Nature center

A nature center is an organization with a visitor center designed to educate people about nature and the environment. Usually located within a protected open space, nature centers often have trails through their property. Some are located within a state or city park, and some have special gardens or an arboretum. Their properties can be characterized as nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Nature centers generally display small live animals, such as reptiles, rodents, insects, or fish, or preserved mounted animals or animal parts. There are often museum exhibits and displays or signs about natural history and most offer educational programs to the general public, as well as to school groups. Many nature centers have summer camp and after-school programs.

Many nature centers allow free admission, but collect voluntary donations in order to keep them running. They usually rely on support from dedicated volunteers.

Environmental education centers usually differ from nature centers in that they offer education programs by appointment only, although casual visitors can walk on their grounds.

List of notable nature centers

California

• Galster Park Nature Center (Irwindale)
• Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center (California)

Connecticut

• Earthplace (Westport)
• New Canaan Nature Center (New Canaan)

Georgia

• Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell)

Massachusetts

• Camp Nihan (Saugus)

Minnesota

• Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center (Marine on St. Croix)
• Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)
• River Bend Nature Center (Faribault)

New Jersey

• Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly)

New Mexico

• Pajarito Environmental Education Center (New Mexico)

New York

• Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center (Voorheesville)
• Stony Kill Farm (Fishkill)
• Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park (Wantagh)

Ohio

• Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (Shaker Heights)

Tennessee

• Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (Murfreesboro)
• Lichterman Nature Center (Memphis)
• Owl's Hill Nature Center (Brentwood)

[edit] Texas

• Riverside Nature Center (Kerrville)