Since its recent inception in 2007, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) has been filling a much needed niche in the Midcoast region, combining outdoor recreation with innovative conservation efforts.

As its reputation continues to grow in and beyond the region, HVNC is fast approaching 500 members and an annual attendance of more than 5,000 visitors. Visitors head to HVNC for unique events like its amateur Liberal Cup Biathlon, or its hands-on intensives, like the four-day long classes in which students build a complete timber frame. Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, scientists, kids and adults of all kinds have found a sense of community at HVNC.

Because of all that interest and enthusiasm, HVNC is undertaking a large fundraising effort in order to build two new buildings: a large multi-use structure (approximately 30 by 66-foot) and a smaller (20 by 20-foot) lakeside cabin on the shores of Little Dyer Pond. Each building will serve a unique function.

The large structure will be built on HVNC’s main “campus” near the current welcome center, HI-Hut. This large building will have a classroom on one end.

“A larger classroom space will be essential to our growth,” HVNC Director Andy McEvoy said. “Whether it is filled by adults, rented by community groups, or used to host schools, it is something we constantly wish we had right now.”

The rest of the building will be open on three sides, but covered with a roof. This space will be a big improvement for HVNC’s several annual timber frame construction classes, music events and large gatherings. The building will make use of both new and recycled materials.

The lakeside cabin will be built in a similar fashion to HVNC’s other buildings. It will be timber-framed using pine harvested as a part of HVNC’s sustainable forestry efforts. During the fall of 2013, volunteers tore down a decrepit camp and prepared a foundation for the new building.

During an upcoming timber frame construction workshop, students will prepare the frame for the camp and volunteers and staff will finish closing it in. The building will keep an open floor plan and will be available for meetings, yoga sessions and retreats, and will also be able to be rented for visitor overnights.

To find out more about HVNC’s new buildings, or to find out how you can support them visit www.hvnc.org, or write to info@hvnc.org.

HVNC in Jefferson is a nonprofit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. One thousand acres of diverse habitat, including a secluded great pond, are knit together by more than 25 miles of trails. HVNC is open to the public 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.