1996 
Founding board members envision Roaring Fork Conservancy running a nature center in Basalt.

2001
Site adjacent to Basalt’s new Riverfront Park identified as the most favorable for the future facility due to its proximity to the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers, nearby open space parcels, wildlife habitat, popular angling and boaring destinations, downtown Basalt, schools and public transportation.

2002 
Staff develops initial program with space requirements; River Center Committee organized.

Roaring Fork Conservancy teams up with Rocky Mountain Institute to conduct a design charette using Janine Beymus’ concept of Biomimicry. Six finalist architects participate. Harry Teague Architects selected to design the River Center.

2003 
Roaring Fork Conservancy initiates negotiations to purchase the site. It is 16,000 square feet at the west end of downtown beside Basalt's new Riverfront Park.

Roaring Fork Conservancy site visits to seven interpretive nature centers seeking ideas. River Center "Dream Book" created.

Cornerstone Society established for lead donors as initial commitments are received for land purchase.
  
2004 
First draft of the River Center Plan created.

Updated Roaring Fork Conservancy mission statement embraces the River Center. It is: To inspire people to explore, value, and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed.

Lisa Brochu of the National Association for Interpretation conducts an interpretive planning workshop with board and staff to determine the interpretive themes and messages of the center.

Core Committee created to plan early stages of River Center fundraising.

2005
Roaring Fork Conservancy closes on the purchase of 16,000 square feet of land near the new Old Pond Park and the Roaring Fork River.

2006
Roaring Fork Conservancy meets with interested parties regarding the vision of the future River Center and creates a vision statement.

River Center Committee begins to search for an exhibit designer.

2007
Roaring Fork Conservancy conducts focus group meetings to gain stakeholder and public input on its vision.