EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation recently made a $250,000 gift to Riverwood Nature Center in Star Prairie, WI. The nature center is undergoing a significant renovation to transition the former chicken hatchery into a 30+ acre nature preserve along the Apple River.

The RCU Visitor and Interpretive center will be a point of welcome for guests and house exhibits and spaces for community events and education. “We are thrilled to add the RCU Foundation to our growing circle of partners on this project,” said Kim Anderson, Executive Director, Riverwood Nature Center.

The Center has enjoyed strong local support from area conservation organizations, community service groups, and businesses. “It was clear that Riverwood Nature Center fills a vital community need and project leaders have created a circle of supporters and community partners to ensure success,” observed John Sackett, President, RCU Foundation.

Riverwood Nature Center currently hosts a local farmer’s market and visitors can enjoy the hiking trails, picnic areas, and more than 3,000 feet of frontage along the Apple River. Building remodeling and improvements will take place through spring 2022. More than 5,000 visitors are anticipated each year.

About RCU Foundation

The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.  The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $6 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.

About Royal Credit Union

Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 230,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. Realtors in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota are also eligible to join the credit union. Visit rcu.org or call Royal Credit Union at 800-341-9911 for more information.