100 Things to Do
Darien Nature Center
Jul 2, 2007

The Darien Nature Center building opened in 2002 in Cherry Lawn Park “dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world.” The soaring timber and glass building houses seasonal exhibits and has an extensive collection of stuffed birds of prey on display. Local artists and photographers also have occasional exhibits, such as Lisa Black’s recent photographs of stone walls. The center offers after-school and vacation programs; there are groups for children as young as two. It is also available for scout activities. There are live animals at the center, including a green iguana, a pair of Western screech owls, chinchillas, several snakes and other native and exotic animals.  Nature center staff may take some of these animals out for personal visits. Outdoors, nature center programs can take advantage of a nature trail and wildflower meadow and the spring-fed pond. The center is open Monday-Friday, 9 to 4, and Saturday, 10-2. Admission is free, but donations for animal care are appreciated.