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Nature Education Programs
We are now in our Wintering time.
Our winter programs are up and are open for registration. Check out the list below or go to our registration page at fairlawn.activityreg.com. Please sign up early as they fill quickly, and we often have waiting lists.
We are looking for a few more volunteers who can help out once a week for an hour or two with our animal care here at the Nature Center. Our volunteers must be 10 or older. Please stop in and talk to a Naturalist.
Caring for our animals requires a constant supply of fresh and packaged food, bedding, and other essential items. We are grateful to everyone who has donated!
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Please note that the classroom and building may be closed during scheduled programs, and our Naturalists are sometimes called away for city business, meetings, wildlife care, or veterinary visits. As a result, hours are subject to change without notice.
NATURE PROGRAMS
All programs require registration and checkout, even if the program is free. You must register online
Unless otherwise noted, all classes and programs take place at the Fairlawn Nature Center at Fort Island Park.
Refund requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before the start of a class, program, or activity. Failure to attend a registered program will result in forfeiture of any supplied materials and fees paid.
We will be closed January 19 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and February 16 for President's Day.
Winter Programs:
February 2026
Skunk Day, February 11, 11am, All ages. Residents $3, non-residents $5. Come learn more about our stinky neighbors with stripes; they might be less stinky than you thought - and meet our resident skunk, Cinnamon up close! Registration required.
Valentine's Day Card and Craft Day, February 13, 10am-4pm, All ages, FREE! Stop in anytime dutring out open hours today and make a little special something with love from the heart to gift to someone you love. Registration required.
Winter Hike, February 20 at 10am. FREE for all ages. Registration required for planning.
Story Time and Craft, February 27, 11am. FREE for all ages. Registration required.
March 2026
Mad Scientist Day, March 9, 2-3:30pm, Ages 5-14. Residents $5, non-residents $7. No school today? Let's have some fun in the lab learning fun and safe science experiments using regular kitchen ingredients. You can even dress up like a mad scientist for more fun! Registration required.
St. Patrick's Day Crafts, March 17, 1-3pm, All ages. Residents $3, non-residents $5. Irish or wanna be Irish? Then this day is for all of us who want to be Irish for a day! Wear your green for a special treat! Learn about good ol' St. Patrick, sing a song or two, learn a leprechaun dance and make some crafts.
Salamander Day, March 27, 11am, All ages. Residents $3, non-residents $5. From the slimy to the sneaky, come learn more about the secret life of salamanders, their life cycle, and natural history. If time and weather permits we may even take a salamander hunting hike! Registration required.
Growing up Wild, Thursdays March 5, 12, 19, 26, 1-2:30pm, Ages 5-8. Residents $12, non-residents $15. Nature is all around us! Join the naturalists for some early spring lessons and activities as the snow melts and spring brings critters out of hiding. This is the season for baby salamanders, frogs, skunks, foxes and other nature babies. Registration required.
Did you know...
Fort Island Park and Fairlawn Park (Oxbow) Hikes
Our Naturalists offer guided hikes throughout the year as part of scheduled programs, as well as during special hike events listed on our calendar and social media. Groups of five or more interested in a general or specialized hike with a Naturalist can schedule a personalized experience by calling the Learning Resource Center or emailing us.
Garlic Mustard and other invasive plant Pull Volunteers Needed!
We welcome individuals, families, school groups, scout troops, and other community groups to help maintain our parks! Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that threatens native vegetation and reduces biodiversity. By joining a Garlic Mustard Pull, you can help protect our native plants and keep our parks healthy. To schedule a volunteer session, please contact a Naturalist by phone or email.
Looking to complete Scout Badge requirements?
If you or your scout troop (Daisies, Brownies, Lion’s Den, Webelos, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and others) are looking to fulfill badge requirements, we can help! Our Naturalists can provide guidance and content for badges in areas such as Home Scientist, Recycling, Insects, Geology, Forestry, and many more. With the resources of our Learning Resource Center and the natural outdoors of Fort Island Park, your scouts can enjoy hands-on, educational experiences. To schedule a session for your scout or troop, please contact a Naturalist by phone or email.
Home Schoolers
Home school groups are invited to schedule a Science Program at the Learning Resource Center and Fort Island Park. We can accommodate nearly any science topic upon request, tailored to your group’s interests and needs. Be sure to also check out our variety of nature programs offered every month! Ask a Naturalist for a program request form today.
The Naturalists travel, too!
Our Naturalists bring nature to your location! We travel to schools, colleges, daycares, senior groups, garden clubs, nursing homes, and other community settings. To schedule a visit, contact a Naturalist by phone or email and request a program form today.