Elachee Nature Science Center

Elachee Nature Science Center Grab your backpack, and let's go! Experience the wonders of nature with special programs, exhibits, live animals, and hiking trails.
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A regional resource for over four decades, the Elachee grounds are flush with children and adult learners year round, benefiting from ecology education experiences. Seasonal public programming also draws nature lovers of every age to discover and play while visiting Elachee Nature Science Center and the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Founded in 1978, Elachee means 'new green earth.' A robust volu

nteer corps partners with Elachee in conservation initiatives. These efforts support and maintain the 12.24-mile hiking trail system in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, enjoyed by hikers from around north Georgia. This 1,440-acre woodland is one of Georgia’s largest protected and most ecologically diverse green spaces. This hiking trail system winds through woodlands that have National Old Growth Forest Network characteristics. As well, the Nature Preserve is designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Nature Center campus is also home to Elachee Nature Academy, an accredited and licensed school managed by Elachee, offering Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st-2nd Grade programs. Elachee Nature Science Center is a privately owned and independently operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Elachee relies on earned income, donations, grants, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and the annual Flights of Fancy FUNdraiser to fund operations and to offer quality nature programs and ecology events on campus and in the Nature Preserve.

09/02/2026

🪨🌎 Wild Wisdom returns next week!

We're kicking off the fall season of Wild Wisdom, Elachee's year-round adult learning series, with a fascinating look at Georgia's geologic past—and what it can teach us about our changing climate.

Join Dr. Bill Witherspoon, co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia, as he explores how Georgia's climate has changed through geologic time and how those changes have shaped our rocks, landscapes, and mineral deposits. We'll take a walk along the Ed Dodd Loop, where histories geological events continue to influence the landscape around us today. 🌿🥾

Whether you're a lifelong learner, a geology enthusiast, or simply curious about the world beneath your feet, this is a Wild Wisdom you won't want to miss!

👉 Register today at elachee.org and join us as we kick off our fall series!

🍂 What’s happening at Elachee this September? 🌿Your fall favorites are back, and there’s something for every age to expl...
08/31/2026

🍂 What’s happening at Elachee this September? 🌿

Your fall favorites are back, and there’s something for every age to explore! From hands-on homeschool adventures and programs for little learners to adult learning opportunities and a wild day of family fun, September is full of ways to connect with nature. 🦋

👉 Swipe through to see what’s coming up, and make plans to join us this September! Find out more and register at elachee.org.

🦊✨ There's something wild for everyone at Wildlife Festival! ✨🦅 From incredible wildlife encounters to hands-on fun, Wil...
08/29/2026

🦊✨ There's something wild for everyone at Wildlife Festival! ✨🦅

From incredible wildlife encounters to hands-on fun, Wildlife Festival is packed with experiences the whole family will love!

Take a sneak peek at some of the vendors who will be joining us this year! 👀
Georgia Mountain Falconry
Aida's Art
North Georgia Zoo, Cleveland, Ga
Georgia Reptile Society

🎟️ Grab your tickets today at elachee.org and join us for one of Elachee's favorite traditions on Saturday, September 12 from 10 am-2 pm!

Tag someone you want to bring along for a wild day of fun! 🐢💚

🌿 Learning and adventure aren't just for kids! 🌿 This fall, we're excited to welcome back Wild Wisdom and Women of the W...
08/28/2026

🌿 Learning and adventure aren't just for kids! 🌿

This fall, we're excited to welcome back Wild Wisdom and Women of the Woods—Elachee's adult programs designed to inspire curiosity, foster connection, and deepen your appreciation for the natural world.

Even better? Both programs are now offered year-round, giving adults more opportunities than ever to learn, explore, and build community throughout every season.

🌱 Join us this fall and discover where your curiosity can take you. Tickets are now available at elachee.org.

🌿 Wonder grows because of you. Every trail explored, question asked and discovery made at Elachee is supported by a comm...
08/26/2026

🌿 Wonder grows because of you.

Every trail explored, question asked and discovery made at Elachee is supported by a community that believes in the power of nature.

Your support can help protect the Chicopee Woods, expand nature-based education and create meaningful opportunities for children, families and adults to connect with the natural world.

💚 Thank you for helping wonder grow at Elachee.

Give Wonder. Grow the Future. Learn more about supporting Elachee at elachee.org.

08/24/2026

🍎🌿 Back to school means it's time for outdoor learning!
We're looking forward to welcoming students back to Elachee for another unforgettable year of field trips. From hands-on science investigations and animal encounters to forest exploration and curriculum-aligned programs, every visit is designed to spark curiosity and bring learning to life.

There's no better classroom than nature, and we can't wait to help your students connect with the world around them through meaningful outdoor experiences! 🔎

📚 Educators: Fall field trip dates are filling quickly! Book your field trip now to secure your preferred date and give your students an engaging, hands-on learning experience they'll remember long after they return to the classroom.

Visit https://elachee.org/field-trips/ for more info and to submit your booking request today!

08/21/2026

🦅💚 Happy Gotcha Day to one of our favorite Animal Ambassadors!

Today marks the anniversary of the day our Red-tailed Hawk, Nova, was picked up from a wildlife rehabilitator in South Georgia! While she may not be able to return to the wild, she now has an important role as an Animal Ambassador—helping our naturalists teach thousands of visitors and students about Georgia’s incredible raptors and the importance of protecting wildlife.

And let’s just say… she looked a little less majestic on Day 1. 😅 Today, she’s a confident and incredible ambassador for her species, and we couldn’t imagine Elachee without her. 🥹🦅

Her Gotcha Day is the perfect reminder of why wildlife education and conservation matter—and there’s no better time to celebrate than Wildlife Festival on September 12! 🌿

Join us for a wild day of animal encounters, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about the incredible wildlife like Nova.

🎟️Get your tickets at the link in our bio!

🌿 Partner with Elachee for Wildlife Festival! A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain for Wildlife Festival...
08/20/2026

🌿 Partner with Elachee for Wildlife Festival!
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain for Wildlife Festival!
🦉By sponsoring this beloved community event, your business can help create a day filled with hands-on learning, unforgettable wildlife encounters and meaningful connections with the natural world—all while gaining visibility among Elachee families and supporters.
💚 Join us in making this year’s Wildlife Festival possible! Send us a direct message or contact our Development Director at 770-535-1976 to learn about the remaining opportunities.

🦉 Wildlife Investigators, your next adventure awaits!Homeschool families are invited to Explorers Club: Wildlife Investi...
08/17/2026

🦉 Wildlife Investigators, your next adventure awaits!

Homeschool families are invited to Explorers Club: Wildlife Investigators on September 1! Meet an animal ambassador, explore the Discovery Dome, create your own animal, and head outdoors to search for wildlife and the clues they leave behind. 🐢🔎🌿

📅 September 1, 12:00-2:00pm
🌿 Designed for homeschool families, ages 6-12
🎟 Registration recommended—space is limited!

Come explore at your own pace and make the day your own!

Address

2125 Elachee Drive
Gainesville, GA
30504

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+17705351976

Website

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