The Nature Conservancy Ordway Prairie Center
Leola, SD

Dedicated to preserving ecologically-important land and water for both nature and people, The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit organization focused on balancing the indigenous needs for economic development and growth with the protection of natural environments throughout the world. At the Ordway Prairie Preserve in South Dakota, the organization built new headquarters, consisting of two structures designed to meet LEED Platinum Project standards. The new headquarters serve a mixed purpose, providing housing for staff and temporary prescribed-burn workers, administrative offices, as well as providing a unique community education space dedicated to prairie conservation.

By utilizing sustainable features such as passive solar, ground-source heat, recyclable materials, and energy-efficient fixtures and appliances, the new buildings are designed to showcase sustainable practices that can be utilized in local area homes.

Glenhurst contributed interior design expertise and developed the final color palette for the project. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the headquarters colors incorporate the subtle hues of native grasses, the serene tones of the open sky and the warmth of the sunset, the vibrancy of abundant wildflowers, and the powerful mystique of the indigenous bison that roam the prairie.

All paints and finishes were low and no-VOC and were designed to meet the LEED criteria for the project.

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Color Swatches

Nature Center

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