Twenty years ago, The Nature Conservancy bought a small strip of beach in Little Compton, Rhode Island in order to protect the piping plover and least tern, two of the state’s most threatened birds. Both birds use this scenic shoreline to breed and nest in the sandy dunes. The neighboring salt pond, Quicksand Pond, provides an important food source for the plovers. CNN recently declared the preserve one of only eight most “eco-friendly” beaches in the world.

This summer, the Nature Conservancy completed building an education center in hopes that visitors will learn about and respect the area wildlife. Continuing its work with the Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island, Malcolm Grear Designers designed interior exhibit panels, the exterior building identification sign, and donor recognition for the education center. In addition, MGD designed the informational panels on the beach preserve manager’s shack.