Locals Guide To – Howell Nature Center

April 25, 2019

The wildest attraction in Livingston County is the Howell Nature Center, an animal rehabilitation center that focuses on injured and orphaned wildlife. Their goal is to return physically and socially healthy birds, mammals, and other animals to their natural environment, and educate area citizens about the wild animals that share our world. From workshops to camps to spending a day exploring the beautiful park, we asked Director of Community Engagement, Marie Skladd, about this special attraction in the Brighton-Howell Area. Here are 5 things to know about the Howell Nature Center before your next visit!

What is your favorite part about being an attraction in the Brighton-Howell Area?

Our favorite part about being an attraction in the Brighton-Howell Area is that we are are able to make a positive impact on our community. Our mission is to be faithful caretakers of each other and the world around us. We strive every day to help connect our local community with nature and utilize the center in ways that help people and animals heal, grow and be wild!

What is the most popular or can’t-miss attraction at the Howell Nature Center?

It’s hard to choose just one, but it seems like Alexandria’s NatureScape is meeting a community need to allow children and families to get away from electronics and the hustle and bustle of busy lives, and allow kids to simply be kids. The NatureScape is like a child’s dream with an amazing Tree House, waterfall for kids to play in, natural obstacles for the kids to traverse through, and so many opportunities for kids to feel a sense of unstructured free play in the out-of-doors.

Why is the Howell Nature Center an important player in our community?

HNC strives to be the community leader in teaching children and adults alike about the fascinating aspects of nature and wildlife, while also teaching valuable skills in collaborative problem-solving along with a deep appreciation for the environment. If we are going to better our world, we have to start first in our local communities. We need to be able to work together in our communities to bring forth positive change. Through our Wildlife Education and Outreach Program, our Adventure Learning and Teambuilding Program, our Summer Day and Overnight Camps, our school-based Outdoor & Environmental Education Programs, our Volunteer Program, and our Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, we truly are teaching others to be faithful caretakers of each other and the world around us!

What is coming soon to the Howell Nature Center that visitors should be aware of?

Coming soon is the opening of our newly renovated Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic which has been recently expanded and will now be equipped to better serve the approximately 4,000 injured or orphaned wildlife that are brought in for care annually. A unique attraction will be our new “Wildlife Viewing Window” that will give the public a behind-the-scenes look at how our staff and interns care for and treat wildlife in need.

Why should visitors to Livingston County come to the Howell Nature Center?

Our philosophy of Heal. Grow. Be Wild. comes to life daily at HNC as children, families, adults, and seniors enjoy the many features that bring them closer to nature while spending valuable time together. The greatest memories are often attached to outdoor experiences and adventures where people try or learn something new. The Howell Nature Center allows people to slow down a bit, get away from electronics and constant media, and reconnect with nature and others. It’s truly a beautiful place!

Have you visited the Howell Nature Center? Share your photos from your visit by tagging #explorebha on social media. You can also request a free visitors guide and find more things to do in the Brighton Howell Area by using the button below!

Know Before You Go Outside Activities