Discovery Center Turns 25

Walls—who needs 'em?

Nobody needs them, Daniel McKeon thought when he first gathered the founding board members of The Discovery Center at Ridgefield back in 1985 and formed the nature center.

A forward thinker—McKeon, who died in 2001, became active in the organic farming movement in 1947, decades before it was trendy—his goal was to foster a love of nature, history and the arts through a sharing of ideas. That mission has remained alive for a quarter century, a fact the center plans to celebrate.

"We have several 25th Anniversary events in works for this year," Discovery Center executive director Noelle Carr said.

The volunteer-run center's programs remain diverse, and its original innovative concept of people sharing their passions, professions and ideas with others in the open spaces around them remains flexible and creative.

"We were focused on the outdoors from the beginning," said Jill Kelley, one of the founding board members who lives in town and used to be on the Conservation Commission. "The fact that we have so many open spaces, and the Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Department has been so helpful to make the concept work from its inception, has further allowed us to keep the program costs minimal," she said.

As a nonprofit organization, the Discovery Center aims to make all its events affordable. The fact that it's run by volunteers helps keep costs low. Volunteers are invited to help when they can, without commitment, with everything from building a campfire to running a table at an event or blowing leaves off a trail, Carr said. The center's board of directors have diverse backgrounds—including naturalists, educators, astronomers, conservationists, outdoorsmen, artists and historians—which ensures that the programming remains not only affordable, but also varied.

Well-known events include the annual Lego Building contest for kids and the historic Ghosts of Ridgefield tour in the Fall. Participants can also go snowshoeing on a Tuesday morning, learn about rocks, study the stars, enjoy a day trip to a Muscoot Farm or the Storm King Art Center or join in family hikes (the next on is on Sunday, Jan. 24).

"We are here to share and develop programs on nature, science, history and the arts, making them fun, educational and affordable," Carr said.

And as the center enters its Silver Anniversary, founder McKeon would likely be proud to see how it has endured. The Discovery Center has built far-reaching relationships within the town of Ridgefield, throughout the schools and with neighboring towns and states.

"It's people who care, many wonderful people who you feel comfortable around, who developed these programs and made it work," said Edith Meffley, another founding board member and Ridgefield resident.