Wonder – Explore – Discover
The Highlands Center, a Prescott nature center, is a hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature.
Events and Calendar
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The James Family Discovery Gardens
Highlands Center Hiking Trails
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Volunteer Opportunities
Don't Miss These EXCITING Events
Spring Break Nature Camp
March 9-13, for Ages 6-12
highlandscenter.org/spring-break-camp/
Spend an exciting week discovering the mysteries of animals and plants in an informative and playful setting. Explore with friends and observe connections within our natural world through hands-on activities, crafts, and games. 8am – 4pm
$175 Members, $230 Non-Members
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
Call 928-776-9550
When I was a kid, you could still safely drink from a cool, clear, flowing mountain stream. Not anymore. Sad.
Too bad it cost so much
“The key to forest therapy is not to cover a lot of miles, but to walk through nature with intention and just take it all in.” www.nextavenue.org/great-outdoors/?fbclid=IwAR16wayQxL6Bm9dQNhZgk7fuyP_GDHjAmrFSwHRJ_Wm365Sos049n...
Share this book everywhere you can. It means more bees, butterflies and birds for all of us!
If you care about the planet, this is a must-read.
"The professor asks all who own or care for even the smallest properties to plant half in native species. He calls this the Homegrown National Park. The goal is to restore wildlife corridors and connect them with others. People benefit as well, from the thrill of discovery and a renewed connection with nature."
Book review: www.yakimaherald.com/scene/literature/book-scene-nature-s-best-hope----is/article_9d68ca89-844c-5...
Highlands Center for Natural History presents "Community Nature Study Series 2020."
Experts from around the state will each conduct an interactive, 3-hour presentation at Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott through Feb. 20.
The tenth and final class of this series will be presented by Sneha Vissa, NAU who will discuss "A Day in The Life of Bark Beetles" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20.
This workshop will explore the biology and ecology of bark beetles, with an emphasis on bark beetles native to the southwest United States. We will learn about the life cycle of bark beetles, how to identify different bark beetles (from beetle specimens and from tree barks), and how to diagnose the signs and symptoms of bark beetle attacks. We will also explore the micro-organismal community associated with bark beetles and the roles they play in making beetles tick. Finally, this workshop will also touch on the effect of a changing climate on bark beetles and what we might expect from beetle outbreaks and forest health in the years to come.
'A Day in the Life of Bark Beetles,' Feb. 20
dcourier.com
The tenth and final class of this series will be presented by Sneha Vissa, NAU who will discuss "A Day in The Life of Bark Beetles" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20.www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/lunar-occultation-see-mars-vanish-behind-the-moon/682148?utm_ca...
Set your alarm: Moon, Mars and Earth to align before dawn on Tuesday
www.accuweather.com
An eclipse-like event will cause one of Earth’s closest neighbors to briefly ‘disappear’ from the night sky, an event only able to be seen from North America.How cool is that
Community Nature Study Series - FINAL CLASS!
Thurs, February 20 – A Day in The Life of Bark Beetles
Sneha Vissa, NAU
This workshop will explore the biology and ecology of bark beetles, with an emphasis on bark beetles native to the southwest United States.
highlandscenter.org/upcoming-event/community-nature-study-series-a-day-in-the-life-of-bark-beetles/
highlandscenter.org
The Highlands Center for Natural History helps children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.Sneha Vissa is a Ph.D. student in NAU’s School of Forestry (College of Environment, Forestry & Natural Sciences). She received her Masters of Science in Forestry at NAU in 2017. In addition to serving as the Co-President of NAU’s Graduate Student Government (GSG), she also teaches an upper division class in the department of Biological Sciences, is an active member of the Northern Arizona Association of Women in STEM (NAAWiS), and mentors undergraduate students who are interested in research-based careers. In her free time, she is an avid outdoors(wo)man who enjoys backpacking, river rafting and camping in the woods! Upon completion of her Ph.D. degree, she hopes to pursue a career in scientific education and communication with an emphasis on forest health and insect ecology.”
