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in-Progress / Ongoing Projects

Major Infrastructure Investment

After years of planning and fundraising, the park has its first set of permanent restrooms and expanded parking, one of the most significant investments in its history. Supported by grants, donors, and community partnerships, these ongoing improvements will expand public access and strengthen education and stewardship efforts.

ACMGA Discovery Garden

The Rocky River Discovery Garden is being developed as a Wildflower Meadow. We will be able to watch it mature from a spring seeding this year to enlarging successful plant communities and adding specimen plants and hardware. The winding path will terminate in a sitting room area to sit and embrace the wonder of nature. All plants used will be native to educate and support our pollinators. Below is the vision as the area matures.

Support our efforts & become a friend of rocky river today!

Future Projects

Discovery Center

The proposed Discovery Center is envisioned as an immersive educational space that will provide hands on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and deeper insight into the wetlands ecosystem and the diverse species that inhabit Rocky River.

Completed Projects

Memorial Benches at Park Entrance

Two commissioned benches have been installed at the park entrance in honor of the late Mayor Shirley and Dr. Meadors. These memorials recognize their lasting contributions to the community and their role in supporting the vision that helped make Rocky River Nature Park possible.

Trail Safety Improvements

Completed by Eagle Scouts, this stair project enhances safety and accessibility along the Amphitheater Loop, providing a more stable and reliable path for visitors.

Boardwalk Across Wetland B

Started in Spring 2019, this boardwalk now allows visitors to experience Wetland B up close.

Benches Along Main Trail

Completed in 2023, these benches were a collaboration between the SOUTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Sculpture Students and the Park. Students were given the requirements of using earthen and natural materials to create new benches at trailside viewpoints.

North Gate Parking Area – Kiosk Plantings

Before our parking lot renovations in 2025, the beautiful plantings around the North Gate Kiosk welcomed visitors and supported native plant species. These gardens were funded and maintained by the Anderson Master Gardeners.

Viewing Platform Along Rocky River Trail

Designed and funded by Eagle Scout Jackson Aman, this platform (completed Fall 2018) offers elevated views of the river and surrounding wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and photography.

Steps to Wetland A

Designed and completed by the Anderson University Ecology Club in Winter 2019, these steps provide safe access to Wetland A and were funded by the AU Student Government Association.

Outdoor Classroom

Funded through Anderson University’s A-Day College of Arts and Sciences fundraiser, the covered outdoor classroom is now a versatile learning and meeting space for students, researchers, and park visitors.
educational outreach & research

Viewing Platform Along Cox Creek Trail

Completed in 2020 and funded by the SC Master Naturalists, this platform offers a serene spot for observing birds and wildlife along the Cox Creek Trail.

ACBA Apiary

Through a partnership with the Anderson County Beekeepers Association and Anderson University’s Ecology Club, beehives have been established at Rocky River Nature Park to support pollinator education and hands-on learning.

Grants & Conservation Funding

US EPA Urban Waters Grant (2013)

US EPA Urban Waters Grant (2013)

Upstate Forever received a $60,000 EPA grant to support early planning for Rocky River Nature Park, funding hydrological and wetland restoration assessments, a master park plan, and an education plan.

SC Conservation Bank Conservation Easement (2013)

SC Conservation Bank Conservation Easement (2013)

Working with Upstate Forever, Rocky River Conservancy received $149,000 to acquire land through conservation easements, permanently protecting key wetland and forest areas.

Duke Energy Grant (2018)

Duke Energy Grant (2018)

A grant from Duke Energy funded a pumping station to provide supplemental water to Wetland B. Though the original solar panels were stolen, the project continues to support wetland health and sustainability.

Watershed Protection Grant (2022)

Watershed Protection Grant (2022)

In June 2022, RRNP received grant funding from the Anderson County Watershed Protection Council to support wetland restoration, invasive species removal, and citizen science water quality monitoring.

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