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Highlands Center Programs |
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Learning Opportunities
The Highlands Center for Natural History emphasizes hands-on, participatory learning. All our programs are carefully structured to provide balanced viewpoints and information. The Highlands Center serves thousands of children and adults through the opportunities listed below.
Our beautiful outdoor site at 1375 S. Walker Road, holds our James Learning Center (with store, classroom, and offices), Kiwanis Amphitheater and three miles of hiking trails. One ¾ mile loop is handicap accessible. Both trail loops provide restroom facilities. These connect to other Prescott National Forest trails for visitor access.
Trails are open daily. Hours: April through September 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
and October through March 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Each year brings new educational activities! If you would like more information about any of our programs, call 928-776-9550 or e-mail us at highlands@cableone.net
Elementary School Programs Based in Outdoor Studies
On-Site Programs. We currently provide second and fourth grade programs for students from five school districts, numerous charter schools and private schools in Central Arizona. These include classroom activities and a full day outdoor session for each class at our outdoor site. Working with children in small groups (6-15 students), docents and staff provide outdoor science-based education designed to complement the in-class curriculum.
School-Based Habitat Learning Program. The Highlands Center now provides a half-time staff person at local elementary schools to help develop curriculum and teaching techniques that compliment an school-site habitat learning garden at the school. Staff will remain at each school over two years creating this model program which will enhance learning with a hands-on, cross-curricular approach.
Out of School Learning Opportunities for Children
Fall/Spring Break Nature Camp. Children discover the wonders of nature during their week off from school! Art and nature journaling in secret spots add to the fun of exploring.
Summer Camp. Discover, explore, and be a Friend Understanding Nature during summer! Children in this day camp experience an exciting combination of environmental education, art, stories, and active recreation.
Specialized Programs for Adults and Families
Natural History Series. These very popular adult classes, held annually for six mornings throughout February, are designed as an overview for anyone wishing to know more about the ecology of the Central Arizona Highlands. The sessions include lectures by staff and local naturalists and hands-on learning.
Grow Native! Plant Sale and Educational Festival. This sale began in Spring 2006 and is provided twice a year. We carry a wide variety of regional native plants, and host educational presentations and a Vendor Fair during the day. A special member preview sale is included.
Community Workshops. The Highlands Center has provided a variety of workshops such as The Art and Science of Firewise Landscaping education for fire-wise living; Tracking the Past—a teacher workshop and curriculum guide; Wander the Wild, a family nature fair; and drought-tolerant home landscaping/green building workshops. Watch our website for these special events.
Programs with Partners. The Highlands Center partners with Prescott Audubon Society for monthly bird walks, and with Prescott Astronomy Club for seasonal Star Parties.
Parties with a Purpose. These fun and educational fundraisers are provided on a variety of themes through out the year.
Publications
F.U.N. Packets. A number of these, focused on different themes, have been created for children age 6-12.
Wildscaping. This 48-page booklet developed by the Highlands Center focuses on landscape design in the Central Arizona Highlands, plants for different area environments, and the creation of backyard wildlife habitat. Available in the Benson Family Nature Store.
Stretch-Pebble Loop Nature Trail. This guide is provided free to visitors and provides interpretation on our ¾ mile handicap-accessible trail.
Highlands Vision. Our educational newsletter is published three times a year. |
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| Landscape design of 8,000 sq.ft. garden |
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| Lisa Packard, our Habitat Learning Coordinator |
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| Journaling time in your Secret Spot |
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| Students in garden amphitheater |
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| Build a garden and the little critters will come |
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| Learning through observation and discovery |
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| A pioneer with a foraging basket visits with the group. |
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| Patterns in Nature bandana day. |
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| Some students get totally immersed in the fun. |
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| Learning about Native American life. |
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| Investigating insects by the creek. |
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| Journaling in nature. |
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| Journaling in his Secret Spot. |
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| Enjoying the completion of their handmade shelter. |
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| Camp student "meets a tree". |
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| Making a bird nest. |
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