The Brown Family Environmental Center

The Brown Family Environmental Center The BFEC at Kenyon College is a 700-acre nature preserve offering programs, events, trails, and more

The BFEC is located at 9781 Laymon Road in Gambier, Ohio as part of the Kenyon College campus. On the BFEC's nine miles of trail, visitors can experience the serene waters of the Kokosing River, towering grasses in our prairie, a spring chorus of frogs in our wetlands or the cool canopy of our beech-maple forests. Visitors looking for relaxation can enjoy picnic tables next to the center or our wi

ldlife garden, which features over sixty species of native plants and the many butterflies and birds they attract. The BFEC offers regular programs that are usually free and open to the public, on topics such as wildflowers, star gazing, nature art or medicinal plants. While programs offer opportunities for informal education, the BFEC also offers a novel resource to Kenyon College classes ranging from art to zoology, an opportunity to view nature through a new lens. English classes seek inspiration for haiku poems, while photography classes hone new techniques. Science students conduct research on topics such as bird foraging, bluebird nesting habits or the impacts of invasive species on forests. Both Kenyon College students and community members volunteer to bring 1,000 elementary school children to the BFEC on field trips every year. Vocabulary words like "adaption" and "food web" take on new meaning as children see these concepts in action while exploring our preserve and catching tadpoles.

Unfortunately, due to the extreme heat today, the Reiki, Mindfulness and a Peaceful Walk session is cancelled for this e...
06/11/2026

Unfortunately, due to the extreme heat today, the Reiki, Mindfulness and a Peaceful Walk session is cancelled for this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you Bee City USA-Mount Vernon Ohio for your kind words, lovely photographs and support through the years!
06/09/2026

Thank you Bee City USA-Mount Vernon Ohio for your kind words, lovely photographs and support through the years!

Saturday's Fairy Party was a success!
06/09/2026

Saturday's Fairy Party was a success!

Hope to see you at yoga tomorrow-it's free!every Wednesday, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.Ease into your evening with a slower, more g...
06/09/2026

Hope to see you at yoga tomorrow-it's free!

every Wednesday, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Ease into your evening with a slower, more grounded yoga practice. This class focuses on simple poses, longer holds, and time to settle into your body. Bring your kids, grandkids, friends, etc. Open to all ages. Bring your own mat or use ours. Free! Meet in the BFEC garden (behind the white house).

Our new fairy house trail is open! Come visit during daylight hours and see if you can find them. If you'd like, you c...
06/08/2026

Our new fairy house trail is open!
Come visit during daylight hours and see if you can find them. If you'd like, you could even stop by our office for a data sheet. Keep track of the houses you find and return your sheet for a prize!

There’s still room for you at tomorrow’s fairy party!It’s a Fairy Party!Saturday, June 6, 10:30 amCome to the BFEC for o...
06/05/2026

There’s still room for you at tomorrow’s fairy party!

It’s a Fairy Party!
Saturday, June 6, 10:30 am
Come to the BFEC for opening day of our new fairy house trail! Inviting grades K to 2 fairies-in-waiting: Earn your wings and fairy garland. Take a hike looking for fairy gifts.

Create your own fairy dish garden (guests are asked to provide their own dish). Please meet at the picnic shelter

You must preregister for this event:

Please use a separate form for each child you are registering.

Join us on Monday for a special reiki session-empathic kids and mamas walk June 8, 8:30 a. m.Are you a spiritually sens...
06/05/2026

Join us on Monday for a special reiki session-empathic kids and mamas walk

June 8, 8:30 a. m.

Are you a spiritually sensitive mama, or a mama with a child who has spiritual gifts that you're unsure how to navigate? Empathic Kids and Mamas is a safe space for spiritual conversation, connection, and exploration.

In this group Sarah will share tools and methods for spiritual hygiene so that kids and mamas can sleep better at night and navigate the spiritual side of life gracefully.

$10 per family (a percentage of proceeds will be gifted to the BFEC).

Contact [email protected] to book your spot!

We will meet at the wooden bridge by the BFEC gardens.

We hope you'll come and enjoy our reiki guided meditations and aromatherapy this evening!
06/04/2026

We hope you'll come and enjoy our reiki guided meditations and aromatherapy this evening!

Hope you will join us for yoga in the garden tomorrow evening!Ease into your evening with a slower, more grounded yoga p...
06/02/2026

Hope you will join us for yoga in the garden tomorrow evening!
Ease into your evening with a slower, more grounded yoga practice. This class focuses on simple poses, longer holds, and time to settle into your body.
Bring your kids, grandkids, friends, etc. Open to all ages. Bring your own mat or use ours.

Free! Meet in the BFEC garden (behind the white house).

05/27/2026

Yoga in the garden has been canceled for this evening

Address

9781 Laymon Road
Gambier, OH
43022

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17404275053

Website

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