Add an Article Add an Event Edit

Ogden Nature Center

Ogden Nature Center
966 West 12th Street
801-621-7595

Mission & History

The Ogden Nature Center is a 152-acre nature preserve and education center. Our mission is to unite people with nature and nurture appreciation and stewardship of the environment.

Since it was founded in 1975 as Utah's first nature center, the Ogden Nature Center has provided a place where people can go to enjoy and learn about the natural world.

The 152-acre preserve is our foundation, but education is our focus. Each year the Ogden Nature Center brings more than 27,000 children, teachers, and adults together with nature through hands-on field classes. Participants in our education programs, both for school groups and for the community, observe and learn about plants and animals up-close, discovering the pleasure of being in nature and realizing their own connection to the environment.

The center is open to the public for discovery and exploration.  Visitors enjoy meeting bird of prey, snakes, tortoises, salamanders and other native animal species.  Outside there are picnic areas, treehouses, bird blinds, a spotting tower and 1.5 miles of walking trails.  The Nature Center boasts two of Utah’s greenest buildings, with hands-on nature exhibits and a unique gift store.

The Ogden Nature Center offers a wide variety of community programs for all ages including art, photography, birding, wildlife in Utah, outdoor recreation, conservation, sustainable practices and more.  During the summer, week-long nature camps are taught by our team of teacher/naturalists.  Several community events are held each year including an Earth Day Celebration and Creatures of the Night at Halloween.


Upcoming Events at Ogden Nature Center

Homeschool Naturalists

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ogden, UT
Read More »

Drumming in Nature

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Ogden, UT
Read More »

Guided Bird Walk

Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:00am to 9:00am
Ogden, UT
Read More »

Homeschool Naturalists

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ogden, UT
Read More »

Recent News

Build A Birdhouse for our 2024 Competition and Exhibit

Build A Birdhouse for our 2024 Competition & Exhibit CALL FOR ENTRIES - IT’S TIME TO BUILD BIRDHOUSES! Now in its 31st year, the Ogden Nature Center announces the 2024 Birdhouse Competition and Exhibit. Important Dates - March…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center Winter Programs Registration

Make Your Own Hiking Stick/Winter Scavenger Hunt Saturday, January 20th at 10 am Family Owl Prowl Saturday, January 27th at 12 noon Owl Prowl Date Night Friday, February 16th at 7:30 pm Community Science 101: Projects and iNaturalist tutorial …

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - December 18, 2023

Tribute to Aragog The Ogden Nature Center is sad to report the passing of our Rose Hair Tarantula, Aragog. Aragog played an important role at the Ogden Nature Center, acting as the sole spider ambassador used in our educational programs. She…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - Seeding and Shopping!

We’re Spreading Seeds! The winter chill has settled in at the Ogden Nature Center and the last of the leaves are falling. However, our habitat restoration projects are still ongoing! During the fall and even into early winter, our staff…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - November 13, 2023

Nature, Peace & Holiday Cheer! Join us for our annual Holiday Open House, Fresh Evergreen Swag Sale & Local Artisan Fair — Free Admission for All! Friday, Dec. 1, 9-5 -and- Saturday, Dec. 2, 9-4 The elves have been BUSY! Shop new…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - November Happenings And Cup Hop

WILD WEDNESDAYS: American Bison all ages Wednesday, November 1st / 3:45 pm The American Bison is a fascinating animal with some amazing adaptations as well as a symbol of the “Old West.” Join us as we learn about bison and how…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - October 9, 2023

Fall Programs & Creatures of the Night! Wild Wednesdays: Spiders & Arachnids all ages Wednesday, October 11th / 3:45 pm Spiders, mites, scorpions, oh my! Get up close and personal with a Nature Center arachnid and take a spider walk…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Fall Programs and Creatures of the Night

Fall Programs & Creatures of the Night! WILD WEDNESDAYS: Poisonous & Venomous all ages Wednesday, October 4th / 3:45 pm Some plants and animals have some pretty deadly defense mechanisms. Join us as we explore the difference between…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center We're Hiring Plus Fall Programs

Ogden Nature Center is hiring an Executive Director! If you or someone you know is interested in leading this community anchor, click below to find more information and an application. Our current Executive Director, Jonathan Creel, has accepted a…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Fall Classes and Programs

Wild Wednesdays Every Wednesday at 3:45 pm All ages are welcome - FREE for members! or $5 adults / $3 children Come learn about the animals and ecology of our region. This 20-minute lesson is led by a teacher/naturalist, with time to explore…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - July 31, 2023

Wildwoods BASH In it’s 38th year, the BASH is slated for Friday, September 8th at 5:00 pm Enjoy late summer in the Nature Center’s beautiful backyard and join your flock of friends who share and support the Ogden Nature Center.…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - July 10, 2023

You can still sign up for summer camps for ages 2-3 We have a few openings in our nature-themed summer camps for children ages 2-3. July 21 -- Splish Splash Splat July 26 -- Shape of Nature August 4 -- Nature’s Palette For complete…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - May 23, 2023

Click here to View the Information About "Ogden Nature Center News - May 23, 2023"

Read More »

Fun Run Recap and Summer is Coming!

