Natural History Institute

The Natural History Institute connects people to the natural world through the practice of natural history.

The NHI offers a wide variety of public programming that creates opportunities for community members to learn about and engage in the practice of natural history. We seek to share with the public of Yavapai County and beyond the unique biodiversity and ecological importance of our local ecoregion, the Mogollon Highlands. Our programs promote the reciprocal healing of the human and natural worlds - we believe that connecting with nature heals the human spirit and motivates people to take informed action to protect their local environment.

Through our free Speaker Series, we connect the public to world-renowned scientists, artists, historians, writers, and other scholars whose work is connected to the practice of natural history. Our talks take place in our community center in downtown Prescott, and all are live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person and recorded to our Youtube channel, where they can be freely accessed in perpetuity.

Along with a community event space, our building houses an herbarium and a nature-based art gallery showcasing four contemporary exhibitions annually. However, much of our impact happens outside our building in scenic locations through the Mogollon Highlands, the Colorado Plateau, the Sonoran Desert, and beyond. We offer accessible art and writing workshops, guided nature walks, half-day and full-day field excursions, multi-day naturalist field camps, backpacking trips, and volunteer work days. We strive to create meaningful outdoor experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and financial means.

Your support enriches our capacity to provide essential environmental education programming for adults and to document, champion, and conserve the biodiversity of the Mogollon Highlands. We are highly collaborative organization with partnerships with the Prescott Chapter of the Arizona Native Plant Society, the Audobon Society, the Prescott National Forest, Friends of the Verde River, the Highlands Center for Natural History., and other environmental organizations. As a part of a coalition of 14 organizations, we secured a federal Wild and Scenic status for the Upper Verde River in 2023, and 2024, we look forward to displaying a gallery exhibition that celebrates the beauty of this crucial waterway and leading field excursions on site.

Testimonials

"This is a rare and very special place where the wonder of the natural world meets the science of the natural world in equal parts. It's where the joy meets the numbers for a greater knowledge and appreciation of natural history."

"NHI fills an important need here in Prescott, providing opportunities for deep reflection and furthering understanding about the natural world, particularly our amazing area."

"I think NHI's integration of arts, humanities, and science is vital to helping find and highlight tools and bases of understanding to help us navigate an uncertain future."

"NHI is professional, creative, inclusive & welcoming."

"NHI provides incredible programs and exhibits to our community, sharing enlightening and vital information about our region."

"The programs offered by the NHI are amazing. I have learned so much about the Central Highlands of Arizona. The staff are all very knowledgeable and friendly. I just wish I had more time, I'd sign up for all of them!"