Formation 1974 Executive Director Tom Pascocello Founded 1974 | Region served Greater Philadelphia Type of business Charitable Organization | |
 | ||
Location Malvern, Pennsylvania, U.S. Headquarters Devault, Pennsylvania, United States Similar Jenkins Arboretum, American Helicopter Museum, Delaware Museum of Natural H, Mid‑America Science Museum, Staten Island Children Profiles | ||
The Great Valley Nature Center is an American organization dedicated to raising public awareness on environmental issues through educational exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops. The Great Valley Nature Center is located in Malvern, Pennsylvania. It consists of fields, streams, ponds, woods, and diverse habitats. Also featured is a Birds of Prey Center, a replica Native American Lenape village, a Pennsylvania wildflower garden, a maple sugar house, and a hands-on exhibit area.
History
Since its November 1974 incorporation, Great Valley Nature Center (formerly the Nature Center of Charlestown) has provided the Greater Philadelphia region, including Chester County, with environmental education opportunities. Arnold Bartschi contributed the land and start-up costs to establish the nature center. A colonial-era fieldstone bank barn serves as the education building. A converted farmhouse provides administrative, teaching and meeting space. Great Valley Nature Center serves more than 40,000 people (mostly children) every year. The majority of participants receive environmental education programming either on-site or at off-site locations that include schools, scout camps and daycare centers. Great Valley Nature Center also offers Outdoor Adventure Activities for all ages. They offer Day trips up to week long excursions.