Fly with the Flock Fun Run Results & Recap 284 people came out to run, walk, dash, and devour a yummy pancake breakfast at our gorgeous nature preserve on May 6th. The cool temperature made for perfect race conditions. Our route was different…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Fun Run and Spring Classes

Fly with the Flock 5K Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast It’s not too late to register! Run is on Sat., May 6th, race begins at 8 am Runners and families are invited to enjoy a casual, fun, trail run and an outdoor pancake breakfast at the Ogden…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - April 10, 2023

Celebrate Earth Day! April 22 from 11am - 4 pm All ages This is a big day at the Ogden Nature Center! Enjoy a water-wise plant sale, a variety of Earth-friendly exhibitors & demonstrations, sustainability specialists, nature poetry, live…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center Programs for Spring 2023

Wild Wednesdays Every Wednesday at 3:45 pm All ages Come learn about the animals and ecology of our region. This 20-minute lesson is led by a teacher/naturalist, with time to explore afterwards. 4/5 — What Could a Fox Say? — Learn…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center : Spring Programs And Events

Wild Wednesdays Every Wednesday at 3:45 pm All ages Come learn about the animals and ecology of our region. This 20-minute lesson is led by a teacher/naturalist, with time to explore afterwards. 3/29 The Wild Truth — explore some of the…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Spring programs!

Learning About Lagomorphs Tuesday, March 14 at 5 pm All ages are welcome. Geared toward children. $5 ONC members, $8 non-members Jackrabbits, cottontails, and hares, oh my! Have you ever wondered how far a bunny can actually jump? Why are…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - We love our volunteers

The Ogden Nature Center recently honored many members of the community who volunteered during 2022. The Nature Center relies on volunteers to care for animals, restore habitat, and help create a place for the community to unite with nature. In 2022,…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Spring Programs and Summer Camp Registration

Cookies and Campfire Book Club March 7 & 21, and April 4 & 18 at 5 pm For ages 18+ $20 ONC members, $25 non-members (includes all four sessions) Join an ONC naturalist and other book worms every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in March and April…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center : Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!

Summer Camp Registration is Now Open! Camps for ages 2-16 Discover Ogden’s wild side this summer! The Ogden Nature Center offers a variety of fun, outdoor nature camps, appropriately designed for various ages and interests.…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - February 28, 2023

Wild Wednesdays Every Wednesday at 3:45 pm Come learn about the animals and ecology of our region. This 20-minute lesson is led by a teacher/naturalist, with time to explore afterwards. 3/1 — Birdhouse Bop 3/8 — Signs of Spring…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Winter programs - This week, And coming up

Birdhouse Competition & Exhibit Entries due March 13-18 at the Visitor Center front desk. Grab your tools because it’s time to build birdhouses! All types of birdhouses are welcome, but they need to be sturdy and stand up to the…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - February 13, 2023

Birdhouse Competition & Exhibit Entries due March 13-18 at the Visitor Center front desk. Grab your tools because it’s time to build birdhouses! All types of birdhouses are welcome, but they need to be sturdy and stand up to the…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - January 9, 2023

Adult & Big Kids Owl Prowl Friday, January 20th at 6 pm For ages 16+ Led by an Ogden Nature Center teacher/naturalist, come look and listen for owls during the beginning of mating season on this quiet stroll around the Nature…

Read More »

December Happenings At Ogden Nature Center

Shop The Nest! Come to the Ogden Nature Center Gift Shop, The Nest, for fun gifts with a nature theme. Ornaments, quality cards, tea towels, candles, matches, nature napkins, puzzles, books, field guides, clothing and more! - Unique stocking…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center : Fun Fall Workshops And The Cup Hop

Decorate a Fall Gourd November 12 from 10 am - noon All ages welcome $12/ ONC members and $15/nonmembers In this workshop, each participant gets to decorate a gourd to adorn their home for fall. All materials provided, but feel free to bring…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center - Fall Events and Programs!

Creatures of the Night! Friday, September 28th or Saturday, September 29th, from 5-8:30 pm Join us for a non-spooky Halloween adventure. The night is packed with trailside adventures including games, campfire stories, live owl and snake…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center : Fall Events And A Volunteer We Love

Reserve your seats for the WILDWOODS BASH today! Friday, September 9th, 5 pm The WILDWOODS BASH is one of Ogden’s favorite outdoor parties! Enjoy meadow vistas, late summer grasses, & friends who share your love of place. We’re…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - July 8, 2022

Join us in welcoming Jonathan Creel as the new Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center The Ogden Nature Center Board of Directors has hired Jonathan Creel as Executive Director. Creel replaces Mary McKinley, who served as the Executive…

Read More »

Ogden Nature Center News - June 14, 2022

Mary McKinley retiring as Executive Director After serving as the Ogden Nature Center’s Executive Director since 2003, Mary McKinley will be retiring on July 1. Mary McKinley’s visionary leadership and notable accomplishments over the…

Read More »

Photos