Highlands Nature Camps
Wish l could afford them...
Amy E Rozell Ariel Radford
Community Nature Study Series
Tues, February 18 – Cattle impacts on protected rivers in the Mogollon Highlands
Joe Trudeau, Center for Biological Diversity
This workshop will explore balancing endangered species conservation with other uses of natural resources.
highlandscenter.org/upcoming-event/community-nature-study-series-cattle-impacts/
I would love to be at this but for those of us not retired - it’s the middle of a work day 😞
Volunteers needed for monarch butterfly conservation! AZGFD is looking for volunteers to help plant milkweed and create "Monarch Waystations" on some of our wildlife areas near Cornville (Feb. 22nd) and Springerville (March 7th). Monarch Waystations are places where monarchs can stop over on their way through Arizona during migration; milkweed is an important feature because it is the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat. Bring your gardening hand trowel and come ready to dig in the dirt with AGFD biologists! For more information, and to sign up, visit bit.ly/2OKkRrh
Leanne
Backyard Gardener - Our Native Oaks - February 19, 2020
cals.arizona.edu
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County, Backyard Gardener
“Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind.”
― Amit Ray, Meditation: Insights and Inspirations
Highlands Center for Natural History presents "Community Nature Study Series 2020."
highlandscenter.org/community-nature-study-series/
Experts from around the state will each conduct an interactive, 3-hour presentation at Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott through Feb. 20.
The seventh class of this series will be presented by Eric Hough, Maricopa County Parks who will discuss "Where the Wild Birds Are: Avian Biogeography in Arizona’s Changing Climate" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Would you like to learn more about where to find birds in Arizona? During this Nature Studies Presentation, we will learn about the diverse vegetation zones that provide habitat for Arizona’s birds through interactive exercises and a bird walk around the center’s grounds, as well as learn about how climate change has already been affecting bird distribution in our state and the predicted changes yet to come.
Registration is required. Admission for a non-member is $25 per class. Members receive a 10% discounted rate.
To register and for more information, visit highlandscenter.org/community-nature-study-series.
Where the Wild Birds Are: Avian Biogeography in Arizona’s Changing Climate
dcourier.com
The seventh class of this series will be presented by Eric Hough, Maricopa County Parks who will discuss "Where the Wild Birds Are: Avian Biogeography in Arizona’s Changing Climate" from 9 a.m. to 1...
Kids Who Spend More Time in Nature Become Happier Adults, Study Confirms
www.greenchildmagazine.com
You don't really need a study to tell you this, but it's worth noting the science behind our intuitive guess that kids who spend more time in nature become happier adults.From the Highland Center’s chocolate-making and wine-tasting event, a symphonic rock show and Nancy Elliot performing in the next CoffeeHouse Concert, there is a lot to over the next seven days in the quad-city area.
Enjoy a special edition of Highlands Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, with a private tour of Black Butterfly Artisan Chocolates, exploring how local chocolatier Tracy Taylor makes her famous artisan chocolate, followed by a venture into Del Rio Springs Wine Cellar for an exclusive sneak peek in to the tasting room that’s not yet open to the public to learn from vintners Rick and Maricor Skladzien about how they grow and produce their wine in Paulden. The event ends with a curated chocolate tasting and wine pairing experience.
The cost is $72 for Highlands Center for Natural History members and $80 for nonmembers. Register online at www.highlandscenter.org/highlands-center-happy-hour. Attendees must be 21 or older.
Both locations are in the Old Firehouse Plaza, located at 220 W. Goodwin St.hour. Attendees must be 21 or older.
7 in 7: Chocolate making and wine tasting, symphonic rock, Nancy Elliot
dcourier.com
From the Highland Center’s chocolate-making and wine-tasting event, a symphonic rock show and Nancy Elliot performing in the next CoffeeHouse Concert, there is a lot to over the next seven days in t...Enjoy a special 'Chocolate Making & Wine Tasting' event, Friday, Feb. 7
highlandscenter.org/highlands-center-happy-hour.
