Nature Centers
Places of Beauty ~ Places of Learning


Click on a state or scroll down to find information on different nature centers throughout the United States.  (States are listed alphabetically.)

Please Note: Children of the Earth United offers a listing of nature centers as a way of letting people know about the special activities that are taking place.   The information listed below has been provided by the nature centers. Children of the Earth United's representatives have not had the opportunity to visit each center and therefore do not make any specific claims as to the quality of the facilities or programs. 

 

 

top


United States

 
 

 

 

Madrona Marsh Preserve
3201 Plaza del Amo,
Torrance, CA 90503
USA
310.782.3989
310.533.2116
www.
friendsofmadronamarsh.com

 

The Madrona Marsh Preserve is a remnant natural vernal wetland complex including ancient dunes, vernal pools and seasonal wetlands that were sustained by historic drainage from the San Gabriel Mountains. Between 17 and 20 acres of the Preserve is a seasonal wetlands that fills in the winter and spring and is completely dry by late summer or early fall. The balance of the Preserve is sandy upland back-dune habitat with seven vernal pools that fill with rainwater and dry completely in about one-to-four weeks. This seasonal regime produces a unique ecosystem and its significance is evidenced by the diversity of life that reside there. Within the approximately 44 acres, over 250 species of plants, over 65 families of insects, two amphibians, three reptiles, three mammals, and 242 species of birds use the Preserve as residence or during fall and spring migration.

The land that is now the Preserve was dedicated to the City of Torrance in 1986. However, since 1971, tremendous conservation efforts were put forth by the Friends of the Madrona Marsh. It is their original passion that "saved" the land from being developed into condominiums and that same passion continued to get the Nature center built and dedicated on 2001. The passion remains as strong today as in the past as both City of Torrance employees and Friends of Madrona Marsh work to teach about the Preserve through programs (classes, shared research, and nature walks) for tots, school-age children, adults and seniors, and work to restore the natural resources of the Madrona Marsh Preserve.

To Top

 

The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo
5200 Nature Center Road
Pueblo, CO 81003
USA
Phone: (719) 549-2414
Web Site:
www.gncp.org

        The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo serves the region by providing educational, recreational and conservation programs related primarily to the environment, natural and cultural history.  The grounds are open sunrise to sunset year-round. Recreational opportunities abound for all ages. The Arkansas River Trail connects to 36 miles of paved riverside Greenway Trails. The Nature Center offers educational programs to groups and to the public. There is also a Raptor Center which offers:

  • Rehabilitative care for injured birds of prey (hawks, owls, eagles, falcons)
  • Educational displays of nonreleasable birds
  • Educational programs featuring birds of prey (raptors)
  • Bird adoption opportunities.

To Top

 

 New Canaan Nature Center
144 Oenoke Ridge
New Canaan, Connecticut  06840
USA
Phone: (203) 966-9577
Web Site: www.fieldtrip.com/ct/39669577.htm

        Established in 1960, the center occupies 40 acres of diverse habitats, including wet and dry meadows, 2 ponds, a cattail marsh, an apple orchard, herb garden, and a small arboretum.  It supports a wide variety of wildlife and offers an interesting setting for the study of the natural environment.    Two miles of trails, a discovery center, classrooms, a solar greenhouse, apple cider house, maple syrup shed, and Naturalist's Garden offer plenty of opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to explore and study the natural world and human effects upon it. Throughout the year the center offers a wide range of  programs and activities for families. Programs may be seasonal and different programs are offered each month. In addition, there are  a wide range of school programs to choose from as well as  after school programs and a Summer Nature Camp.  Picnic areas are available by reservation.  All facilities, except trails, are handicap accessible. Trails are open dawn to dusk daily.

. . . . .
      

Northwest Park and Nature Center
145 Lang Road
Windsor, CT  06095
Phone: (860) 285-1886
Web Site: www.northwestpark.org 

    473 acres of diverse habitat multi recreational park 15 miles of trail, including a Braille trail nature center and exhibit area animal barn and pastures offer environmental education programs for preK-7th grades.

. . . . .
 

