTHER ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Leopold Logs at the Entrance and in the Lobby - Our entrance is flanked by four Aldo Leopold
pine logs, planted by Aldo Leopold and his family up at "The Shack" in the 1930s and harvested
with draft horses by Nature Center volunteers in April 1996. The logs were stripped by hand by volunteers and left outside to weather naturally. As structural supports in the lobby, these logs provide a lasting metaphor for Leopold's support of the conservation ethic and Environmental Education.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring in Lobby - Salvaged from an old warehouse scheduled for demolition
in New Orleans, these 100-year-old yellow heart pine boards were re-planed by Resplendent Mill
Shop and shipped for nominal charge by W & A Shipping of Ft. Atkinson for use in the Nature
Center. Their installation, by Bartrol Hardwood Floors, shows us that timber created for one
project can be reused-- even generations later-- in different ways.
Recycled Wood - Inside some of our walls are 2X4 supports made from recycled wood products.
These pieces are made from lumber scraps fused under high pressure by TrusJoist MacMillan.
Recycled Decking Planks - The flooring material on our outside decks is made from Trex, a
recycled composite material made from recycled plastics, like shopping bags and stretch film,
and wood shavings. The material will weather down to a soft grey color and will never need
sanding or painting.
Natural Floor Coverings - Floor coverings can be made from a variety of natural sources.
Wool carpeting in the loft and stairs is made from sheep; seagrass carpeting in the office
areas is made from plant material. These carpets are courtesy of an anonymous donor and Stark
Carpet.
Wood Cabinetry - Wood is a locally-available renewable resource. The maple cabinetry is a
gift from Kitchens of Distinction.
Natural Stone Countertop - The granite kitchen countertop shows nature's beauty and is a
gift from Madison Cut Stone.
Willow Twig Railings - Capturing nature's beauty as well as her strength, these natural
twig railings were created from willow branches.
Antler Chandeliers - Naturally shed by deer each season, these antlers were collected
from the northwoods and crafted in Wisconsin.
These features help children understand how we can live compatibly with the environment.
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