Carolyn Parr Nature Center

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Carolyn Parr Nature Center The Napa Valley Naturalists organization was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens with diverse but intense concerns about the environment.

The Carolyn Parr Nature Center aims to cultivate curiosity, knowledge, and stewardship of Napa Valley's natural world through engaging environmental education and meaningful connections to nature. At the time of her death in 1980, one of those members, Carolyn Parr, left her modest estate for the purpose of establishing a nature center. Carolyn Parr's primary personal interest was in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and her vision had been to create something similar to Walnut Creek's Lindsay Museum, where displays, programs for children, and wildlife rescue all take place at the same location. Using her bequest, the executors of Carolyn Parr's purchased a doublewide mobile home and arranged for it to be sited on the back parking lot of Vintage High School. Unfortunately, this space and site were inadequate for the combination conceived. There were problems with lack of security and vandalism, and there was not enough space to keep the rehabbing wildlife separate from the public, which is an absolute necessity in terms of the law as well as the success of the venture. For this reason, the Wildlife Rescue component immediately split off from the Nature Center, and was run by NVN member Connie Bogosian from her personal dwellings for the next ten years. In 1990, when Connie retired, the NVN board assisted with the establishment of a separate organization, Wildlife Rescue of Napa County, which is the current provider of these services in Napa County. Meanwhile, arrangements were made in 1984 to move the museum to the foot of Westwood Hills Park, where it has more public exposure than at its former site. So, Carolyn Parr Nature Center currently sits on city property and is easily accessible to the public using the adjacent parking lot. The Carolyn Parr Nature Center is an all-volunteer organization. DOCENTS staff the center on weekend afternoons and host weekday tour groups. ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEERS support general operations. They construct displays, assist with publicity and fundraising, and perform maintenance tasks. The only requirements for volunteers are interest and enthusiasm. All necessary training is easily provided. The Carolyn Parr Nature Center and Museum is located on 3107 Browns Valley Road in Napa, CA (94558).

10/26/2026
Join us on October 17 at 10:30 AM as bat specialist Corky Quirk returns with her live bat ambassadors for an engaging, ...
09/29/2026

Join us on October 17 at 10:30 AM as bat specialist Corky Quirk returns with her live bat ambassadors for an engaging, family friendly program.

Learn how NorCal Bats rescues, rehabilitates, and releases bats across Northern California while sharing the many ways these remarkable animals benefit our local ecosystems.

Spaces limited, sign up now: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bats

members are always free! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/carolyn-parr-nature-center-memberships

Become a Carolyn Parr Nature Center Docent!Love nature? Enjoy meeting people? Want to help families discover the natural...
09/21/2026

Become a Carolyn Parr Nature Center Docent!

Love nature? Enjoy meeting people? Want to help families discover the natural wonders of Napa Valley?

The Carolyn Parr Nature Center is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join our docent team!

As a weekend docent, you’ll welcome visitors, help children and families explore our hands-on exhibits, share fun facts about local wildlife and plants, and introduce guests to the many fascinating things to discover at the Nature Center.

No special expertise is required! We provide training and resources to help you feel comfortable answering questions and engaging with visitors.

Weekend Shifts

Saturdays or Sundays | 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Whether you're a longtime nature enthusiast, a people person, a retired professional, a student, or simply someone who enjoys helping others discover something new, we'd love to have you on our team!

Come share your enthusiasm for Napa Valley's natural world—and help us inspire the next generation of nature lovers.

sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQP3NCDy3gvaf2WxsQ8LnsvlJJjYUka3zyeiVqWb7e7qRGzg/viewform?usp=header

Or email us at [email protected]

08/06/2026

Our very own Rabbit also volunteers at the Napa Wildlife Rescue and brought six young rehabilitated scrub jays to be released in our back garden. They were heard chattering happily in the trees the rest of the day. Scrub jays belong to the crow family, and are very smart. They hide food like acorns and check if other birds are watching before caching them.

Address

3107 Browns Valley Road
Napa, CA
94558

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+17072556465

Website

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