RIVERE℠ will serve as an attractive and novel ecotourism destination for both visitors and residents through key relationships. The Center’s goal is to showcase water research, education, and cultural programs for the community. Highlights of how RIVERE℠ will support ecoculture and ecotourism are provided below. More details can be found in the RIVERE℠ business plan.
RIVERE℠ aspires to bring together Virginia Tech researchers and the Patawomeck Tribal Center to develop intentional design principles that weave Best Management Practices watershed research, sustainable agriculture, and indigenous knowledge (often referred to as ‘Traditional Ecological Knowledge’) throughout the surrounding landscape. As a culture of people dependent on water ecosystems, the location of the Patawomeck Native American Tribal Center is positioned as an important sentinel on the banks of the Rappahannock River. The RIVERE℠ Center will respectfully embrace collaboration with this local Tribe. The integration of Scientific Ecological Knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge immersion will provide visitors with meaningful educational opportunities, inspire sustainable design principles, and serve as an example for home landscapes.