Roaring Brook Nature Center
Canton, Connecticut
USA
Phone: (860) 693-0263
Web Site: www.sciencecenterct.org/roaring.htm

        Roaring Brook Nature Center, located 12 miles west of the Science Center of Connecticut in the hills of Canton, offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Connecticut's countryside while learning about local flora and fauna. The present facility houses both permanent and seasonal displays as well as a replica of an Eastern Woodland Indian longhouse, a wildlife attraction area and a collection of live animals, including two bald eagles. Five miles of trails meander through the adjacent state owned Warner's Woods, visiting streams, fields and woodland habitats - home to a variety of wildlife species including over 150 species of birds. The center is open to the public throughout the year and offers both school and public programs on a variety of natural history related topics.

To Top

 

Fern Forest Nature Center
201 Lyons Road South
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
Phone: (954) 970 - 0150


 
       This 243 acre park, a Designated Urban Wilderness Area, opened in November 1985.  It comprises 10 plant communities, an abundance of wildlife, remnants of the historic Cypress Creek floodway, an arboretum that includes 24 varieties of native trees and shrubs and an exhibit room that features interpretive exhibits on the park's history.
       The nature center has a variety of trails. The Cypress Creek Trail is a half-mile wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a low hardwood hammock and maple/cypress communities. The one-mile Prairie Overlook Trail loops through an open prairie and oak/cabbage palm communities and includes a 20-foot observation platform. Boots are recommended for the primitive, sometimes soggy Maple Walk, which covers a third-mile of red maple swamp. The Wetlands Wander is an interpretive trail that runs an eighth of a mile, and the Sensory Garden Trail provides a quiet area for relaxation.

. . . . .
      

Secret Woods Nature Center
2701 W. State Road 84
Dania, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 791 - 1030

         Purchased with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy, this Designated Urban Wilderness Area was Broward County’s first interpretive nature center. The 56-acre park, which opened in September 1978, comprises three vegetative communities found along, and influenced by   the New River: a freshwater cypress-maple wetland, a pond apple and mangrove community along the river, and, at a slightly higher elevation, a laurel oak hammock.
        The nature center’s two trails are the Laurel Oak Trail, a 1,200-foot wood-chipped trail that runs through the oak hammock, and the New River Trail, a 3,200-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that goes through the oak hammock and freshwater and saltwater wetlands. An exhibit building contains interpretive displays on the park’s flora and fauna, along with an active beehive.
        A 1,800-square-foot assembly hall (135 capacity), with a full kitchen and tables and chairs, is available for rental, which also includes use of the adjacent open-air amphitheater (135 capacity).

. . . . .
      

Tree Tops Park
3900 S.W. 100th Ave.
Davie, FL 33328
Phone: (954) 370 - 3750

         The 356 acres of this suburban park range from 23 acres of restored freshwater marsh accessible by a 1,000-foot boardwalk to the 101-acre Pine Island Ridge, an archaeological site that includes equestrian and nature trails and is the highest natural elevation (29 feet) in Broward County.
        Two other nature trails (one with an observation tower), a sensory awareness trail, a biking/jogging path, and additional equestrian trails wind through the park, and there are playgrounds and picnic tables and grills throughout the area. The 3,440-square-foot building at Tree Tops Center includes rental meeting rooms, an outdoor pavilion, and kitchen facilities.
        Elsewhere in the park, there’s a butterfly garden, a gopher tortoise preserve, a sculpture dedicated to the Seminole leader Sam Jones (Abiaka), and Safety Town, a miniature two-block village designed to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety to children.

 

To Top

 

Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Drive
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (770) 992-2055

         The Chattahoochee Nature Center is an environmental education center located in North Atlanta on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Serving more than 100,000 visitors each year, the 127 acre facility has nature trails, a wetland boardwalk, live animals, a wildlife rehabilitation center and educational exhibits. A variety of programs are offered through the Nature Center, including:

  • Family and adult programs
  • Children’s afternoon and weekend programs
  • School field trips
  • Scouting badge programs
  • Overnight adventures
  • Summer day camps
  • Birthday Parties

    For more information, feel free to contact the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

. . . . .
      

Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary
435 Cougar Lane
Eillijay, Georgia 30540
Phone: (706) 276-2980
www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org

        The Ellijay Georgia Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization. We are Federally & State licensed to operate an A-1 wildlife rehab in which we take animals which are orphaned or injured, rehabilitate them, and whenever possible release them back into the wild. When release is not possible, due to certain kinds of injures, we build special habitat areas for them to live in. These animals are then shared through our educational programs.
         A wonderful by-product of wildlife rehabilitation is outdoor education and through this type of programming young and old alike can learn how that in taking care of mother nature, she in turn will take care of us. Schools, churches, civic groups of all kinds can come from one hour to all day to learn more on how to save not only our wildlife, but our environment, and the habitats in which they live.
         There are so many wonderful programs available.  These include sanctuary tours, family days, summer camp programs (Wildlife Education Week and Native American Week), educational classes, and team building low ropes/obstacle courses.
         Three, Four and Five Day Camps are offered throughout the year and can be designed to fill your specific educational needs with a range of classes from which to choose.   If you like, you may camp overnight.  We welcome anyone to use our overnight camping facilities with single tent units, a group unit and authentic Native American teepee rentals (Minimum fees apply). Please call first for reservations.   
         Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary is nestled within forty acres of breathtaking views and gorgeous natural scenery.

To Top


Village of Itasca Spring Brook Nature Center
130 Forest Ave
 Itasca, IL  60143
Phone: 630 - 773 - 5572
www.itasca.com
The Village of Itasca’s Spring Brook Nature Center is a 67-acre preserve in the heart of suburban Itasca, just 30 miles from
downtown Chicago.  We serve the Itasca and surrounding communities by providing educational, recreational and conservation programs
related primarily to the environment, natural history and birds of prey. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset year-round, with
almost 3 miles of trails including a elevated boardwalk that takes you over our fresh water marsh.  Our interactive visitor center
has a large aquarium with native fish, amphibians and reptiles on display and is open Tuesday – Sunday with seasonal hour changes.
Recreational and volunteer opportunities abound for all ages. The Nature Center offers educational programs to school and scout
groups and to the public. Not only are we a nature center but also a raptor center, which offers: 
*  Rehabilitative care for injured birds of prey (hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, vultures) 
*  Educational displays of non- releasable birds 
*  Educational programs featuring raptors 
*  Bird adoption opportunities

To Top

 

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
10601 Dwyer Road
New Orleans  LA  70127
USA
Phone: (504) 246-5672
Web Site:
www.auduboninstitute.org

     Audubon Louisiana Nature Center wants to lead and inspire a diverse audience to a better and deeper appreciation of the natural world. This Nature Center plays a vital role in educating large numbers of southeast Louisiana residents on a wide range of environmental topics and of making these same people aware of the uniqueness and value of our local environment. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center has animals native to the New Orleans area. Open to the public Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. We offer: shows, guided path walks, an interpretive center, scout overnights, classes, a planetarium, a volunteer program and much more!


To Top

 

Green Briar Nature Center
6 Discovery Hill Road
East Sandwich, MA 02537
USA
Phone: (508) 888-6870
Web Site: /www.thorntonburgess.org/Green%20Briar.htm

       At the Green Briar Nature Center, you will find a quiet corner of Cape Cod - a sanctuary of peace and beauty in all seasons. Located on the shores of Smiling Pool and adjacent to the famous Briar Patch of Thornton Burgess’s stories, Green Briar offers interpreted nature trails and an elaborate   wild flower garden. Natural history programs for children and adults are offered year-round and include classes, field trips, guided walks, and workshops on the natural sciences.   Outreach programs to area schools and other institutions are also an important part of Green Briar’s services to the community. Members of the education staff visit schools, nursing homes and clubs offering slide presentations, lectures and classes.   Adjacent to Green Briar is the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area, home of Peter Rabbit and many of the other Thornton Burgess animal characters. Walking trails are open to the public.


To Top

 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center
7000 N. Westedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI  49004
Phone: 616-381-1574
Web Site: www.naturecenter.org

        Founded in 1960, the Kalamazoo Nature Center features a 1,000-acre nature preserve, live birds of prey and other animals on display, a variety of interactive, educational exhibits, and extensive programs in environmental education and research.  The Interpretive Center recently underwent a $2.5 million renovation, including a new $1 million hands-on interactive exhibit called "Nature Up Close," which features nature exhibits that are 10 times the size of life. Other special centers include the Expedition Station, the Tropical Sun-Rain Room, the Special Events Barn, the  Martha G. Parfet Butterfly House and an 11 acre arboretum. There are also 11 different nature trails to suit varying levels of ability.

. . . . .
      

