Connecting People with Plants
(c) Rockford Park District - Photo by Jesse Fox
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
About Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens opened in 2011 as the centennial project of the Rockford Park District and was constructed in the District’s first park which was purchased in 1909. Situated along the banks of the Rock River, the complex offers an 11,000-square-foot tropical exhibition area, the 100-year-old Sinnissippi Rose Garden, as well as extensive water features including lagoon, fountains, streams, and waterfalls. Our mission is to connect people with plants.
Sustainability at Nicholas Conservatory
Sustainability has been a goal from the beginning. The building was designed with the intent of achieving LEED Silver certification. U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the world's most widely used green building rating system. By the time the project was completed, the building had achieved LEED Gold status.
Energy Efficiency
The facility incorporates photovoltaic solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling. Automated environmental control systems operate greenhouse vents, shades, and misters to keep the tropical plants within appropriate setpoints. The greenhouse itself is a form of passive solar energy capture that captures the sun’s energy even on the coldest days.
(c) Rockford Park District - Photo by Jesse Fox
Water Efficiency
Low-flow plumbing fixtures are used throughout the building.
Sustainable Site
The green rooftop garden is planted with low-maintenance plants and serves many functions. The 4-6” layer of organic matter acts as a thermal insulator. The plants and soil absorb water, filter, and slow runoff during heavy rains. The energy absorbed by the plants reduces the urban heat island effect. The rooftop is also attractive to native pollinators, and even the occasional nesting duck! Permeable pavers are integrated into the design of the circle drive. Considered a best management practice, permeable pavement offers many benefits. Rainwater, along with sediment and pollutants from the environment, soaks down into the top layer of soil instead of rushing out to the river through storm drains. Along the parking lot, storm drains carry water to the bioswale garden, which acts as a retention pond. This garden contains a variety of native plants selected to absorb water and filter out contaminants. By slowing the flow, the bioswale reduces flooding and captures sediment and pollutants. This garden attracts many birds with its fruiting shrubs and small branching trees. The bioswale garden also doubles as a Monarch Watch Certified Monarch Waystation, containing milkweed and a variety of native nectar plants. Fallen leaves and plant trimmings from the gardens are composted into rich humus through the Rockford Park District’s waste vendor. Small scale composting of staff coffee grounds is done with vermiculture where worms do the conversion.
Green Building Materials
Many recycled and sustainably sourced materials were used in the construction of the facility. The artistic terrazzo floor in the lobby is not only made of many recycled materials but will also last a lifetime, saving physical waste and cost. Modular carpet tiles, made with recycled materials, can be swapped out as needed instead of replacing a whole room’s worth of carpet.
Indoor Air Quality
An integrated pest management (IPM) program is used to help keep the plants healthy without resorting to potentially toxic chemicals. Pest management starts with early detection of pests by staff and volunteers. Some pests can be manually removed or knocked off using a spray of water or brushed by hand with alcohol. At times, beneficial insects, like green lacewings and lady bird beetles, can be used to target specific pests or to aid in pollination of fruiting plants. Low VOC paints, energy recovery ventilator (ERV), and green cleaning solutions maintain safe air quality for staff and guests.
Location and Transportation
There are several low-impact options for getting to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Guests can bike, run, or walk to the gardens utilizing the 10-mile Rock River Recreation Path. During certain events, Trolley Car 36 shuttles guests along the gardens and riverfront. Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) has a bus stop along the gardens (Route 13). Designated priority parking areas are available for those who choose to carpool or have low emissions vehicles. Free electric vehicle charging stations are also available.
Constant Improvement
Sustainability at Nicholas Conservatory includes constant improvement as technology improves and needs are identified. Current improvement efforts include upgrading to LED lighting throughout the building. Today’s LED lighting solutions are more affordable and have better color than what was available when the facility was built.
See how many of these features you can spot during your next visit to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens!
(c) Rockford Park District - Photo by Jesse Fox