Specifications include, but are not limited to: University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) received a gift of 140 acres in 2014 with the benefactors’ wish that the property be used by UMM student, faculty, and staff in the science, technology, and liberal arts disciplines with an emphasis on sustainability. ; The EcoCenter Environmental Learning Center (‘EcoCenter’) is proposed as a year-round environmental learning center to expand students’ connection with nature and offer opportunity for crosscollaboration within and between different UMM departments. The site is located 45 miles north of UMM at 36209 County Highway 126, Ashby, MN.; Pre-2020 use for the EcoCenter site included UMM classes, on-site summer interns, and high school groups. Use is currently limited by lack of shelter and restrooms. Moving forward, anticipated annual use of the facility is to serve 750+ UMM students, faculty, and staff with growth potential, and some K12 schools, professional continuing education, and rental use.