Coyote Point Museum, San Mateo: Since Coyote Point Museum's inception in 1954, over one million visitors have learned the importance of protecting our environment through hands-on exhibits, live animals, extensive gardens and a walk-through aviary.
Environmental Traveling Companions, San Francisco: Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) opens the beauty and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with special needs. Every year over 2,000 people of all abilities join us to raft whitewater rivers, ski across alpine meadows, sea kayak the waters of the Golden Gate and sleep beneath the open sky. ETC trips enable participants to access the wilderness, gain environmental awareness, and share the adventure.
Environmental Volunteers, Palo Alto: Founded in 1972 by a small group of community volunteers in Palo Alto, California, the Environmental Volunteers (EV) is an independent, nonprofit organization serving San Mateo and Santa Clara county elementary and middle schools. Our mission is: To promote understanding of, and responsibility for, the environment through hands-on science education.
Headwaters Outdoor School, Santa Cruz: At Headwaters Outdoor School we teach skills Earth People have used throughout time to survive in kinship with the Earth. Our classes are held in areas chosen for their abundance of wildlife, creeks, meadows, forests and spectacular views.
Occidental Arts & Ecology Center, Occidental: The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) is a non-profit educational center and biodiversity focused farm founded in 1994 by a group of biologists, artists, activists, educators, and horticulturists. OAEC's programs seek innovative and practical solutions to the pressing environmental, economic and social challenges of our day.
Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles: For over 76 years we have been providing Los Angeles County youth with opportunities to learn and grow through after school club activities and camping programs. We offer positive environments, experiences and opportunities that help children ages 6-18 become more productive adults. Each year, more than 8,000 children benefit from Woodcraft Rangers programs.
Yosemite National Park Interactive Classroom, Yosemite: Yosemite National Park is an ideal learning environment, where visitors can learn about geology, biology, cultural history, hydrology, and much more. This site helps you learn (and teach) about Yosemite National Park, whether you plan to visit the park or not.
Youth for Environmental Sanity Summer Camps: YES! has held 54 week-long summer camps in seven countries. YES! Action Camps inform, inspire and empower youth ages 15-25+ take positive action for healthy people and a healthy planet.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) is an environmental education not for profit organization in Homer, Alaska. Established in 1981, CACS delivers educational programs to over 2,500 students and other visitors every year. Our grass-roots organization has grown to over 300 memberships and we have over 70 active volunteers.
Denali Institute, Denali NP: Providing learning opportunities in the Far North for the benefit of people and the environment. Denali Institute classes are located in one of Alaska's premier wilderness destinations, Denali National Park and Preserve. In the past five years we have shared Denali with hundreds of Alaskans, visitors, and college students.
Prince William Sound Science Center, Cordova: The Prince William Sound Science Center is an independent, nonprofit research organization located in Cordova in southeastern Prince William Sound, Alaska.The Science Center was established in 1989 to conduct and facilitate scientificstudies on the ecology of the region. The Center's programs take an ecosystem approach to research, monitoring and management of natural resources.
Wrangell Mountains Center, McCarthy: Wrangell Mountains Center is a private nonprofit institute dedicated to environmental education, research, and arts in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Arizona
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the nation's leading outdoor living museum featuring the native plants and wildlife of its bioregion and ranks among the world's Top Ten Zoological Sites. Established in 1952, the museum has interpreted the Sonoran Desert ecosystem for millions of visitors, focusing on the inter-relationships of land and wildlife with man.
Living Education: The Place at Harshaw Creek, Patagonia: Living Education is a nonprofit organization committed to exploring the question "How can education serve to nurture and sustain people, places, and communities?"
Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education, Oracle: Oracle State Park is located in the northeastern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains near the town of Oracle. Ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 feet in elevation, the nearly 4,000-acre park consists of oak grassland, riparian woodland, and mesquite scrub habitats which contain a diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Flagstaff: The dream of building an environmental education center in Flagstaff is becoming a reality with the help of local individuals, businesses, and organizations. The new Education Center is located near the intersection of Lone Tree and Sawmill Roads at the new County Park. The Center demonstrates energy efficient construction methods and materials, and is open to the public for educational activities.
