Weekend Programs
There is always something going on at the Highlands Center! We host an abundance of special events and educational programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Some event examples are our Grow Native Plant Sale, Family Nature Festivals, Shakespeare in the Pines, and much more! For our full list of upcoming events, please view our Calendar.
Outside of these special events, we also offer free educational programs. Take a look at the opportunities below!
Physics in Nature
What came first…the physics of nature or the nature of physics?
Join Highlands Center for Natural History and the Society of Physics Students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for an afternoon of physics in the Discovery Gardens! Have you ever wondered about the mechanics of bird flight? How lightning works? Or why the sky is blue? Demonstrations will showcase the physics all around us. This program is for people all ages and backgrounds.
Due to Covid-19 all education courses will be held outside so dress for the weather, expect to practice social distancing, and masks are required. Pre-registration is required.
Society of Physics Students (SPS) is an exceptional undergraduate level society which aids students in peer networking, professional development, and fostering an insatiable love of physics. The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Chapter in Prescott has a long history of outreach and experience sharing this love with our community.
When: Saturday, November 14, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: The Highlands Center for Natural History, Discovery Gardens
Due to COVID-19 all education programming will be outside. Prepare to be comfortable outside, expect to practice physical distancing, and masks are required.
Night Hike and Star Party
Let your eyes adjust to dark and discover the immense beauty of the Central Highlands at night. What nocturnal animals will you hear after dusk? What will you see dancing in the flames of a campfire? What constellations can you spot with your naked eye, or star clusters and galaxies can you see through telescopes? The Highlands Center and Prescott Astronomy Club invite you to come find out! We will be sharing campfire stories, guiding walks on the trails, leading activities in the Discovery Gardens, and gazing up at the night sky.
When: Saturday October 17th. Family oriented hikes will begin at 6pm, Adult oriented hikes start at 7:30pm.
This is a members only special event.
Pre-registration is required, so reserve your spot soon! Bring a flashlight!
Due to COVID-19 all education programming will be outside. Prepare to be comfortable outside, expect to practice physical distancing, and masks are required.
Note: Walks occur on the unpaved trails at the Highlands Center. These trails have variable grades and roughness. Some hikes require stepping off trail onto rocky terrain. Please contact us if you have concerns.
Staff Walks and Wanders
Highlands Center Staff Naturalists are on the trails and in the Discovery Gardens to give guided talks and experiences. These talks could be on a variety of natural history and science topics – plants, animals, rocks, water. Please come with proper hiking shoes, water, and a mask.
When: Saturdays from September 19th – October 31st between 9am and 11am.
Due to COVID-19 all education programming will be outside. Prepare to be comfortable outside, expect to practice physical distancing, and masks are required.
These hikes are on the unpaved trails on the Highlands Center’s 80-acre campus. Our trails are rocky and have short, but occasionally steep, inclines. Make sure to bring water, and wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes. Likely to be canceled in rain, sleet, snow or other inclement weather.
Program is FREE at the Highlands Center
Staff leading the talks
Sarah Vincent, Education Director, Jessica Manley- Ewald and Erin Nixon, Education Coordinators, and Sonya Wood-Mahler, Volunteer and Membership Coordinator.
Note: Walks occur on the unpaved trails at the Highlands Center. These trails have variable grades and roughness. Some hikes require stepping off trail onto rocky terrain. Please contact us if you have concerns.
