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Nature Center

The Buttinger Nature Center is your starting point for your adventure at the Watershed Reserve. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can explore our two Discovery Rooms and meet our animals – including snakes, turtles, fish and insects. Enjoy our assortment of seasonal displays and hands-on exhibits. Plus check out our Demonstration Bee Hive and Solar Powered Doll House. Visit the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House (in season) to learn about our insect friends and the importance of protecting our natural habitats.

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

Nature Shop

Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Nature Shop at the Buttinger Nature Center offers a variety of gifts, books and toys for everyone from the curious child to the experienced naturalist.

Some of the items available include:

• Field guides and Natural History studies,
• Nature study tools and audio-visual material,
• Bird houses, feeders and birding supplies,
• Butterfly kites and decorations,
• Eco jewelry and bug snacks,
• Games, puppets and children’s party favors,
• Books for children of all ages,
• Holiday ornaments, pottery, jewelry, paper goods and more!

All proceeds from sales help fund our environmental education programs.

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.