Colorado
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen: ACES mission is to inspire a life-long commitment to the preservation of the natural world by educating for environmental stewardship.
Deer Hill Expeditions, Mancos, recognizes the power of the wilder places both within and beyond to excite and to teach. Students stretch both mind and muscle through a combination of wilderness immersion and service. We encourage them to lend a helping hand and to accept one. We learn to take appropriate risks and to cultivate sound judgment....
Heart of the Rockies - Rocky Mountain NP Environmental Education Program, Estes Park
Lookout Mountain Nature Center, Golden: The Lookout Mountain Nature Center creates awareness, understanding, and conservation of Jefferson County's open spaces through year-round educational programs and exhibits.
The Roaring Fork Conservancy, Basalt: The namesake of the Roaring Fork Valley is a 70-mile-long ribbon of pristine, scenic water that starts as a trickle at 12,900 feet before pouring into the mighty Colorado River. The Roaring Fork River and its numerous tributaries are woven through the fabric of the Valley's communities and are a major asset to our economy and quality of life. Understanding the diverse and powerful roles played by this special river and recognizing its place in the hearts of residents and visitors led to the formation of the Roaring Fork Conservancy. Through various restoration and improvement projects, this non-profit organization is helping protect and enhance the rivers of the Roaring Fork drainage, including the Fryingpan and Crystal Rivers.
Wild Bear Science School, Nederland: The Wild Bear Center for Nature Discovery offers year round hands-on educational programs to people of all ages to foster a life long appreciation of the environment and to promote an environmentally aware, responsible and ecologically sound community.
Dakubetede Environmental Education Programs, Jacksonville: Welcome to Dakubetede Environmental Education Programs, where we go DEEP into an education of activism for these challenging times. I was inspired to create D.E.E.P. after the experiences of teaching field courses in forestry, forest ecology, and botany at a "mainstream" university. Years of working in the field as a geologist, botanist, wildlife biologist, and forest activist added to the realization that the wild landscape provides the best classroom. Indeed, here at D.E.E.P., Wilderness is our Classroom & Nature is our Teacher.
John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center, Oregon City: The John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is an outdoor classroom that was created from an abandoned jam cannery. A mile of trails crosses the five-acre landscaped site, providing easy access to ponds, a creek, and wildlife habitat.
People Exploring Ecosystem Resources as Stewards (PEERS): Our mission at PEERS is to improve the quality of science education within the United States. We invite teachers to attend one of two annual Summer Institutes and allow them to experience the PEERS model first hand. The result is a community of teachers trained to design and implement student-directed, open-inquiry lessons based on ecosystem models. Join the revolution and move toward improved science education!
Siskiyou Field Institute, Cave Junction: The Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI) is dedicated to teaching people about the unique natural history and features of the spectacular Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion. We believe that fostering an understanding and appreciation for this diverse region will encourage responsible stewardship and help build a stronger human connection to this special place.
Utah
Ogden Nature Center, Ogden: The Ogden Nature Center is a 127-acre wildlife sanctuary and education center. Our mission is to unite people with nature in mutually enriching experiences and to nurture appreciation and concern for the environment.
Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions & Whale Watching Tours, Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands: Teen’s Marine Sciences Program Our goal is simply stated: we want to provide your teen with the best sea kayak trip of his or her life. If you know a teen that is interested in the marine sciences and wants a fun and enriching adventure this summer, then be sure to tell them about this!
Trails Wilderness School, Kelly: The purpose of Trails Wilderness School is to provide a safe environment for education, cooperation, and fun in the outdoors. Direct involvement in stimulating and challenging activities encourages self-confidence, responsibility, and leadership. We use wilderness travel activities such as backpacking, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and rock climbing to foster individual growth.
