The Manning Environmental Field Station was made possible by a gift from Tim and Denise Manning Solso, both 1969 graduates of DePauw. It’s named in memory of Denise Solso’s father and grandfather, Dr. John Thomas Manning (class of 1940) and George A. Manning (class of 1911). It serves as a sustainably designed learning laboratory for the study of natural processes surrounding the Nature Park. It includes a large flexspace classroom, three greenhouses, garage, project and equipment rooms, exterior wash down area, and support spaces.
The cross section was decided to take advantage of solar orientation for the greenhouses and natural daytime lighting of the classroom. The roof overhangs permit entry of direct light and heat during the winter and shield these elements during the summer. The clerestory windows provide natural ventilation for passive cooling. The building was dedicated on April 21, 2006 alongside the Ian and Mimi Rolland Welcome and Activities Center.