Outdoor Discovery Center
A-4214 56th Street,
Holland, MI  49423
Phone: 616-393-9453
Web Site: www.OutdoorDiscoveryCenter.org

     The Outdoor Discovery Center is s 501(c)(3) non-profit outdoor education facility. The 120 acre nature preserve is classroom for students and members of the community to learn about natural and cultural history. Live deer and elk, a birds of prey facility, a 1/2 mile sensory trail, Founder's Hall education building, and over 4 miles of trails. Wetlands, ponds, remnant dune, remnant prairie, lowland hardwood forest and meadow habitats have produced over 155 bird species for bird watchers. Grounds are open daylight hours 365 days per year. Building hours are 8-5 Monday thru Friday, 10-4 Saturday, and 12-4 Sunday.

. . . . .
      

Sarett Nature Center
2300 Benton Center Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone: (616) 927 - 4832
www.sarett.com


     
   This nature center, located in southwestern Michigan's Berrien County, has five miles of trails meandering through its 800 acres.   The trail system includes boardwalks, observation platforms, and an easily accessible barrier-free walkway.  Trails running along the Paw Paw River bluffs provide great views of the river valley below.  Boardwalks and observation platforms in the flood plain give you a close look at the wetland wildlife and habitats.  You can see it all without getting your feet wet!
        Sarett nature Center's primary goal is to provide quality environmental education to the community.  Every year over 25,000 students ranging in age from pre-school through adult attend programs at Sarett.   More specifically, Sarett offers: environmental education classes, summer classes for kids,
college level courses, weekend programs, and birding and other special events.
        Each year Sarett organizes and leads a number of tours to the most exciting natural locations in the U.S. and the world.  Trips have included such captivating destinations as Africa, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the Galapagos Island.  1999's trip schedule includes birding in Texas, a cruise to Costa Rica, Idaho's Snake River Country, cross country skiing in Northern Michigan, the natural history of Iceland, a fall color tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and an annual spring wildflower pilgrimage to the Smokey Mountains, and much more.
        Please call for more information about the Sarett Nature Center and available programs.

To Top

 

Houston Nature Center
215 W Plum St.,  PO Box 667
Houston,  MN  55943 
Phone: (507) 896-4668

The Houston Nature Center is owned and operated by the City of Houston, MN.   It serves as Houston's Trailhead for the Root River Trail, so it includes visitor information, restrooms and showers.  It is located in 18-acre Trailhead Park, which includes native wetland and prairie plantings. During the summer months free public programs are offered every Saturday evening at 7:00 PM.  Programs topics include everything from fossil collecting, birds, prairie, bats, frogs, Native Americans, storytelling, and much more. School groups are welcome to visit the nature center, but our facility can only handle groups of up to 40 people.  More often our nature center programs are taken into the local schools.  By far the most popular program is our Birds of Prey program, which features a hands-on game show and the ever-popular Alice the Great Horned Owl. 

. . . . .
      

The River Bend Nature Center
P.O. Box 186
1000 Rustad Road
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: (507) 332-7151
Web site:
www.rbnc.org

         The River Bend Nature Center is an independent, member-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people discover, enjoy, understand and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. The center serves over 16,000 people a year with a wide variety of programming on the beautiful 700 acre site. The River Bend Nature Center offers a range of educational experiences for youth and adults alike. From their "Turn Towards Nature" curriculum-based school programs which extends learning from the classroom to the out-of-doors to weekend public programs and events that the whole family can enjoy.
        The center offers a wide range of educational programs geared towards elementary schools.  The programs vary according to grade and season.  A sampling of the spring programs include:"A Sense of Spring",  "Aquatic Life",  "Bird Banding",   "Food Chains",  "Wildflowers and Pollination",   "Rocks, Fossils, and Erosion",  and "Orienteering".   Please call to find out more about the specific programs available.
        Other programs that take place at the River Bend Nature Center include: volunteer naturalist training, adult and family programs, nature day camps; church, civic, and service club presentations, pre-school/Head Start programs for students with special needs, youth groups, recycling and waste reduction education, interpretive center tours, jr./sr. high presentations, and special request programs. Some of the special events that take place at the center are the River Bend Ramble, the Winterfest Pancake Breakfast, the Enchanted Forest and a Spring Jamboree. For more information, call the center or check out their web site.

