Highlands Center for Natural History

Nonprofit Nature Center in Prescott National Forest

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.

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

Now Hiring for an Environmental Educator!

Love being outside and working with kids?

Our Environmental Educators bring learning to life through hands-on, outdoor experiences that spark curiosity and connection to the natural world. From school field trips to nature camps, Environmental Educators guide young learners through meaningful, nature-based exploration right on our trail system. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys leading small groups, teaching alongside kids, and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers. If you’re enthusiastic, curious, and happiest outdoors, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about this position here:

Spring Break Nature Camp

  • March 16th-20th

Forecast… 100% STEM!
Step outside and into the forecast. During Spring Break Nature Camp, campers will spend their days on the trails exploring weather in action. From building their own weather instruments to tracking storms, clouds, and rain, kids will investigate how the world around them changes every day. Expect hands-on STEM, muddy boots, and plenty of discovery.

The Age of Loneliness: An author talk and book signing

  • March 14th at 12:30 – 2:00 PM MT

Laura Marris is an essayist, poet, and translator. Her work has appeared in The Kenyon Review, The Believer, Harper’s, The New York Times, The Paris Review Daily, The Yale Review, Words Without Borders, and elsewhere. She has received fellowships from MacDowell, a Katharine Bakeless Fellowship from the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference, and a grant from the Robert B. Silvers Foundation. Her first book, The Age of Loneliness, was published by Graywolf 2024. She teaches creative writing at the University at Buffalo.

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.

Wednesday Wanderings

Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands ecoregion.

These walks are on the unpaved trails on the Highlands Center’s 80-acre campus. These trails are rocky and occasionally have steep and rocky inclines. Make sure to bring water, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring hiking poles if desired, dress in protective layers, and wear sun protection. Bring your own snacks to enjoy if you would like!

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday

9:00 am – 10:30 am – Meet in front of the main building by the bronze sculpture.

Peace in the Pines: a Guided Grief Support Journey

Peace in the Pines: A Guided Grief Support Group
February 5 – March 26, 2026

We know—both intuitively and through science—that nature is profoundly healing. When we spend time in wild, quiet places, something inside us begins to soften, settle, and restore. To show up fully for our families, our communities, and ourselves, we must first give ourselves space to reconnect—with our breath, our grief, and the natural world.
That’s why Peace in the Pines takes place in the heart of the Ponderosa pine forest of Prescott National Forest, on the grounds of the Highlands Center for Natural History. Here, you can hear the wind whispering through the tall pines, feel your footsteps grounding into the earth, and notice […]

Natural History Book Club

Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there is a moment of silent contemplation. Natural history is complicated – personal and universal at the same time. Our Natural History book club met beginning in 2021 and the discussions occasionally resulted in these special moments of quiet thoughtfulness.
We’re excited to continue to offer this free and open to the public program. Reading is something on many of our “to-do” lists, but some of us need a little extra incentive, like having a group that meets monthly to discuss. This group focuses on books related to natural history, with some southwestern component, written in the last decade or […]

Wednesday Wanderings

Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands ecoregion.

These walks are on the unpaved trails on the Highlands Center’s 80-acre campus. These trails are rocky and occasionally have steep and rocky inclines. Make sure to bring water, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring hiking poles if desired, dress in protective layers, and wear sun protection. Bring your own snacks to enjoy if you would like!

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday

9:00 am – 10:30 am – Meet in front of the main building by the bronze sculpture.

Winter Storytelling Event with Sharon McFeely

Winter Wild Tales is a cozy midwinter storytelling gathering for children and adults alike, inviting young and young-at-heart into a space of raw wonder, imagination, and gratitude. Join us for an afternoon of stories from around the world that spark awe and curiosity, shared in the heart of winter at the Highlands Center for Natural History. Featuring gifted storytellers Sharon McFeely and Katia Nyysti, this all-ages event celebrates the magic of listening together. Refreshments will be served.

Peace in the Pines: a Guided Grief Support Journey

Peace in the Pines: A Guided Grief Support Group
February 5 – March 26, 2026

We know—both intuitively and through science—that nature is profoundly healing. When we spend time in wild, quiet places, something inside us begins to soften, settle, and restore. To show up fully for our families, our communities, and ourselves, we must first give ourselves space to reconnect—with our breath, our grief, and the natural world.
That’s why Peace in the Pines takes place in the heart of the Ponderosa pine forest of Prescott National Forest, on the grounds of the Highlands Center for Natural History. Here, you can hear the wind whispering through the tall pines, feel your footsteps grounding into the earth, and notice the presence […]

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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