Explore, wonder and discover

At the Highlands Center for Natural History in the Prescott National Forest. Everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. The mission of the Highlands Center is to foster that connection through outdoor education, based on observation, appreciation, and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands thus creating wise caretakers of the land. Membership and donation dollars make up 75% of our operating budget and are critical to our continued success. All membership contributions are fully tax deductible.

Our Members

When you become a member of the Highlands Center, you join a community who cares about bringing nature-based learning to the region. We offer educational programming for all ages with school field trips, nature camps, schoolyard habitat programs, art classes, adult education programs, naturalist certification classes, an annual native plant sale and seasonal family nature festivals. Your membership also allows the Center to keep the James Family Discovery Gardens free to the public, and the Highlands Center hiking trails, open free of charge year-round.

Our memberships are affordable and offer families and individuals the opportunity to make a contribution to something that will last generations and benefit their entire community. Memberships are for one full year from date of application and payment. Individual memberships provide benefits for one adult. Family level and above provide benefits for two adults in the same household and their children or grandchildren.

Give the Gift of Nature

Gift memberships make a great birthday or Christmas present.

Support or Sponsor a Program

Individual

Individual

$60

/year

Membership benefits for one include:

Free admission to Family Nature Festivals

Subscription to the Visions Newsletter

Discounts at the Benson Family Nature Store

Reduced pricing on Workshops and Classes

Invitations to members-only Special Events

Family

Membership

$70

/year

Membership benefits for 2 adults in the same household and their children or grandchildren include:

Free admission to Family Nature Festivals

Subscription to the Visions Newsletter

Discounts at the Benson Family Nature Store

Discounts on Camp Registrations & Birthday Party Rentals

Reduced pricing on Workshops and Classes

Invitations to members-only Special Events

Early bird registration to Popular Programs

Family + Zoo

Dual Membership

$155

/year

Purchase a Family Membership valid at both the Highlands Center for Natural History and Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary for $155. This joint membership provides full family benefits at both locations. Your information will be forwarded to the zoo, which will send you their membership details. The tax deduction for this membership is $50.

Heritage Park Zoo Benefits:

Free general admission for members of your household

Discounts on special events and children’s Zoo camps

10% discount in the HPZS Gift Shop

Free or discounted admission at other zoos around the country

10% discount on event venue rentals

Invitations to members only events

Subscription to Wild Impressions newsletter

Manzanita

Membership

$100

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

Walnut

Membership

$250

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

A complimentary family gift membership for a designated friend.

Oak

Membership

$500

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

A complimentary family gift membership for a designated friend.

Invitations to exclusive Donor-Only events.

Pinyon

Membership

$1,000

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

A complimentary family gift membership for a designated friend.

Invitations to exclusive Donor-Only events.

2 Free Registrations for the adult program of your choice.

Ponderosa

Membership

$2,500

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

A complimentary family gift membership for a designated friend.

Invitations to exclusive Donor-Only events.

2 Free Registrations for the adult program of your choice.

A Private, Naturalist-led Tour for up to ten people

Juniper

Membership

$5,000

/year

Benefits include Everything from Individual membership Plus:

Recognition in our Annual Report

A 25% discount coupon for a one-day shopping spree in the nature store.

A complimentary family gift membership for a designated friend.

Invitations to exclusive Donor-Only events.

2 Free Registrations for the adult program of your choice.

A Private, Naturalist-led Tour for up to ten people

An invitation to a Private Reception with the Executive Director

Other Ways to Support Us

In addition to becoming a member, you can contribute to the Highlands Center with a donation. From a single donation to becoming an annual Perennial Partner, there are many ways to give. Our organization is largely funded by memberships and all of our generous donors.