The National Great Rivers Research and Education center studies the great river system and the communities that use them. The Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station is strategically located at the confluence of the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers. The 32,000-square-foot research facility contains laboratories, classrooms, hydrologic and wildlife laboratories and riverside access along its eco road. The architecture of the building complements the surrounding environment and minimizes visual intrusion on the landscape, while sustainable design features reduces the physical and environmental impacts of the facility. The building incorporates sustainable features according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and received LEED Gold Certification in 2015.