Gudelsky Environmental Education Center
The Gudelsky Environmental Education Center is located on the previous site of a large dairy barn. When the Conservancy took ownership in 1993, only the stone foundation of the dairy barn remained. The Conservancy used this area as an outdoor classroom space until the Gudelsky Center was constructed in 2005.
The old dairy barn was a bank barn that featured an earthen ramp. This barn would have housed livestock like horses and cows on its lower level, with hay and other storage on the upper level. The roof of the dairy barn collapsed during a 1940s snowstorm. After the roof collapsed, the barn was not repaired.
Old dairy barn foundation where education programs were held prior to the construction of the Gudelsky Environmental Education Center. The center sits on the site of the old dairy barn. Image Credit: Conservancy circa 1990
View through door into old dairy barn foundation. Bank barn is visible in the background. Image credit: Conservancy
A tree grew inside of the old dairy barn foundation. Image credit: Conservancy
Tables set up inside of the foundation. Image credit: Conservancy
When entering the current nature center on the lower level, the stone wall to your right is the old earthen ramp that led into the upper level of the dairy barn. Builders intentionally designed this new construction to blend with the historic outbuildings.
View of lower-level nature center stone wall
Front view of Gudelsky Environmental Education Center
Your next steps:
Head left from the entrance of the building. Feel free to head around the corner and enjoy the view from the deck or pass through the building to the deck if it is open. Otherwise, head down the stairs and follow the cement walk to the corn crib.