Northeast
(Connecticut, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Wisconsin)
Connecticut
Connecticut Audubon Society Centers: Connecticut Audubon Society operates the historic Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield, Nature Centers in Fairfield, Glastonbury, and Pomfret, and a Coastal Center in Milford. Connecticut Audubon Society manages 19 wildlife sanctuaries and preserves over 2,600 acres of open space around the state. These sanctuaries, which are open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, serve as outdoor classrooms and provide visitors with hands-on opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the beauty and serenity of our state’s diverse natural habitats.
Darien Nature Center, Darien: The Darien Nature Center is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Located in beautiful Cherry Lawn Park, the Darien Nature Center offers a small world of resources and activities for children and adults of all ages.
Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby: The Center houses two public exhibit spaces, two classroom/labs, an exhibit preparation area, a reference library, a nature store, a solar exhibit area, staff offices, and a functional solar greenhouse.
Illinois
Aldeen Environmental Education Program, Rockford: Let's Go See : This unique program operates during the school year. Elementary school groups of 20 to 32 spend a day (Kindergarten 1/2 day) exploring the world around Aldeen Park and the Nature Center. Areas of study can include insects, birds, mammals, tree/leaf identification, how seeds travel, conservation, and Native American and pioneer history.
Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo: The Kalamazoo Nature Center is recognized as one of the nation's best nature centers. Since 1960, the Kalamazoo Nature Center has been inspiring people to care about the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world. The Nature Center reaches nearly 250,000 people each year through extensive programs in education, research, and conservation.
New Hampshire
Ecotarium: A Center for Environmental Exploration, Worcester: The mission of EcoTarium is to promote appreciation, increase knowledge and foster stewardship of our New England environment by stimulating learning about the world in which we live.
Boston University Sargent Camp, Hancock: Sargent Camp is a educational and recreational facility owned and operated by Boston University. Since 1912 Sargent Camp has been the site of innovations in the field of outdoor education and recreation and has helped thousands of participants to better understand our relationship to the natural environment. (also listed in ROS)
Prescott Farm Audubon Center, Laconia: Prescott Farm Audubon Center, ASNH's newest environmental education center, began offering programs in July of 1998. Through a partnership with a private family trust, Prescott Conservancy, Inc., Audubon manages this scenic and historic 160-acre family farmstead. Audubon operates Prescott Farm Audubon Center for the purposes of providing environmental education programming centered around land stewardship, using Prescott Farm as a demonstration area. A range of educational programs are offered including programs for families, youth, pre-school children, and adults.
New Jersey
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Engelwood: Comprised of 75 acres of Green Lands owned by the City of Englewood, plus an adjacent 75 acres formerly known as Allison Woods Park, this natural woodland, is one of the last remnants of the magnificent Palisades Forest.
Princeton-Blairstown Center, Blairstown: For almost a century the Princeton-Blairstown Center has been a place where people have come to discover some of the answers to their questions and learn essential skills for living. Over the years, the Center has enabled youth and families to discover the resources they have within themselves and in their communities to build healthy lives and stronger communities; to foster better interpersonal relations; to promote creative and caring responses to conflict; and to deepen the sense of personal responsibility, accountability and active citizenship for each other and the environment.
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly: The Tenafly Nature Center is a place to relax and study upland forest, streams, a pond, and the wildlife who call these habitats "home". This 52-acre haven adjoins the 330-acre Lost Brook Preserve.
The Tracker (Tom Brown), Asbury: The founder of the Tracker School, the largest tracking, nature awareness and survival school of its kind, Tom Brown has been exploring the wilderness since he was 7 years old. It was then that he met Stalking Wolf, an Apache elder, while growing up in Toms River, New Jersey.
New York
Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook: Through work with local schools, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies designs programs that develop ecological literacy and critical thinking skills in children and their teachers. Participants are engaged in the science of ecology by actually doing research and problem-solving exercises during field and classroom work at the Institute, at sites in the community, and on their school grounds.
