Program areas at Greater Ogden Community Nature Center
Nature education programs - to promote their tax exempt purpose, the Ogden Nature center staff taught classes and workshops, led field trips, and hosted events both in person and virtually to celebrate and enjoy Nature, helping the Community learn about conservation and our natural resources. Staff provided opportunities to learn about the plants and animals native to the great basin. In 2022, the Ogden Nature center began its fifth year of an outreach effort to visit first grade classrooms throughout Utah as part of a collaborative informal science education enhancement program. The number of people reached through education programs both on site and off in 2022 was 35,269 individuals. Creative virtual programming was also provided to students and teachers.
Animal care - live animal exhibits give visitors the opportunity to meet and learn about animals native to Utah. The animals are also taken on the road to be used as wildlife ambassadors in our outreach education programs.
The Ogden Nature center is located on a 152 acre Nature preserve, and offers a wide variety of Community programs for all ages with topics that include art, birding, wildlife in Utah, gardening, outdoor recreation, conservation, sustainable practices, and more. The center is open to the public for discovery and exploration. Visitors enjoy meeting birds of prey, snakes, tortoises, salamanders, fish and other native species. Outside there are picnic areas, treehouses, bird blinds, a spotting tower, a child sized mouse hole and pretend bear den, a natural playscape for children, sculptures, a birdhouse exhibit, interpretive signage, and 1.5 miles of trails. Extensive habitat restoration work was conducted on the Nature preserve to improve its health for the benefit of wildlife and people alike. The Ogden Nature center features two green buildings, with hands-on exhibits and a Nature oriented gift store.
Volunteer- the Ogden Nature center provides service opportunities and invites the Community to assist in the care of the facilities and grounds, as well as assist with many of the other day to day operational functions such as answering phones, greeting visitors, preparing mailings, helping teach classes, and taking care of the collection of live animals. Volunteers are provided training and/or opportunities to participate in educational programs and events.