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
Adult Classes and Programs
Kid & Family Programs
The James Family Discovery Gardens
Highlands Center Hiking Trails
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Volunteer Opportunities
The column of smoke on the #SheridanFire is quite visible as we enter the heat of the day. To the north you may also see the #SaberFire on the U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest. For more information on both of these fires visit Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov
"To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from." -Terry Tempest Williams
TUESDAY, AUG 20 Insights to the Outdoors: Insects of Death - at the Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., admission: $30 for nonmembers, $27 for members.
This program brings a whole new meaning to “death is a part of life.” Come learn all about insects that specialize in finding and devouring carrion, and how investigators have long used insect communities in human forensics.
When any animal dies the remains become home to entire communities of organisms, many of which are insects. These insects specialize in finding and devouring carrion. The interactions between these insects and the environment allow the carrion to progress through the many stages of decomposition, eventually returning all organic material back to nature. Investigators have long used insect communities in human forensics to determine time of death, and when and where a death may have occurred.
For more information, visit www.highlandscenter.org.
Insights to the Outdoors: Insects of Death, Aug. 20
Come out to the Highlands Center for Natural History for Insights to the Outdoors: Insects of Death on Tuesday, Aug. 20.A fascinating read: parenting.nytimes.com/preschooler/forest-school?fbclid=IwAR0OlbkizdQ6X4w2V6XbMJZq5UXY1QnOjyOFbQQB...
Can Climbing Trees Replace Preparing for Tests?
Nature-based preschools are becoming increasingly popular. But what are they, and are they effective?Allison Ender
www.dcourier.com/news/2019/aug/15/explore-world-insects-highlands-center-natural-his/
ARTHROPALOOZA is at Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. in Prescott from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17!
Party down with all things creepy and crawly at this Highlands Center favorite. If you’ve ever wondered about the little big world of insects, this festival is for you! Become a member of the Dead Bug Society or join the Cicada Club. Explore the wild world of insect mouthparts and take a closer look at these aliens on earth.
$6 for adults and $4 for children. Members are free. Sponsored by Findlay Toyota Prescott.
For more information, visit www.highlandscenter.org.
Explore the world of insects at Highlands Center for Natural History, Aug. 17
Come out to the Highlands Center for Natural History and explore the world of insects on Saturday, Aug. 17.www.dcourier.com/news/2019/aug/15/highlands-center-discovery-gardens-makes-nature-ac/
Highlands Center Discovery Gardens makes nature accessible
At the Highlands Center for Natural History’s James Family Discovery Gardens, people of all ability levels have been able to enjoy nature and learn about the natural world around them.
Rattlesnakes are Surprisingly Social Animals
Melissa Amarello is one of the founders of Advocates for Snake Preservation, an organization committed to improving human tolerance of snakes and our peaceful coexistence with them. She studies the…I would rather be antisocial... Just saying
Yes they like to sneak up on you and bite! They don't even rattle anymore to worn you. I'd say they are pretty antisocial? 😉
Shivers
parentswithconfidence.com/40-astounding-benefits-outdoor-nature-play-kids/?fbclid=IwAR2zCP5M-H9T4...
We Desperately Need to get Our Kids back Outside. Here's Why.
Inside: Time kids spend outdoors in nature play has been steadily declining for decades and it's costing them enormously when it comes to their physical and mental health. I feel my shoulders relax. M...
Bats use leaves as mirrors to find prey in the dark
Bats can find motionless insects on leaves in the dark. This was thought to be impossible, because the acoustic camouflage provided by the leaves should confuse their echolocation system. Inga Geipel ...www.adventure-journal.com/2019/02/study-kids-who-spend-time-in-nature-become-happier-adults/
Study: Kids Who Spend Time in Nature Become Happier Adults
Decades-long study shows that the more time we spend outdoors as kids, the less chance we have of mental illness as adults.Samantha Harper 😊
I was thrilled to have two hyalophora cecropia visit our house last week! 😍
Saw this one today right in Prescott. I was surprised at its size.
I want to see these!
A Costa's Hummingbird at the Highlands Center this morning is an uncommon visitor from lower elevations away from Prescott. This immature male doesn't yet show signs of his purple gorget but his song gives him away. His arrival here may be the result of post-breeding dispersal - a phenomenon in which birds disperse widely away from breeding areas after they’re done nesting.
Want a great resource to help you identify the latest insect you spotted on your hike in the Prescott National Forest? Explore this wonderfully, comprehensive site and see if you can identify the insects pictured below! You can even organize your search by state: www.insectidentification.org/insects-by-state.asp?thisState=Arizona&fbclid=IwAR14S7CQEkD5ibSLHaTT...
Thanks, Nancy Maurer!
Great to see...
Painted Lady butterflies - to find out what plants you can use in your garden locally to attract butterflies, see: xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-003_01_Monarch-Nectar-Plants-for-Conservation-Planting...
Awesome pictures
What plant is pictured here please¿ I have one but don't know what it is.
"It is important to make the connection between beauty and nature obvious and to name beauty as the quality in nature we so desire. " - Sandra Lubarsky
www.eventbrite.com/e/sing-sing-sing-the-songs-of-pete-seeger-woody-guthrie-and-more-tickets-58868...
Listen to live, local musicians at Sing! Sing! Sing! Fest Aug. 4
Come listen as local musicians share the music of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and more at the Sing! Sing! Sing! Fest on Sunday, Aug. 4.
The Sounds of Summer
SPRING IS A MAGICAL time in the Mogollon Highlands. Trees leaf out overnight, flowers bloom that weren’t even there yesterday. Every plant and animal seems to hurry to take advantage of warmer days. As spring falls into the past and the warm days of...
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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