Mission:
To ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature.
The Nature Discovery Center's interactive hands-on approach to learning is designed to nurture the inquiring mind, awaken children?s natural curiosity and sense of wonder, and spark interest in the study of nature and science.
Goals:
Encourage parents to explore nature with their children.
Help children discover the beauty and the wonder of the natural world and its importance to our daily lives.
Provide quality opportunities for children to learn about nature in an urban setting.
Help teachers develop the skills they need to guide students in real-world investigations of nature and science.
To help students develop critical thinking & problem solving skills.
To improve educational opportunities for underserved children.
History:
The Nature Discovery Center owes its existence to a remarkable grass-roots effort, which began in 1979 with the formation of the Friends of Bellaire Parks, Inc., now Nature Discovery Center, Inc. In the early 1980's the organization raised funds for the acquisition of a million dollar 3.75-acre Henshaw estate, now Russ Pitman Park.Â
Volunteer labor and over 400 in-kind donations made development of the park and renovation of the historic house possible. The Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center evolved from nature walks and classes taught by volunteers in the park, even before the house renovation was complete.
In 1989, the first fulltime staff member was employed and the Center opened to the public. Today seven full-time and three part-time staff members offer exciting and engaging hands-on programs that stimulate interest in nature, science, and learning. Through classes, exhibits, and field investigations for children of all ages, families, teachers, and educators (at the Center, in schools, and in public libraries) we reach 40,000-60,000 people a year from the greater Houston area, about 80% of whom are children.
