Columbia Nature Center Wins Tourism Award

The Robinson Nature Center in Columbia was awarded the state's 2013 Green/Sustainable Tourism Award this week. 

The award  is given to a Maryland Green Travel partner, that uses environmentally-friendly practices to educate the community, their employees and customers. 

"Our Nature Center is a wonderful example of sustainability and green operations," said County Executive Ken Ulman, in a statement. "Thank you to our wonderful friends at Howard County Tourism for nominating us for this award."

The $17.6 million nature center that sits on 18.3 wooded acres opened in Sept. 2011. It features exhibits on local wildlife, habitats and the Chesapeake Bay. The building itself is designed to be an example of sustainability. It uses solar panels to generate electricity, features a geothermal heating system and has a green roof which helps to keep the building cool. Behind the center are walking paths where visitors can see birds, plants and local wildlife.

"I'm proud of Robinson Staff for their efforts to become a Green Tourism Partner," said Center Director Stacey Yankee, in a statement. "The future appears to be bright and we're excited about the potential to extend our reach to families throughout the county, the state and now beyond."

The Maryland Green Travel program is a voluntary, self-certification program that recognizes environmentally-friendly tourism businesses.

Robinson Nature Center is located at 6692 Cedar Lane in Columbia.