Facilities and Exhibit Halls
"To halt the decline of an ecosystem, it is necessary to think like an ecosystem."- Douglas P. Wheeler, EPA Journal, September-October 1990
The Exhibit Halls at Placer Nature Center allow the innate scientist in every child to explore, discover and ask questions about how the world works. From watershed systems to local, natural and cultural history to hands-on exhibits bring science and environmental concepts to life.
Check the Calendar for monthly theme and times or visit us on a Saturday (Hours Open to the Public)
Parking is free but limited - we recommend carpooling! Handicap parking is available as well as a wheelchair accessible trail. Other amenities include a small pond, a picnic area, Nature Trails, a History Garden, restrooms and a drinking fountain. No trash cans available. Visitors are asked to pack out their trash (compostable items can be fed to the worms!).
- Our Changing Land Exhibit Hall
- Watershed Learning Center
- Discovery Room
- Energy Choices Exhibit
- Native American Village
- Nature Shop
Or visit our Photo Album and take a look at some photos of our nature center.
Our Changing Land Exhibit Hall
Filled with interactive exhibits showing how the land has changed naturally and by the hand of humans and naural phenomenon.
Natural and cultural history displays trace the history of our local area from 70 million years ago. Hands-on activities include archeology boxes, animal pelts and energy consumption.
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Watershed Learning Center
Are you a Stream-Keeper? Follow a tiny drop of water through its complete cycle, from precipitation to percolation. A miniature model of our own local watershed helps young and old minds alike understand how all things are linked by common water sources and how our actions can directly affect our own drinking water and the importance of protecting this valuable natural resource.
Placer Nature Center's WaterShed programs define a watershed and engage students in exploration of water environments, the dynamics of water and conservation strategies. Our watershed education programs also travel off-site to schools in the region.
Grant funds from the Bureau of Reclamation and Placer County Water Agency support key elements of the WaterShed Learning Center, including the scale model of the American River Watershed, the interactive exhibits on display in the WaterShed and the water conservation demonstration pond.
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Discovery Room
A perfect workroom for hands-on science investigations, experiments and exploration, the Discovery Hall, houses rocks, gems, bones, insects and more.
A favorite exhibit includes a see-through, working bee hive that permits visitors to peek into the secret lives of bees without the need for bee-keeping nets and protective gear.
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Energy Choices Exhibit
Where does our food, clothing, tools, and the many other things we use in our daily lives come from? Today, consumption on the North American scale is only possible because of the chains of production that reach all over the planet. Most of what we use has a secret life that imposes major impacts on our world.
The first step in solving any problem is recognizing it. Learn to look at things a new way - personal energy choices, different technologies, greener infrastructure, better laws, and living a balanced lifestyle.
The Energy Choices exhibit was funded by the Governor's Office of State and Consumer Services.
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Native American Village
Walk inside a replica of a Maidu summer shelter and marvel at replica of an acorn granary that would have been used to store acorns throughout the winter.
Besides acorns, the Maidu in the Auburn area ate
seeds, tule roots, berries and fruits, deer, salmon, sturgeon, trout, and other fresh-water fish.
An original basket and seed beater are on display in the Our Changing Land section of the Main Exhibit Hall along with a mural and clay models depicting daily life. Black and white photos demonstrate how to grind acorns.
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* Teachers & Youth Leaders! Learn more about how PNC programs fit the California Content Standards in science and history. Read more about how a Placer Nature Center field trip can support your curricula or youth project!
Nature Shop
Take a piece of Placer Nature Center home with you to remember your visit and to help support future education and programs att eh nature center.
Treasures are priced between $0.25 to $25.
Cash and checks are accepted.
The Nature Shop is open to the public every Saturday and during scheduled programs (check the Calendar for times and event themes or see open hours for the public). For school and other group programs, please have the teacher or group leader make prior arrangements.
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Last updated: November 22, 2011