Welcome to the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut!
Our Mission is to: “Inspire the appreciation and enjoyment of nature, through education and conservation, fostering a healthy environment and an improved quality of life”.
ELCCT offers a diversity of hands-on experiential programs using a variety of resources and facilities.
Our programs are offered at the Indian Rock Nature Preserve, the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center and in the schools of Connecticut. Annually we provide environmental educational programs to over 20,000 children and families from over 70 Connecticut communities!
In addition to our education programs, ELCCT also serves as a land trust and has protected over 750 acres of land in Bristol, Burlington and Southington, Connecticut.
We encourage you to get involved. Join a program, visit our facilities, make a contribution, or become a volunteer. Learn what nature and ELCCT has to offer.
Visit our new Virtual Learning Page!
We are very excited to offer teachers, parents and students our new Virtual Learning Page!
Visit our “Virtual Learning” page and get started!
Volunteer Opportunities
Featured Volunteer Opportunies:
- Maintenance/Facilities
- Farm Animal Caretaker- Weekday mornings
Explore our “Get Involved” page for details!
Facility Rentals
Did you know that Indian Rock and the Barnes Nature Center are available for:
- Conferences/Meetings
- Private and Corporate functions
- Wedding Receptions
- Holiday Parties
- Birthday parties at Barnes Nature Center
- Explore our “Facilities Rental” page for more information!
The Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
- Meet native and exotic reptiles, amphibians and insects, live owls, try your hand at one of our many interactive exhibits, and by all means, explore our trails!
- Nature gift shop
- Birthday Party rentals
- Open to the Public: 10a-4p Saturdays and 12p-4p Sundays. Due to the high rise in Covid numbers, the nature center will be closed for the winter. Trails are open dawn to dusk 365 days/year. Please be respectful of others on the trails by staying a safe distance from each other.
- General Admission: Members admitted Free
- Non members: $5/Adults, $3/Children (12 & under) and Seniors (65+)
- Visit “YouTube” to view a presentation of Barnes Nature Center by Scott Heth, our Executive Director!
- Follow Barnes Nature Center on Facebook
- #barnesnaturecenter
Indian Rock Nature Preserve
* Please note that the Preserve is open to scheduled groups and activities only. There are no public trails *
