The Nature Center, located adjacent to Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East, showcases the natural Louisiana habitat. After severe flooding and destruction of its facilities in Hurricane Katrina, the Audubon Institute’s vision to rebuild and improve the treasured center included new nature trails on raised boardwalks through the hardwood bottomland forest, a new planetarium, and the modern Interpretive Center which houses educational programs and exhibits.

In keeping with the natural environment and educational mission, the new center incorporates regionally sourced materials and sustainable design systems. Manning shepherded the project through LEED Silver certification.