1109 - Unleashing Synergy—A Case Study in the Transformation of the Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Anamari Dorgan, Director of Community Engagement, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Stephanie Touzalin, Wildlife Education Supervisor, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Danielle Appello, Associate Principal, Wight & CompanyGrand Suite 5, East Tower, Gold/Ballroom Level
Topic Track: Forest Preserve and Conservation
Location: Grand Suite 5, East Tower, Gold/Ballroom Level
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Speaker(s): Anamari Dorgan, Director of Community Engagement, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Stephanie Touzalin, Wildlife Education Supervisor, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Danielle Appello, Associate Principal, Wight & Company
Owned by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the Willowbrook Wildlife Center provides care, rehabilitation, and medical treatment to native wildlife, supports the District’s threatened and endangered species captive-rearing program, and is an environmental education resource for the public. To address the need to update the 42-year-old facility, the District has committed to the design and construction of a clinic and visitor center, outdoor animal enclosures, wildlife gardens, interpretive trails, and immersive experiences in the surrounding forest preserve. This session will highlight the collaborative process between the District and Wight & Company to design and build a facility to enhance Willowbrook as a public resource, a project that is a true transformation in our approach to best practices in animal care and public communication. The improvements will underscore the critical message that healthy ecosystems are dependent on healthy wildlife populations and responsible human actions. This session will delve into the project’s journey, including the design–build methodology and the integrated approach from inception to construction that brought together architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain insight into the collaborative nature of design–build projects
- Understand how interdisciplinary teams work together throughout the project life cycle.
- Learn about this project’s unique challenges and how they were overcome through creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
- Gain insight into the best practices and lessons learned, including the successes, failures, and areas for improvement.