Wander the Wild, the Highlands Center for Natural History’s 10th Annual live auction and dinner, will be held September 23, at the Windmill House in Chino Valley. The event funds children’s education programs at the Highlands Center. We also celebrate Wildflowers, Women in Nature, and Fungi. This September, the Highlands Center’s Knee-High Naturalist program moves to Mondays, and our annual Hiking Spree celebrates the Top 10 hikes from the last 10 years! There is something for everyone at the Highlands Center.
WANDER THE WILD: LIVE AUCTION AND DINNER
September 23, 2:30 pm-6:30 pm Windmill House
Wander the Wild is our signature annual fundraiser, a live auction and dinner which benefits the Highlands Center’s children’s educational programs which touch 7000 children annually. This year marks our 10th anniversary of this exciting event and we are thrilled that the Windmill House will host us this year.
Presenting Sponsor: Lamb Chevrolet
ANNUAL HIKING SPREE KICKOFF – THE TOP 10 HIKES OF THE PAST 10 YEARS!
Saturday, September 1, 7:00 am-11:30 am
Come hike with us! This year’s spree will feature the top 10 hikes of the past 10 years! We will be offering guided hikes at 7:00 and 9:30 and refreshments starting at 9:00. All ages welcome! Sponsored by Credit Union West and the Hike Shack
WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 8, 8:30 am-11:30 am, Community Nature Center, 1980 Williamson Valley Rd, Prescott,
Curious about native flowers? Join local wildflower experts for a morning of exploring and learning at the Community Nature Center. Guided wildflower walks will start every half hour. Free event! For all ages!
INSIGHTS TO THE OUTDOORS-ETHNOMYCOLOGY HAPPY HOUR
with Bob Gessner & Aimee Novak
Saturday, September 8, 4:00 pm-6:30 pm
Come eat, drink, and learn at the Highlands Center! This interactive workshop will teach you about wild mushrooms and the role of fungi in everyday cuisine. Includes beer, wine, and cheese tasting.
$38 for non-members. 10% discount for members. Pre-registration required.
THE NATURAL WOMEN FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 9, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm,
Visual artists, musicians, poets and storytellers will be throughout the Center and the Discovery Gardens sharing their art and stories. With Ladies of the Canyon, Meg Bohrman, Christa Agostino, Lesley Schuler, Jo Berger, the Robertson Sisters and special guests. Co-presented by the Folk Sessions. $15 Adults, $5 Kids, $10 HC Members
EARLY ED: KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS PROGRAM
Mondays, September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Explore the Prescott National Forest with your 3 or 4 year old Knee-High Naturalist in this interactive program. Program includes hiking, games, crafts, stories and hands-on investigations!
$17 per class. $60 for the full series. Pre-registration required.
EARLY ED: KNEE-HIGH LENS LAUNCH
Saturday, September 15, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Run! Jump! Stretch! Bring your 3 or 4-year old to experience the James Family Discovery Gardens in a whole new light at the launch of our Fall Knee-High Lens! Sponsored by AZ Community Foundation of Yavapai County
FREE program for families. Pre-registration required.
STAR TALKS AT ACKER PARK
Friday, September 7, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, FREE
Highlands Center Naturalist and night sky enthusiast, John Mangimeli, takes you on a journey through the stars in this new series. All ages welcome! Meet at Acker Park parking lot on Virginia St.
To register for any Highlands Center programs, please call 776-9550 or go to www.highlandscenter.org
The James Family Discovery Gardens in September –
On Saturday and Sundays, we offer special programming in the Discovery Gardens. Visitors can learn about the plants, animals, and geology of the area at our interactive Discovery Stations and guided walks. The Natural Women Festival will be held in the Discovery Gardens on September 9th.
HOURS: Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm. No Admission Charge.
The Highlands Center for Natural History
Formed in 1996, the Highlands Center for Natural History is a non-profit organization developed to foster an appreciation for and knowledge of the natural wonders of the Central Highlands of Arizona. Operating on an 80-acre campus near Lynx Lake through a Special Use Permit with Prescott National Forest, the Highlands Center is a regional hub for lifelong learning, designed to invite discovery of the wonders of nature through on and offsite programs, supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners.
Visit www.highlandscenter.org for more information.
