Highlands Center for Natural History

Nonprofit Nature Center in Prescott National Forest

Pat Gulley leads guided naturalist hike on Highlands Center trails in Prescott Arizona
Children explore nature with Highlands Center educators during outdoor learning program in Prescott Arizona

Explore nature. Discover wonder. Care for the Central Highlands.

The Highlands Center for Natural History operates as a nonprofit nature center within the Prescott National Forest. We nurture a meaningful sense of place and foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the Central Arizona Highlands. The development of both onsite and offsite outdoor education programs and partnerships provides opportunities for our community to understand the connections between humanity and the natural world, inspiring all to live in a respectful and sustainable way. We believe that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world.

Discover the Highlands Center

Nature, Trails & Community in Prescott, Arizona

Wonder – Explore – Discover

Our Mission

Our mission is to help children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.

Our Vision

Our vision is a Central Highlands in which people at all stages of their lives develop connections with and learn to care for the natural world.

We believe everyone holds an innate interdependence with nature.

Through our site and programs, we are dedicated to leading in environmental education.

Discover Our Programs

Youth Programs

Throughout the year, we offer engaging programs and events for children and their families, set against the backdrop of our scenic trails and vibrant Discovery Gardens.

Adult Programs

The Highlands Center offers educational programs for adult learners throughout the year on and offsite regarding the natural history of the Central Highlands of Arizona.

Programs for your Group

We offer custom programs, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to align with your specific interests and preferences.

Featured Events

Arthropalooza

  • August 29th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM MT

Come on out to the Highlands Center for Natural History for Arthropalooza! Learning Stations highlighting the many wonders of insects in the Central Highlands will be set up throughout our Discovery Gardens.

Designed to provide each visitor the chance to learn and to become wise caretakers of the land, this program is FREE for all ages and no pre-registration is required.

Juniper Jamz

  • Saturdays through September 19th at 6:00 PM MST

Join us for our first annual Juniper Jamz Summer Concert Series, the Highlands Center for Natural History’s summer Saturday concert series bringing local live music to our outdoor venue in Prescott, AZ. Enjoy an evening of music, community, and summer nights among the pines.

Tickets are $30 per night per person.

No physical tickets will be provided. Once registered, guests only need to give their name at the check-in table upon arrival. Highlands Center members will receive priority seating in the first few rows.

Roadside Geology of Arizona: Author Presentation & Book Signing

  • September 30th at 12:30 PM MT

Hit the road and discover the remarkable geology hiding in plain sight across Arizona! Join authors Stephen J. Reynolds and Julia K. Johnson for a lively, visual journey through our geologically spectacular state and the making of the entirely new Roadside Geology of Arizona.

Highlands Happenings

Find your next event at the Highlands Center. Explore upcoming programs and community events to see what’s happening and when to join. Use View Full Calendar to browse all dates and details.

Juniper Jamz – Ponderosa Grove

Ponderosa Grove is a band born out of the artistic tapestry of Prescott, Arizona. Whether they’re performing as an acoustic duo/trio or in their full 6-8 piece set up this collective brings a warm and inviting sound that has been compared to a contemporary Fleetwood Mac or Queen with electric stage presence, tight harmonies, and groovy vibe like no other.

Juniper Jamz – Arizona Philharmonic

Duo Catalina

Flute collaborators Jeannette Hirasawa Moore and Andrea Redcay Graves formed Duo Catalina to bring two-flute, flute and alto flute, and flute and piano works to audiences throughout northern and central Arizona. They were recently featured at the Scottsdale Musical Instrument Museum’s special exhibit, The Magical Flute, representing the Sedona Symphony. Moore and Graves have also performed at the Prescott Highlands Center and Mountain Artists Guild representing the Arizona Philharmonic, the Flagstaff Max Jerrell Community Concert Series, and Winslow Correctional Facility Arts Capacity concerts representing the Flagstaff Symphony. Duo Catalina also enjoys performing for senior residences, weddings, and corporate events.

Join us at the Highlands Center for Natural History from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for this special performance. […]

Juniper Jamz – Ramsey-Roberson

Juniper Jamz is proud to feature Ramsey-Roberson for an evening of outstanding live entertainment. Known for their musical talent, engaging performances, and audience connection, Ramsey-Roberson offers a concert experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. Relax under the pines at the Highlands Center while enjoying great music from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $30 per person.

Juniper Jamz – MacDougal St. West

Close out the Juniper Jamz season with a special return performance by MacDougal St. West. Their blend of folk-rock favorites, acoustic arrangements, and engaging stage presence makes for the perfect finale to a summer of music. Join fellow music lovers at the Highlands Center for Natural History from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and celebrate the final concert of the season. Tickets are $30 per person.

Have your event at the Highlands Center

The Highlands Center for Natural History, surrounded by beautiful pine forest, is the perfect venue for your special event. Whether considering our tranquil and well-equipped campus for a wedding, corporate retreat, party or memorial, we will be delighted to accommodate you and your guests.

Get Involved

We believe that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. This connection is fostered by the Center through science education based on observation and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands. Help children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.

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