The Highlands Center for Natural History is an environmental education organization, which features quality outdoor science education, reaching over 10,000 children and adults each year.
Our mission: The Highlands Center helps children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land. We believe that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. This connection is fostered by the Center through outdoor-science education based on observation and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands.
The Central Arizona Highlands, a unique biological and geological transition zone, lies between the lush Sonoran Desert and the vast Colorado plateau of Arizona. Our new Lynx Creek Site is an 80-acre microcosm of this special region. As our outdoor classroom, it is integrated into learning programs for all ages. In keeping with our mission of being wise caretakers of the land, the constructed campus area on our new site showcases practical green building strategies, fire-wise living, water conservation, and environmental landscaping/site revegetation.
We’ve established a sound reputation for quality and balance among the educators of Yavapai County and northern Arizona. Our year-round youth programs serve five school districts in Yavapai County, charter schools, private schools, and home-schooled children. Each year we have experienced dramatic program growth; programs fill quickly and often have a waiting list.
The Highlands Center offers extensive family programs, after-school programs, and week-long summer day camps. We provide field studies, lectures, workshops, and other activities to broaden the adult community’s understanding of natural history in the Central Arizona Highlands.
