A
nature center (or
nature centre) is an organization with a
visitor center or
interpretive center designed to educate people about nature and the environment. Usually located within a protected
open space, nature centers often have trails through their property. Some are located within a state or city
park, and some have special
gardens or an
arboretum. Their properties can be characterized as nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Nature centers generally display small live animals, such as
reptiles,
rodents,
insects, or
fish. There are often museum exhibits and displays about
natural history, or preserved mounted animals or nature
dioramas. Nature centers are staffed by paid or volunteer
naturalists and most offer educational programs to the general public, as well as summer camp, after-school and school group programs.