 

To Top

 

Cayuga Nature Center
1420 Taughannock Blvd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
USA
Phone: (607) 273 - 6260
Web site: www.fcinet.com/cnc

         Cayuga Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to providing education for schools, community groups and the general public throughout the year. Its 135 acres of fields, streams and woodlands provide areas for hiking, cross- country skiing and nature study. Self-guided trails provide an opportunity to identify wildflowers, trees and learn the history of the area. A hike down the Wishing Tree Trail leads to the Pioneer Homestead cabin and Native Fruit Garden. Environmental education programs and workshops for children and adults are offered throughout the year.  The winterized lodge is available for weekend, evening or weekday rentals. Overnight accommodations include dormitories with 75 bunks, bathrooms with showers, a large kitchen, dining room, multi-purpose room with fireplace and an enclosed front porch overlooking Cayuga Lake.  The Nature Center offers many exhibits, a conference room, a classroom and a library. Miles of trails are open for hiking and biking.

. . . . .
      

Hudson Valley Raptor Center
RR 1 ~ Box 473B, South Road
Stanfordville,NY 12581
(914) 758 - 6957
Web site: www.ulster.net/~hvraptors

     A unique and exciting place for children and adults alike to learn about B Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Great Horned Owls, and many other wild birds of prey.   Located on 91 scenic acres, the Hudson Valley Raptor Center has over 100 raptors (birds of prey) of 20 species, many are threatened or endangered. 
     The Hudson Valley Raptor Center:
~    provides medical care for injured raptors;
~    returns recovered birds to the wild;
~    provides sanctuary for unreleasable birds;
~    breeds permanently injured birds so that the young may take their place in the world; and
~    gives people an opportunity to meet and learn about birds of prey.

. . . . .
      

Seatuck Environmental Association
P.O. Box 31
Islip, NY 11751
Phone: (516) 581-6908

        The Seatuck Environmental Association is dedicated to the study and conservation of native species and their natural habitats within the Long Island region. Seatuck sponsors and conducts scientific research in ecology, and ecological aspects of public health issues. The Association also provides technical information to aid in the formulation of public policy, and promotes environmental education to facilitate conservation of their region's biological diversity.
        The Seatuck Environmental Association is a public, non-profit organization which has its headquarters located on the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Islip, New York. The Seatuck Environmental Association offers many different learning opportunities including: on-site education programs and off-site public outreach programs for schools, public libraries and other community organizations. Call to find out about more about these exciting programs.


To Top

 

 

Lake Milton Raptor Center
P.O. Box 123
Lake Milton, Ohio 44429
www.raptorcenter.org/index.asp

The Raptor Center is a non-profit organization that takes it non-releasable birds of prey, and gives them a home for life. The birds they keep can't survive by them selves in the wild.

They take their raptors to schools, church picnics, sporting centers/outdoor shows, girl scouts, boy scouts, etc. Not only to let people see these birds up close, but also to educate the public about the raptors. Conservation through education by educating the public they become consciously aware that we share land with these magnificent birds of prey.

The Lake Milton Raptor Center was founded by Aimee and Matthew Pico. Aimee has a zoology degree from Akron University and Matthew has a fine arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. Aimee once worked at a wildlife rehabilitation clinic and became aware of what happens to raptors that are not a candidate for release back into the wild due to their injury. These raptors are placed into education programs through out the US. When there is not a place for the raptor to go in the time frame that the federal government sets in the rehabilitation regulations, the raptor has to be euthanized. Aimee and Matthew built the facility and applied for all the correct permits needed though the Ohio state and US government to give a home to save some of the raptors from euthanasia. The birds are now ambassadors of their species to teach the public about our wildlife.

To Top

 

Great Valley Nature Center
P.O. Box 82
Rt. 29 & Hollow Road
Devault, PA 19432
Phone: (610) 935 - 9777

       For over twenty years the Great Valley Nature Center has been helping to raise public awareness on environmental issues through a fine program of educational exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops.The ten and a half acre site encompasses many diverse habitats, including a small stream, wetlands, a large pond, fields, and woods. A Please Touch exhibit room offers a variety of interactive displays and games for children. Live animals, auditorium, classroom, and a teacher's resource library complete the Education Building's features.
        Visitors can enjoy a system of nature trails, meet some farm animals, learn about raptors in the Bird of Prey Center, stroll through Wildflower Gardens, and explore a Lenape Indian Village.
        Families can participate in many nature-related programs and workshops. Worthwhile volunteer opportunities are also available. Special events and classes can include topics such as Life on the Farm, Tracking, Star Gazing, Bird Watching and Feeding, and Wildlife Habitats. Call for a current schedule. The Center also offers great summer camp activities for children of all ages.
        School and Scout Groups can enjoy a variety of programs, each lasting 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the program. All programs use hands-on activities.
        Self-explanatory Program titles include Farm Animals, Nature Search, Animal Works, Colors of Nature, Dinosaurs & Fossils, Sensory Saunter, Sheep to Shawl, Maple Sugaring, Lenape Life, Bird Basics, Pond Pondering, Cycle of Life, Spring Amphibians, Aquatic Survey, and many others. While some programs are definitely grade-specific, the majority can be adapted for any level, even for adults.