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, Wappingers Falls: Stony Kill Farm's 756 acres of rolling countryside, farmland and woodlands in southeastern New York State is a special setting where visitors discover and enjoy a diverse variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the many species of plants and animals they support.
Ohio
Cincinnati Museum / Edge of Appalachia Preserve: The Ohio chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the Museum of Natural History & Science at Cincinnati Museum Center own and manage a series of 10 nearly contiguous preserves, collectively called The Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, the largest privately owned protected natural area in Ohio.
Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinatti: Provide the Greater Cincinnati community, especially young people, the opportunity to experience, study and enjoy the natural world. Encourage understanding, appreciation, and responsible stewardship of the environment through education. Preserve the heritage and integrity of Cincinnati Nature Center natural and agricultural lands.
Pennsylvania
Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve (Audubon), Pittsburgh: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve is the headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. ASWP manages and operates the five miles of trails and 134 acres of sanctuary at Beechwood Farms under a lease agreement with property holder, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Its facilities include a Discovery Room for children, the Education Building, the Audubon Nature Store, the Teacher Resource Center, a Natural History Library, and the Evans Nature Center auditorium.
Children's Country Week Association, Downington: CCWA’s objective is to provide inner-city youth with an opportunity to be exposed to the outdoors and to live together in a diverse setting.
Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry: The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA), is a special place for students, teachers, families, Scouts, birders, botanists, photgraphers, hikers, and everyone else interested in learning about the natural world in a beautiful and informal setting.
Vermont
Merck Farmland & Forest Center, Rupert: Join us for a variety of programs offered year-round on sustainable forestry, organic agriculture, wildlife, environmental issues, natural history, outdoor skills and seasonal events. Whether you're a landowner, farmer, gardener, child, student or nature lover you'll enjoy and appreciate what Merck Forest has to offer.
New England Naturalist Training Center, Northfield: Hands-on Ecology Focused Environmental Education. We Serve Schools, Clubs, Individuals, and Conduct Biological Surveys - 4 Seasons.
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne: Shelburne Farms is a membership-supported, nonprofit environmental education center and national historic site on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. School children, adults, educators and families come here to learn, while casual visitors may enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours and special events.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Woodstock: Protecting Vermont's natural heritage thorugh education and research designed to engage individuals and communities in the active care of their environment.
Wisconsin
Riveredge Nature Center, Newburg: The mission of Riveredge Nature Center is to provide leadership in environmental education, to preserve its natural sanctuary and to serve as a regional resource for scientific research. By educating people of all ages about their interrelationship with the earth and its plant and animal life, Riveredge fosters responsible environmental decision-making
Treehaven Field Center, Tomahawk: Treehaven Field Station is a multiple-use educational facility operated by the College of Natural Resources of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Treehaven is a new field station, with facilities and programs opening in 1985.
Southeast
(D.C., Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach: The ELC, through carefully developed programs and activities for children and adults, encourages self-discovery and rediscovery of the limitless wonders of nature and of the undeniable, even mysterious interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell: CNC is a unique educational resource located on the Chattahoochee River. Our naturalists have an enthusiasm for helping young minds discover the beauty, power, and intricacies of the natural world.So whether you’re looking for a lesson on ecology, biology, zoology or botany, our 127-acre classroom and experienced staff have just what you need to spark the spirit of discovery in students and teachers alike.
Kentucky
Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Louisville: The foundation of Blackacre’s educational approach is based on interdisciplinary work and making responsible decisions concerning our environment. Classes use the academic possibilities of the preserve differently. Some students will learn new concepts; some will reinforce or enhance existing knowledge; and some will incorporate learning into the larger world. In having educational experiences that are engaging, interesting, and connected to the students’ world, students will remember these experiences, which will form the basis of future learning.
