HOLLIS, N.H. — The Beaver Brook Association has officially opened its new program and education building, celebrating the completion of a $4.1 million project designed to expand environmental education while demonstrating sustainable building practices.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant milestone for the conservation organization, which has served the community for more than 60 years. The new facility is the first phase of a broader facilities plan and will provide modern classroom and program space for Beaver Brook’s growing environmental education efforts across its 2,200-acre property in Hollis.
The project was delivered by Bensonwood, a Keene-based company known for high-performance, sustainably designed buildings. Beaver Brook selected Bensonwood in part because of the company’s emphasis on sustainability, thoughtful design and minimizing environmental impact during construction.
A key element of the project was Bensonwood’s off-site manufacturing process. Highly efficient, wood-framed wall panels were produced at the company’s Keene facility before being transported to the Beaver Brook property. The panels arrived fully insulated with dense-pack cellulose and included pre-installed windows, helping reduce construction time, material waste and on-site disruption while allowing for greater quality control.
For Beaver Brook leaders, the building represents more than an expansion of facilities. It is intended to embody the conservation values at the heart of the organization’s mission.
“For Beaver Brook, it was important that how we built this facility reflected why we built it,” said Lindsay Jones, executive director of Beaver Brook. “Bensonwood shared our commitment to sustainability, thoughtful design, and stewardship of the natural world. Together, we created a building that will support environmental education for generations while also serving as an example of the values we hope to inspire in everyone who comes through its doors.”
The project was funded through a $4.1 million fundraising effort supported by donors and community members.
“Behind the $4.1 million we raised are so many people who chose to invest in Beaver Brook’s future,” said Debbie Johnson, director of development at Beaver Brook. “That’s what makes this accomplishment so meaningful. The number is incredible, but what really matters is that it represents the generosity, trust, and commitment of our community.”
The new center will serve as an important hub for Beaver Brook’s environmental education programs, offering updated spaces for students, educators and community members. At the same time, the building itself will function as a teaching tool, demonstrating how sustainable design and construction can reduce environmental impacts while creating comfortable, durable spaces for people.
The partnership between Beaver Brook and Bensonwood reflects a shared focus on conservation, responsible development and long-term community benefit.
“Bensonwood is honored to have been involved in this milestone project for both Beaver Brook and the greater Hollis community,” said Steven Dumont, architect for Bensonwood. “The missions of our two organizations are closely aligned, making this a natural partnership from the start. We have greatly enjoyed working with the Beaver Brook team and are delighted to support the growth of their educational programs through the creation of a modern, functional building.”
With the opening of the new center, Beaver Brook begins the next chapter of its education and conservation work. The organization expects the facility to strengthen its ability to connect people with the natural world while providing a tangible example of the sustainable practices it seeks to promote.
