Irvine Nature Center

The nonprofit organization, whose mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, has moved from its former location on the campus of St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, Maryland, and into a 17,200 square foot, brand new, state-of-the-art “green” building.  The new building, which is situated on 116 acres of woodlands, wetlands and meadows in the beautiful Caves Valley will allow the organization that had provided 16,000 children and adults with approximately 500 environmental education program sessions annually to expand its reach to a greater number of constituents and up level its stature in the region as a community resource for environmental education.  Although the organization has historically given its constituents reasons for why they should appreciate and respect the natural world and therefore take care of it, there are plans for the organization to market more “green” programming and establish itself as a resource on eco-friendly living.  Changes also abound in the new interactive exhibits in the building which now mirror the habitats of woodland, wetland and meadows that can be found outdoors, which were created through the Maryland Science Center.

In an effort to prepare for the expansion of its identity, the organization has re-branded itself to a more family friendly destination, “your place to explore nature.” Additionally, the organization has changed its logo to incorporate a more welcoming, family-friendly feel.  Other changes include the expansion of service offerings.  In addition to the public programs, field trips, summer camps, birthday parties and urban education programs the nature center has offered for many years, Irvine will host “green” weddings and “green” events at their new facility, which they are also calling “Your Place for ‘Green’ Weddings.”

“We have expanded our mission and our identity to respond to the increasing need for education about sustainability,” says Christina Royster-Hemby, Irvine’s director of marketing and membership development.  Royster-Hemby joined Irvine’s staff in March to begin to spearhead the marketing effort.  She also hopes to help Irvine double its membership this year.

“It is our goal to establish ourselves firmly as a safe space for families who wish up level their individual and collective commitments to the environment, and to provide them with the tools necessary to surpass their wishes,” she said.  “We want Maryland residents to come to Irvine, learn about the environment, experience the tremendous multi-sensory nature experience we have to offer, enjoy walking our trails, gaze upon the beauty of nature at our overlook of the Caves Valley and think of Irvine as a second home.”

Irvine Nature Center will celebrate the grand opening of its new location during the weekend of September 12 – 14.  The opening will include a ticketed gala on Friday the 12th, and a two-day family fun festival on the 13th and 14th.  For more information, go to www.ExploreNature.org.

Founded in 1975, Irvine Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education.  The Center is located at 11201Garrison Forest Road in Owings Mills, MD.  Call 410.484.2413 or visit www.ExploreNature.org for more information.

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