       

To Top

 

Austin Nature & Science Center
Austin, Texas
USA
Phone: (512) 327-8181
Web Site: www.ci.austin.tx.us/nature-science/ansc.htm

    Encounter   native animals, plants and the geology of Central Texas at the Austin Nature & Science Center. Explore this unique environment with hands-on exhibits, interactive nature and science trails and live Texas wildlife. Visit  the Discovery Lab where hands-on experiences feature seven mini-science labs including mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology and geology. Come experience bats, butterflies and bones. Crawl through a Hill Country cave in the Nature of Austin exhibit. Meander down the Eco-Detective Trail and see how many indicators of wildlife you can discover. Visit the tiniest Austin residents in the Small Wonders Exhibit. Live wildlife exhibits feature more than 50 native Texas animals that can't be returned to the wild. Stroll through the woods; listen to the calls of owls, hawks and ravens in the Birds of Prey exhibit.


To Top

 

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center
300 Femrite Drive
Monona, Wisconsin 53716
Phone: (608) 221-0404
Web site: www.naturenet.com/alnc/index.html

         The Aldo Leopold Nature Center would like to welcome you to explore the land and enjoy the many wonders of the outdoor world. The Center’s mission is to teach love, respect, and admiration for the land in the spirit of Wisconsin's renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold.The center is proud to offer a new educational video for all audiences. Aldo Leopold Learning from the Land Leopold Learning from the Land recounts the biography of Wisconsin’s famous environmentalist.
        The Aldo Leopold Nature Center provides structured, hands-on nature education year- round to students of all ages. The programs include seasonal public programs, special events, school field trip experiences, in-class programs, teacher training, activities for special interest groups, and land restoration activities.
        Independently operated and funded, The Nature Center runs these programs on 20 acres leased from the City of Monona. This land provides various habitats for study and comparison: oak woods, prairie, field, wetlands and pond. All activities are held  outdoors, so if you plan to attend an activity or special event, be sure to come dressed for the weather!
        Programs at the Nature Center are by appointment only. You are free to use the nature trails from sunrise to sundown when classes are not in session.

. . . . .
      

Bethel Horizons Environmental Education Program
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Phone: (608) 935 - 5885
Web: www.naturenet.com/bethel/index.html

         Bethel Horizons consists of 460 acres of diverse plant and animal communities ideally situated adjacent to Governor Dodge State Park.
        Horizons is a special place to visit. You may experience a breathtaking view from the cliffs, hike wooded hillsides, slog through marshes or roam the expansive valley. A retreat center and farmhouse provide lodging and food for overnight, weekend, or weeklong visits, and a two-story nature center is nestled into a picturesque hillside. Six well-made hiking trails allow people to experience all of Bethel Horizons. The Old Prairie and Valley Nature Trails are self-guided. Illustrated booklets, which point out interesting facts along the trail, are available.
        A myriad of educational programs and activities are designed to teach people about the natural world. Students and individuals of all ages are invited to participate in increasing their knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors. Check out Horizons' Web site or call to find out about the wide range of educational programs available to schools, community, and church groups.

. . . . .
      

Brillion Nature Center
1135 Deer View Road 
Mailing Address: 315 S. Main Street
Brillion, WI 54110 USA
Phone: (920) 756-3591 
Web: www.BrillionNatureCenter.org

  • Six Miles of hiking trails leading hikers through a variety of natural communities including marsh, pond, forest and restored
    prairie. 

  • Restored Prairie which includes many wildflowers  totaling over 50 species. 

  • The Marsh Platform where you can view wildlife including great blue herons, nesting ospreys, waterfowl, and sandhill cranes.

  • Jason's Pond where kids can search for aquatic insects and frogs. 

  • Picnic Areas where one can relax and absorb the outdoors while feasting with the family or alone. 

  • Indoor Exhibits including a 100-gallon aquarium containing Wisconsin fish and tanks with local reptiles and amphibians. 

. . . . .
      

