Adult & Community Programs
At the Highlands Center
The Highlands Center offers educational programs for adult learners throughout the year, both on and off-site, regarding the natural history of the Central Highlands of Arizona. For our complete list of upcoming events, please view our calendar.
Presentations & Workshops
Explore engaging presentations and hands-on workshops led by local experts and visiting speakers, covering everything from wildlife and astronomy to geology and literature. Click below to view upcoming events, including Butterflies of Northern Arizona, Community Nature Study Series, Wonder at Nightfall, The Age of Loneliness: An author talk and book signing, and The Ancient Landscapes of Yavapai County.
Community Nature Study Series
3rd Wednesday of the month with exceptions- learn different facets of natural history in Arizona and sometimes beyond…..
Our Community Nature Study Series (CNSS) is one of our flagship Adult Programs. Through this series, there is a wide range of enriching and enlightening subjects for the learner about the Central Highlands around us and sometimes beyond. No matter the topic, you will discover new and exciting facts about the natural world.
Upcoming Presentations:
February 18, 2026 – Check it here.
March 18, 2026 – Check it here.
Peace in the Pines
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 of birds, Abert’s squirrels, and other wildlife. This setting is more than a backdrop—it’s an active participant in your healing.
Book Club
The Natural History Book Club at the Highlands Center offers adults the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions on contemporary natural history literature with a Southwestern focus.
Wednesday Wanderings
Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands ecoregion.
Hiking Spree
Hiking Spree is an annual community-wide event that takes place each fall and can be completed at the participant’s own pace. People from all over the state come to Prescott to hike 8 out of 10 trails within the Prescott National Forest and the City of Prescott.
Upcoming events
Community Nature Study Series: The Ancient Landscapes of Yavapai County
Plain, old, simple rocks provide evidence for how our planet looked throughout the long span of Earth history. Yavapai County […]
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 […]
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 […]
Wednesday Wanderings
Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands […]
Wednesday Wanderings
Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Natural History Book Club
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there […]
Butterflies of Northern Arizona with Becky Hardy
Becky Hardy, President of Butterfly Enthusiasts of Northern Arizona (BENA), has had a lifelong passion, interaction and observation of butterflies. […]
The Wild Dark: An author talk and book signing with Craig Childs
A night sky is not an absence of light; it is the presence of the universe. In The Wild Dark, […]
Wednesday Wanderings
Our guided nature walks involve a walk on wooded trails with a local expert to learn about the Central Highlands […]
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Design your own program.
Have an idea for a program that isn’t listed? We can help you create a custom experience tailored to your group’s needs, schedule, and goals. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll follow up to start planning.
Plan Your Visit or Program
Interested in an upcoming class, group visit, or school program? Reach out here and we’ll help you find the best fit.
