The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center studies the ecology of large rivers and their watersheds. The Education and Outreach programs aim to create a more informed citizenry about large river systems and ultimately lead to a more sustainable use of this vital resource. The Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station is strategically located near the confluences of the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers. The 32,000-square-foot research facility contains laboratories, classrooms, hydrologic and wildlife laboratories and riverside access. The architecture of the building complements the surrounding environment and minimizes visual intrusion on the landscape, while sustainable design features reduce the physical and environmental impacts of the facility. The green roof is modeled after a hill prairie ecosystem. The building incorporates sustainable features according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and received LEED Gold Certification in 2015.