Program areas at The Wilderness Center
The Wilderness Center's conservation program currently protects more than 3,388 acres of forest, wetlands, grasslands & farmlands & more than 13 miles of streams in a 7-county area. Twc currently owns (in fee) 2,082 acres & holds conservation easements on 1,306 acres. Twc has contributed to The protection & enhancement of 96 acres of habitat via The community watershed conservaon partnership program which provides landowners with a plan to enhance or restore wildlife habitat on their property through The use of non-binding agreements. Twc also began large-scale restoration on 3 properties totaling 54 acres of invasive species management, wetland creation & restoration, & hardwood forest management.
The Wilderness Center's education department is dedicated to fostering a deep connection between individuals & their natural environment. Through a diverse array of interpretive programs, we aim to inspire curiosity, instill environmental stewardship, and promote lifelong learning. Twc offers a variety of formal (schools, libraries, etc.) And non-formal (interpretive hikes, citizen science, etc.) Educational classes to members & The public throughout The year. Twc served over 5,250 members and guests in total for The 2023 fiscal year. Over 3,500 of those were school-based and other youth-based programming oered on and off-site. Over 800 of those participants were those attending family-friendly programs and activities as well as over 500 adult participants to various educational programs.
The Wilderness Center's facilities include an interpretive building containing classrooms, meeting rooms, exhibits, a wildlife observation room and a bookstore/gift shop. Twc's astronomy education building houses an observatory and The fred f. silk planetarium. Twc offers 10 miles of hiking trails, picnic shelters and an observation tower for The public's enjoyment and enrichment. Twc is also home to a nature playscape and a native plant nursery.