The Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center in the Cache River Wetlands near Cypress, Illinois, serves as a nature center, natural history museum, and gateway to the region’s cultural and natural history. Completed in November 2004 and opened in 2005 as part of a $4 million project begun in 2000, it was named for conservation advocate Henry N. Barkhausen, who helped rally agencies, private groups, and local residents to protect the Cache River. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and jointly operated by the Cache River Wetlands Joint Venture Partnership, it offers exhibits, a film, student programs, field trips, events, and visitor information while anchoring conservation education in southern Illinois.