Come enjoy this special edition of Highlands Happy Hour, “Chocolate Making & Wine Tasting” in downtown Prescott from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.
Come enjoy this special edition of Highlands Happy Hour, “Chocolate Making & Wine Tasting” in downtown Prescott from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.
The evening will begin with a private tour of the Black Butterfly Artisan Chocolates shop, exploring how local chocolatier, Tracy Taylor, makes her famous artisan chocolate. We will then venture next door to the new Del Rio Springs Vinyard tasting room where we will learn from vintners, Rick and Maricor Skladzien, about how they grow and produce their wine in Paulden, Arizona.
At the end of the tour we will settle in for a curated chocolate tasting and wine pairing experience.
Registration is required and guests must be 21+ to attend. Cost is $72 for members, $80 for non-members. Chocolate and Wine included with registration.
To register and for more information, visit highlandscenter.org/highlands-center-happy-hour.
Enjoy a special 'Chocolate Making & Wine Tasting' event, Friday, Feb. 7
dcourier.com
Come enjoy this special edition of Highlands Happy Hour, “Chocolate Making & Wine Tasting” in downtown Prescott on Friday, Feb. 7.
Community Nature Study Series WEEK 4
Tues, February 11 – Where the Wild Birds Are: Avian Biogeography in Arizona’s Changing Climate
Eric Hough, Maricopa County Parks
Would you like to learn more about where to find birds in Arizona? Then this workshop is for you!
highlandscenter.org/upcoming-event/community-nature-study-series-where-the-wild-birds-are/
Thurs, February 13 – Hotter and drier: How will trees respond to more extreme and frequent drought?
Drew Peltier, NAU
Trees drive global climate, and drive the structure and function of forest ecosystems. As climate warms and dries, droughts are happening more frequently and they are also more extreme, being both hotter and drier.
highlandscenter.org/upcoming-event/community-nature-study-series-hotter-and-drier/
coloradosun.com
Sobering statistics in the Outdoor Participation Report show even kids are staying inside. “We should really be concerned as a nation that we are becoming an indoor nation,” Outdoor Foundation bos...Awesome. Less crowded out there, and less litter!
Cellphones
Good news as far as I’m concerned. One less jerk with an amplified speaker on the trail “enjoying nature”.
Highlands Center for Natural History presents "Community Nature Study Series 2020."
highlandscenter.org/community-nature-study-series.
Experts from around the state will each conduct an interactive, 3-hour presentation at Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott from Jan. 21 through Feb. 20.
The fifth class of this series will be presented by Catherina Benson, Hillary Eaton and Matthew Valente, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who will discuss "Exploring Environmental DNA: A New Tool for Ecological Monitoring" from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4
During this Nature Studies Presentation, you will be introduced to environmental DNA (eDNA) and its use as a tool for ecological studies. All organisms, from bacteria to humans, leave a genetic fingerprint in their environment, and researchers can detect these signals using modern molecular biology techniques. In this program, we will explore work from the ERAU Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Forensics Lab, as well as case studies in eDNA, ranging from its use in tracking insect pollinators to invasive species! Activities will include a DIY DNA extraction using your own cells and an exercise in eDNA metabarcoding, an exciting new technique that can be used to identify entire groups of organisms.
Registration is required. Admission for a non-member is $25 per class. Members receive a 10% discounted rate.
To register and for more information, visit highlandscenter.org/community-nature-study-series.
Exploring Environmental DNA: A New Tool for Ecological Monitoring, Feb. 4
dcourier.com
Highlands Center for Natural History presents "Community Nature Study Series 2020" at Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott from Jan. 21 through Feb. 20.
The Highlands Center for Natural History
Prescott Nature Center
In our classroom without walls you will discover Ponderosa Pine covered mountains, deeply shaded riparian habitats, chaparral and woodland, remarkable geologic formations, and amazing vistas, in addition to all manner of forest inhabitants. With educational programming, hiking trails, and a botanic garden, our Prescott nature center has activities for all ages.
1375 S. Walker Road, Prescott, AZ 86303
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