PRESCOTT, Ariz. — As autumn settles into the central Arizona highlands, the Highlands Center for Natural History has finalized an extensive lineup of community programming scheduled to run from late September through mid-October 2026. The upcoming calendar features outdoor education courses, night-sky viewing, wellness walks, and daytime camps for local youths.
Most events take place on the center’s grounds, located at 1375 S. Walker Road in Prescott, though the non-profit nature institution has also paired with local establishments for community gatherings downtown.
### Geology, Ecology, and Outdoor Exploration
The schedule opens on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with an author presentation and book signing focused on “Roadside Geology of Arizona,” beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Walker Road site.
Educational sessions continue into early October under the guidance of naturalist Walt Anderson. Anderson leads “Sense of Place in the Highlands: A Naturalist’s Journey,” an in-depth outdoor session offered on two dates: Thursday, Oct. 1, and Thursday, Oct. 8. Both sessions run from 8 a.m. to noon, guiding participants through the distinct plant and animal landscapes of the local terrain.
For those seeking evening relaxation, the center presents its “Peace in the Pines” gatherings on both Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. These outdoor sessions highlight the restorative elements of time spent beneath the forest canopy.
### Community Partnerships and Star Viewing
Midweek programming brings nature education into the city center through joint events with the Mile High Beer Project, situated at 219 N. Cortez St., Suite D.
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, participants can take part in a morning walk titled “Wednesday Wandering: Wonders of the Woodlands” at the Highlands Center campus, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Later that evening, the focus moves downtown for a Nature Trivia Night hosted at the Mile High Beer Project starting at 5:30 p.m.
Weekend programming returns to the night skies on Friday, Oct. 9, when the center partners with the Prescott Astronomy Club to host a community Star Party. The observation session will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Walker Road campus, providing attendees access to telescopes and night-sky viewing.
Storytelling takes center stage the following afternoon, Saturday, Oct. 10. Sharon McFeely and Katia Nyysti will present an Autumn Storytelling session at 2 p.m. on the grounds.
### Early Childhood and School Break Camps
Families with small children have multiple morning options on the calendar. On Monday, Oct. 5, the center presents “Nature Melodies,” an outdoor music program tailored for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers, running from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 12, the Highlands Center will host two multi-day youth day camps designed around school fall breaks:
* **Fall Break Camp:** A full-day nature camp structured for youth ages 6 through 10, running daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 16.
* **Seedlings Fall Break Camp:** A morning-focused program for younger learners ages 3 to 5, scheduled to begin each day at 8:30 a.m. starting Oct. 12.
Residents interested in further details or registration for any scheduled session can contact the Highlands Center for Natural History at (928) 776-9550.
