Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Mercer Slough Educational Center is a partnership between Pacific Science Center and the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department. Their new facility Open House was Oct 11th and this is just the first phase. The Mercer Slough is home to hundreds of animals and plants in a wetland, in the heart of Bellevue. It is ideal for environmental study.
First, the architecture: Not the reason for the Center, but the architects must have loved being involved in this job. I love what they did.
The Center is not just one building but a cluster of buildings, decks, walk ways, tree houses, and high vantage points. The materials of metal and wood have a comtemporary, but cabin like feel. The integration of its purpose and being a pleasant place to be are extraordinary. The original Sullivan House has been remodeled but retains its distinct character, still fitting in with the overall look and feel.
The Purpose: School Programs that teach children all about the wonders of wetlands, bogs, bugs etc. in classes like Habitat Wonders, Soil Adventurers, Ecosystem Explorers. These are just a few.
Family Programs such as B’earthday Parties! Play games and search for wetland creatures, explore. There are even Slough Sleepovers. (probably not in a tent).
www.pacificsciencecenter.org/slough will tell you all about all the offered programs in this outdoor labratory.
Like being on the tree tops
Mercer Slough is located at 1625- 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005 425-450-0207
It is not very far from Issaquah!
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November 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 am
[...] opening of the new Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, then be sure to check out this →blog posting from Kathleen Cragun of Issaquah. She posted many great images from the event and talks about the [...]
November 7th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
[...] Slough Educational Center. Here’s a link to a great article written by Kathleen Cragun on Issaquah Undressed regarding the new eco-friendly center down by the Mercer Slough in central Bellevue. I [...]
November 13th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I love these pictures, Kathleen! Thanks for sharing this resource.
I must find out if they offer their space as a meeting place as I help Event Planners find green venues.
Thank you again ~
Jessie Upp
November 15th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Yes Jessie, they have rooms to rent, even have nights out for scouts etc.
February 24th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
[...] IssaquahUndressed.com for the Grand Opening of the new Mercer Slough Center -Click Here. This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at 3:49 pm and is filed under Area [...]