International Crane Foundation
P.O. Box 447
E-11376 Shady Lane Road
Baraboo, WI 53913-0447
Phone: (608) 356-9462
Web site:
www.baraboo.com/bus/icf/whowhat.htm

        The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the wetland and grassland communities in which they depend. The International Crane Foundation is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to these ecosystems. To accomplish its mission, the ICF, a non-profit organization, relies on a wide range of educational and conservation activities directed towards the many countries that cranes inhabit. A collection of captive cranes is maintained at their headquarters near Baraboo, Wisconsin. There the members of the ICF pursue vital techniques for crane preservation: captive breeding and reintroduction into the wild. This, combined with their many research efforts, enables them to conduct many educational programs. Families groups and schools can visit the site and also benefit from outreach programs such as staff presentations and the Midwest Crane Count. Second, the ICF strives to inform people throughout the US, through outreach programs, educational materials and films, national media coverage of their programs and a very informational web site. On an international level, they train and offer expertise in habitat management, restoration, ecology, captive management and propagation to colleagues in many countries. Check out their excellent web site for more information on the wonderful things that this organization is involved in and for great background information on the unique and beautiful creatures this organization strives to protect.

. . . . .
      

MacKenzie Environmental Education Center
Department of Natural Resources
W7303 City Hwy. CS
Poynette ~ WI 53955
Phone: (608) 635-8110
Web: www.naturenet.com/mackenzie/index.html


       
The MacKenzie Environmental Education Center is situated on 280 acres of rolling fields and forest land. MacKenzie is a wonderful place for family outings and out of the classroom adventures. Some of the center's highlights include:

  • live native Wisconsin wildlife exhibit including deer, bison, wolf, eagle and more
  • self-guided nature trails (two are handicapped accessible)
  • fire tower
  • conservation museum
  • non-native plants and animal museum
  • wildlife pond
  • arboretum with over 100 kinds of trees and shrubs
  • model tree nursery

      There are so many opportunities to learn at the center.  Have fun learning as you use the wildlife exhibit, nature trails and museums in a self-guided day program. Guidebooks and teaching materials are available to enhance your experience. The center is a popular place, organized groups must make reservations before their visits. For overnight stays contact the Resident Center for more information. Seven self-guiding trails, two accessible, can be hiked at the MacKenzie Center. Ecology, Nature, Wildlife, Conifer and Hardwood management are the trail themes. The Center continues to expand its prairie through new plantings. See what a prairie looked like and see the bison that roamed the prairie.

To Top

 

 

Community Horticultural Enterprise
Wildfowl Centre, Lough Head
Lisnaskea, Fermanagh, BT93 0HD
Northern Ireland
Phone: 07841 600315 (Mobile)

 

     They have turned what used to be part of the town dump into a community garden growing vegetables and fruit. It is like an eco community centre beside the lake.

 

 


Children of the Earth United offers a listing of nature centers across the country as a way of letting people know about the special activities that are taking place.   The information listed above has been provided by the nature centers. Children of the Earth United's representatives have not had the opportunity to visit each center and therefore do not make any specific claims as to the quality of the facilities or programs. 


Click here if you would like to have your nature center listed on this page at no charge.


Back to Nature Programs - Children of the Earth United

 

 

 

 

 


You can help us raise money by clicking this link before you buy Amazon.com products.  Children of the Earth United will receive about 5% of the sale price.  There is no cost to you and the price you pay is exactly the same. Click here to find our more.
 


 

(If you are Canadian - Please click here to access Amazon.ca)

.  .  .  .

Creative Kids        Amazing Animals           Powerful Plants           Native Wisdom 
Eco-Careers             Earth Issues             Awesome Activities            Great Books         
Nature Programs          We Give Thanks         Your Invited          About Us     

.  .  .  .

Comments, Feedback, Questions ? - Contact Us   

Children of the Earth United is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization - run by volunteers and entirely supported by donations.  If you would like to support our efforts, please help us out by sending a tax deductible donation to Children of the Earth United ~ P.O. Box 816 ~ Columbia, MD 21044.  
.  .  .  .
    

 

© 1999-2008 Children of the Earth United. All Rights Reserved.

 

Children of the Earth United
~ Environmental Education for Kids of all Ages ~

Learn about Animals, Plants, Ecology, Nature, Environmental Issues, Native Wisdom, Nature Centers, Activities, and much more at www.childrenoftheearth.org !