Pickering Creek Environmental Center, Easton: With over 400 acres of forests, fields and shoreline, Pickering Creek is a private non-profit sanctuary dedicated to community-based conservation of natural resources and is preserved for the purpose of environmental education and outreach on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
North Carolina
Earthshine Mountain Lodge, Lake Toxaway: Schools bring their students to Earthshine to experience our outdoor education program. We have designed our programs for maximum impact and inspiration. An outing here will give your students an unforgettable focal point to your whole school year.
(North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota)
Iowa
Neal Moeller Environmental Education Center, Denison: Since 1990, the Board has employed a full-time naturalist to oversee a county wide environmental education program. Headquartered at Yellow Smoke Park's Neal Moeller Environmental Education Center, a nature center named after volunteer conservationist and long time Board member, Neal Moeller, Denison, the naturalist carries out the mission of educating school children and the general public on how to respect and conserve the environment in which they live. The "Nature Center", completed in 1992, exhibits various displays portraying environmental issues. The naturalist program is funded in part by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP).
Praire Learning Center / Neal Smith NWR, Praire City: Experience the breathtaking beauty of over 5,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and native Midwest wildlife. The Refuge reconstructs the native plant and animal communities that greeted Iowa's earliest settlers in the mid 1800's.
Minnesota
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, Hastings: Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC) is a private, non-profit nature preserve and environmental education facility established in 1981 under an endowment from the Thomas E. and Edna D. Carpenter Foundation. We currently have 450 acres at our main campus which is located just one mile northwest of Prescott, WI or about three miles northeast of Hastings, MN. Located on the St. Croix River, CNC offers 3 1/2 miles of paved trails and over 10 miles of grass or wood-chipped trails as well as an Interpretive Center which offers hands-on exhibits and live animals on display.
International Wolf Center, Ely: The International Wolf Center supports the survival of the wolf around the world by teaching about its life, its association with other species and its dynamic relationship to humans.
MSU Regional Science Center, Moorhead: The Regional Science Center is a program of Minnesota State University, Moorhead. We provide programming in: K-12 science and environmental education; K-12 teacher education; college pre-service environmental teacher education; college field and research opportunities in observational astronomy, field biology and geology; and astronomy and natural history programs for the general public.
Northfield Environmental Learning Center, Northfield: The Northfield Environmental Learning Center offers outdoor adventures to the middle and high school aged youth of the area.
Redwing Environmental Learning Center, Redwing: The main purpose is to instill an awareness and appreciation for our local environment and to be a catalyst for environmental appreciation in the Red Wing community. This is done by conducting year round out-door educational programs and provide continuity for interested participants.
River Bend Nature Center, Fairbault: 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. We serve over 20,000 people a year with a wide variety of programming on our beautiful 700 acre site
Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul: At the Science Museum of Minnesota, learners of all ages can discover their changing world by touching a tornado, coming face to face with a polar bear, exploring the Bloodstream Superhighway, or navigating a virtual towboat down the Mississippi River. Through a combination of interactive exhibits, live theater presentations, science demonstrations, and Omnitheater films, visitors can enjoy a unique combination of natural history, environmental science, biology, physics, and high-tech fun.
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township: Tamarack Nature Center is a 320-acre park preserve located within Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. Tamarack Nature Center offers a wide range of environmental education and outdoor recreation programs for preschool through grade 12.
South Dakota
The Outdoor Campus, Sioux Falls: Dedicated to preserving South Dakota's outdoor heritage through hands-on experiences.
Texas
Austin Nature and Science Center, Austin: Join us for a fascinating encounter with native animals, plants and the geology of Central Texas. Come explore this unique environment with hands-on exhibits, interactive nature and science trails and live Texas wildlife!
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose: A safe haven for some of the world's most endangered species and a host of native animals, Fossil Rim is one of the first facilities of its kind to have been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Today, Fossil Rim is a leader in propagation and management programs, scientific research, diverse public education initiatives and training facilities for conservation professionals, and support of conservation programs worldwide.
