FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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March 15, 2024

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Contact:
Rose Brown
Executive Director
rose.brown@onsc.us
479-202-0692

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Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) Partners with City of Fayetteville to Expand Environmental Education Programs at Lake Fayetteville

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its hands-on environmental education programs through a new partnership with the City of Fayetteville. ONSC will be leasing the former Environmental Study Center located at Lake Fayetteville beginning April 1, 2024, providing residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with nature through ONSC’s expert-led programming.

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"At ONSC, we know that connecting people with nature is essential for developing an appreciation of the environment and inspiring stewardship," said Rose Brown, Executive Director of ONSC. "This new partnership with the City of Fayetteville allows us to broaden our reach, serve more students and adults, and offer our unique programming in the urban forests surrounding Lake Fayetteville."

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The new location at Lake Fayetteville will enable ONSC to provide a range of urban programming, including day camps, public programs, open houses, guided hikes, and school programs by invitation. These offerings will complement programs at ONSC's main campus near Huntsville, AR, where the organization will continue to operate school programs, overnight camps, public programs, and rentals at its 80-acre campus and on the 8 miles of trails within Bear Hollow Natural Area, a partnership with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. 

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The former Environmental Study Center has a long history of nature-based programs and activities, making it an ideal location for ONSC's expansion efforts. By revitalizing this space, ONSC is investing in the future of environmental education and conservation in the region.

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"We are excited for  this partnership with the City of Fayetteville to provide engaging, hands-on experiences that foster accessibility and a love of the outdoors," said Lucas Regnier, the president of ONSC’s board of directors.

 

History: Ozark Natural Science Center’s mission is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardships of the Ozark natural environment. For over three decades, ONSC has provided students with hands-on, science-based learning experiences that enhance their understanding of the natural world and the impacts they have on it. These programs align with curriculum standards and enhance classroom learning by providing practical, real-world applications of scientific concepts. In addition to hosting school programs during the academic year, ONSC hosts a spring break camp, summer camps, and weekend camps. ONSC also provides public workshops, classes, and hikes focused on wilderness skills, foraging, navigation, ecosystems, mushrooms, plants, birds, and other science topics. 

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Grand Opening: Join ONSC for the grand opening of the Lake Fayetteville location on May 18, 2024. For more information, visit www.onsc.us/call-of-the-wild

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More information: Please visit www.onsc.us. For inquiries regarding the partnership with the City of Fayetteville, please contact Rose Brown, Ozark Natural Science Center’s Executive Director at rose.brown@onsc.us or 479-202-0692

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