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The Buttinger Nature Center is the heart of the Watershed Association’s environmental education initiative.  The Center is where many of the Association’s programs and teacher workshops are held and nature hikes begin.

The Buttinger Nature Center is designed to encourage people’s inherent curiosity and wonder about the natural world. Children can explore our two Discovery Rooms that house our animal collection including snakes, turtles, fish, and insects as well as an assortment of displays and hands-on exhibits that change seasonally.  Our Demonstration Bee Hive, where bees are busy at work making honey in the warmer months and huddling for warmth in the cooler months, intrigues visitors of all ages.

Our growing collection of books, environmental periodicals, and videos from our Library are available on loan for members of the Association. Our Children’s Book Nook invites young visitors to immerse themselves in nature tales while sitting on a giant pond rug, or to use their imaginations and put on a puppet show in our mini puppet theatre.

We simply could not accomplish all the things we do without the generous support of people who care about our mission. As a non-profit organization, we rely on members not only for financial support, but also for their time and effort as well. Please consider volunteering your time for some of the many wonderful opportunities at the Nature Center including teaching, feeding animals, helping with office work and more. We have volunteer opportunities that fit your situations, time commitments, and abilities. 

The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4 pm, provided there is adequate volunteer support.