Trevor Zoo Campus
Master Plan
Thomas Lovejoy, the famed ecologist, started his career at this school and a major portion of the masterplanning process was to rebrand the zoo in his honor.
Reimagining The Trevor Zoo: Honoring Thomas Lovejoy Through Master Planning
Perry | Becker Design was contracted by the Millbrook School to provide Master Plan design services for The Trevor Zoo. Our involvement centered on integrating guiding principles that aligned with the zoo’s educational and conservation mission. This included efforts to increase awareness and appreciation of the zoo among visitors, students, faculty, and alumni, as well as improving facilities to enhance educational opportunities.
Additionally, we focused on expanding the research and veterinary facilities to deepen students’ hands-on experience and support the zoo’s research and breeding programs. Another key aspect was to improve the physical and experiential connections between Trevor Zoo and the Millbrook School, enhance the overall aesthetics, and explore branding opportunities that reflect the new Trevor/Thomas Lovejoy Zoo concept. Through this comprehensive approach, our goal was to ensure that the zoo remains a vital part of Millbrook’s educational and conservation programs.
Integrating Education with the Trevor Zoo
Courses like Environmental Science and Animal Behavior are deeply connected to the Trevor Zoo, enhancing academic learning through hands-on experiences. In Environmental Science, students explore fundamental ecological concepts and assess human impacts on the environment. The course emphasizes solution-oriented approaches and sustainability, aiming to improve quality of life while respecting natural limits.
Students apply scientific theory, research, and data to address contemporary environmental challenges. The curriculum is enriched with frequent field activities and trips, utilizing local wetlands, streams, forests, and the zoo’s own animal residents to provide practical, immersive learning experiences.
Services
Animal Habitat Design
Enrichment Design
Guest Experience Design
Interpretive Storytelling
Landscape Architectural Design
Master Planning
Downloads
Contact the Team
Learn more about this project and explore similar ones by reaching out to us. Click here to contact us and discuss how we can bring your vision to life with our design expertise.
PROJECT STORY
One of a Kind Wild Place To Learn
Founded in 1936 at Millbrook School, an independent coeducational high school in Millbrook, New York, the zoo was established by Frank Trevor, the school’s first biology teacher. Driven by his deep passion for wildlife and a desire to share his love of animals, particularly with children, Trevor created the zoo as a unique educational resource.
During several master planning workshops, our team engaged with faculty and students to ensure their voices were heard. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders in this way guarantees that the project delivers an experience that both the design team and end users can take pride in.
