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

Halloween Discovery Saturday

  • October 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM to 12:00PM MT

Come out for some free family fun at our Halloween-themed Discovery Saturday! Get your face painted, eat bugs, walk through our spooky tunnel, fish for treats, and visit many other discovery stations. Costumes are welcome!

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Painting Plein Air in November: A Three-Part Workshop with Cathy Krieger

  • November 16, 18 & 20, 2026 at 9:00 PM to 12:00 PM MT

Slow down and experience the Highlands Center landscape through a painter’s eyes in this three-part plein air series with local artist Cathy Krieger. Explore color, composition, observation, and outdoor painting techniques for beginning and intermediate artists.

Wreath Making Workshop

  • November 7, 2026 – Choose from 3 times

Wanna get crafty?!?!

Feeling the holiday spirit?!?!

Come join us at the Highlands Center for Natural History on Saturday November 7th 2026 for a fun wreath making workshop! There will be 3 sessions available for pre-registration. The first session is from 9am-11am, the second is from 12pm-2pm and the third session will be from 3pm-5pm. We will provide you with a grapevine wreath, crafting and decorative supplies and foraged natural materials from the local forest. We encourage you to bring any items from home you may wish to decorate with as well.

Register Below.

Highlands Center 30th Birthday Party!

  • November 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM MT

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of connecting people with nature, inspiring discovery, and caring for the beautiful lands we call home!

This special birthday celebration marks an exciting new chapter for the Highlands Center as we sign a new special use permit with the Prescott National Forest, continuing our partnership and commitment to nature education, conservation, and stewardship for generations to come.

Come celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together—and everything still to come! Enjoy delicious FREE food and drinks, meet the staff and people behind the mission, explore the grounds, and enjoy plenty of fun in one of the most beautiful settings in the Prescott area.

30 years of wonder. 30 more years of possibility.

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.

Susie Percy Badger’s Rest

On September 27, we broke ground on Susie Percy Badger’s Rest, an off-grid classroom that will make room for youth and adult learning, family programs, and quieter circles of connection with nature. Watch the groundbreaking remarks to hear the story behind the building and the people making it possible. With $450,000 secured and $500,000 left to raise, your gift will help bring Badger’s Rest to life.

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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Become A Member

View Our Trail Cam Footage!