Nature Discovery Center

Nature Discovery Center: Sparking Curiosity and Connection to Nature

Engaging Programs for All Ages

At the Nature Discovery Center (NDC), our dedicated staff offers hands-on, exciting programs designed to ignite a love for nature, science, and learning. Through a variety of classes, exhibits, and field investigations, we reach over 40,000 people each year, with around 75% of them being children. These programs are offered at the Center, in schools, and even in public libraries, ensuring that we bring the wonders of nature directly to the communities we serve.

Our Mission: Igniting Curiosity and Understanding

Our mission at NDC is simple but powerful: to ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education. We are committed to making nature and science engaging and accessible, helping people of all ages connect with the natural world around them.

We Believe: A Personal Connection to Nature is Essential

At NDC, we believe that building a personal connection to nature is an essential part of life. By fostering this connection, we encourage curiosity, respect, and responsibility towards the environment, empowering individuals to take active roles in preserving the earth for future generations.

Our Goals: Inspiring Discovery and Critical Thinking

We strive to spark interest in nature and science, encouraging children and adults alike to explore, discover, and learn. We aim to nourish the inquiring mind and keep a sense of wonder alive, while also developing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning. These skills help individuals navigate not only their educational journey but all aspects of life.

Enriching Educational Opportunities for All

We are dedicated to enriching educational opportunities, particularly for underserved children. By improving access to nature-based learning, we enhance their chances of success in school and beyond. Our programs aim to inspire a love for science and nature, helping students grow into curious, knowledgeable, and responsible individuals.

Improving Science Education

At NDC, we work to improve the teaching of science in elementary grades by providing hands-on examples, teacher training, and educational publications. We aim to equip both students and educators with the tools and resources needed to foster a deeper understanding of science and nature in the classroom.

Advancing Ecological Understanding

Our programs help advance general understanding of how nature affects our lives and highlight the ecological systems that keep the earth in balance. By educating people about the interconnectedness of life on earth, we foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Fostering Love and Respect for Nature

Ultimately, our goal is to inspire a love and respect for nature that motivates individuals to become responsible caretakers of the earth. We believe that by fostering this respect, we can create a generation of environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the natural world for future generations.

Join Us at NDC

We invite you to experience the wonders of nature and science through our engaging programs at the Nature Discovery Center. Whether you’re a child, parent, teacher, or educator, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy as we work together to foster a deeper connection to the natural world.