The Highlands Nature Center, a beloved community destination for environmental education and discovery, will temporarily close beginning Aug. 16 as it undergoes a series of important preservation and improvement projects designed to protect the historic building and enhance its long-term sustainability.
The renovation project, scheduled to begin in mid-August and continue through late fall, will focus on three primary areas:
- Replacing aging chestnut support columns along the exterior walls with structural metal beams while preserving the building’s historic appearance by incorporating the original chestnut columns into the finished interior design.
- Installing new energy-efficient windows throughout the building. The windows will feature bird-friendly etched glass designed to reduce bird collisions, a leading cause of bird mortality in North America.
- Protecting the building from water intrusion through foundation sealing and site improvements, including grading adjustments around the building and rear parking area to improve drainage.
The nature center will remain open through Saturday, August 15, operating on its regular summer schedule of Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the exhibits before construction begins.
While the building will be closed during renovations, the nature center grounds will remain open to the public. Educational programming will continue through outreach initiatives, outdoor programs, and events held at the Sto Pavilion and across the Highlands Biological Station campus. Additional details about fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
The nature center is expected to reopen in early 2027 following completion of the renovation project.
For updates and information about upcoming programs, visit the Highlands Biological Station website or follow their social media channels.