30 years back, 30 years forward

We’re
Turning 30!

A free birthday party for all ages: food, drinks and music, story time with our founders, a magician, and the signing of our renewed permit with Prescott National Forest.

◷ 4:00–7:00 p.m.     ✦ Free General Admission     ♧ All Ages Welcome

Thursday, November 19, 2026 · VIP early access at 3:00 p.m.

Advance registration encouraged · Free shuttle available

Come celebrate with the community that made it all possible.

Free admission. All ages welcome. Advance registration encouraged.

Event Details
  • Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
  • Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (VIP early access at 3:00 p.m.)
  • Location: Highlands Center for Natural History
    1375 S. Walker Road, Prescott, AZ 86303

  • Admission: Free and open to the public;
    VIP Ticket Available Click to learn more

Ride our Free Shuttle

General on-site parking is extremely limited. Please park in the designated lots near the Costco gas station and ride the free shuttle to and from the Highlands Center. Accessible parking and other designated spaces are available on site, and VIP ticket holders receive designated on-site parking.

Something for Everyone, Whatever Your Age

For kids and families

A magician, music, free food and drinks, and room to explore the grounds together.

For longtime friends of the Highlands Center

Story time with our founders, some now in their 90s, who still volunteer and guide here. Come reconnect with old friends and share the memories that shaped this place.

New to the Highlands Center?

Your first visit comes with a party! Meet the staff and the people behind the mission, explore the grounds, and discover one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Prescott area.

For supporters who want to do more

VIP tickets include early access, a private reception, and priority seating for the permit signing. All VIP ticket sales go toward Highlands Center programs.

FIND YOUR WAY AROUND

Your Guide to the Celebration

Explore the event map to discover where the celebration activities will take place throughout the Highlands Center.

Our story

Thirty Years of Connecting People With Nature

For 30 years, the Highlands Center for Natural History has connected people of all ages with the natural world through education, outdoor experiences, and opportunities to explore, learn and build a lasting connection with the Central Arizona Highlands.

It began with a community that believed this place was worth sharing. Today, the Highlands Center is a nonprofit nature center on an 80-acre campus inside Prescott National Forest near Lynx Lake, where children and adults come to discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.

This birthday celebrates the people who made that possible: founders, volunteers, staff, families, supporters, and partners.

30 years of connecting our community with the natural world

A historic moment

The Next 30 Years Start Here

The next 30 years begin with a signature. At the party, Highlands Center and Prescott National Forest representatives will sign our renewed Special Use Permit in front of the community, securing our home on Prescott National Forest land so we can keep connecting children, families, and adults with nature for the next generation.

“It’s humbling to celebrate 30 years as a nonprofit while beginning another 30 years of partnership with Prescott National Forest. Some of our founders, now in their 90s, are still volunteering and guiding, a remarkable example of lifelong dedication to nature and community. There’s so much good work ahead, and we invite everyone to join us in shaping the next 30 years.”

Sarah Vincent

Executive Director, Highlands Center for Natural History

“The Prescott National Forest is proud to join the Highlands Center in celebrating 30 years of success providing nature education to our community in Arizona’s Central Highlands. We look forward to the next 30 years as the Highlands Center continues to expand its capacity to provide connection to nature in our community.”

Jason Williams

District Ranger, Prescott National Forest

Celebrate 30 Years.
Invest in the Next 30.

Make this milestone celebration even more meaningful with a special VIP experience supporting the Highlands Center’s future.

Your participation helps the Highlands Center continue connecting future generations with nature.

The VIP experience

Your $300 VIP ticket includes:

  • Exclusive early access beginning at 3:00 p.m.
  • Private reception with catered food and drinks
  • Reserved on-site parking
  • Priority seating for the historic permit signing
  • The opportunity to support future nature education programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. General admission is free and open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged. VIP admission is a separate $300 ticket, and all VIP ticket funds go toward Highlands Center programs.

Advance registration is encouraged, and general admission is free.

Yes. The party is for all ages, with a magician, music, story time with Highlands Center founders, free food and drinks, and space to explore the grounds.

Park in the designated lots near the Costco gas station and ride the free shuttle to the Highlands Center at 1375 S. Walker Road. Accessible parking and other designated spaces are available on site, and VIP ticket holders receive designated on-site parking.

A $300 VIP ticket includes early access at 3:00 p.m., a private reception with catered food and drinks, designated on-site parking, and priority seating for the permit signing. All VIP ticket sales support Highlands Center programs.

The Highlands Center’s campus sits on Prescott National Forest land under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service. At the party, representatives from Highlands Center and Prescott National Forest will sign the renewed permit, continuing a partnership that dates back to 1997.
You’re invited

Celebrate 30 Years and Be Part of What’s Next.

Thirty years of hikes, camps, field trips, and friendships started here. Come celebrate them with us, all ages welcome.

Thursday, November 19, 2026 · 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Highlands Center for Natural History, Prescott