Nature center

A common exhibit found at a nature center

A nature center (or nature centre) is an organization with a visitor center or interpretive 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. There are often museum exhibits and displays about natural history, or preserved mounted animals or nature dioramas. Nature centers are staffed by paid or volunteer naturalists and most offer educational programs to the general public, as well as summer camp, after-school and school group programs.

Some nature centers allow free admission but collect voluntary donations in order to help offset expenses. They usually rely on support from dedicated volunteers.

Environmental education centers differ from nature centers in that their museum exhibits and education programs are available mostly by appointment, although casual visitors may be allowed to walk on their grounds.

Some city, state and national parks have facilities similar to nature centers, such as museum exhibits, dioramas and trails, and some offer park nature education programs, usually presented by a park ranger.

List of notable nature centers

United States

Main article: List of nature centers in the United States

Canada

Main article: List of nature centres in Canada

Europe

Main article: List of nature centres in Europe

South Africa

• Delta Environmental Centre, Parkview, South Africa

Asia

China

• Lions Nature Education Centre, Sai Kung Town, Hong Kong
• Fanling Environmental Resource Centre, Fanling, Hong Kong
• Old Wan Chai Post Office, Wan Chai

Taiwan

• The Dongyanshan Nature Center
• The Flyingcow

External links

• Places to Learn about Nature and the Environment