The view down Mueller Bridge at Climbers Run Nature Center.
There’s no way to get around it – literally. The hilly landscape of Climbers Run Nature Center is divided in half by the pristine Climbers Run, and so in order to give visitors access to both sides of this stunning nature preserve, a bridge is a necessary piece of infrastructure.
In 2019, the area suffered a major rain event, and the old sagging wooden bridge that brought the two sides of this preserve together was washed out in the resulting flood. The Conservancy underwent several years of planning and permitting to get to where we finally are today – a new beautiful, safe, and accessible bridge that spans Climbers Run and brings the two sides of this preserve together.
DESCCO’s construction team lowers the new bridge into place.
Designed by CS Davidson and installed by DESCCO, this new bridge, at the cost of $140,000, will provide ease of access for all visitors to the preserve and will withstand future flood events. The bridge will serve as the jumping off point for the trail system at Climbers Run that will wind its way through Mueller Woods, the 30 acre addition which is named for Paul Mueller in recognition of his generous support. The Conservancy will again be honoring Paul’s exceptional philanthropy with the naming of this bridge. The Conservancy is also extremely grateful to Carol and John F. Pyfer Jr, former Board Chair, for their contribution to the new bridge. “We are so grateful to donors that believe in our work enough to help support the infrastructure that is so critically important to the public’s enjoyment of these nature preserves,” remarked Phil Wenger, Conservancy President.
(LtoR) Paul Mueller, Carol Pyfer, and John F. Pyfer, Jr, gather to celebrate the completion of the new bridge.
Climbers Run Nature Center serves as the Conservancy’s home for environmental education and welcomes thousands of students, volunteers, and visitors each year, making safe access to all parts of the 113-acre nature preserve even more critical. And, as Paul Mueller explains as to why he felt this bridge was so important, “I didn’t want to have to wade across the creek!”
Plan your visit to Climbers Run Nature Center and see Mueller Bridge for yourself!
