1958

• The first Board of Trustees is established and led by President Dr. Andreas Lazlo and Chairman John Ripley Forbes.
• The first 10 acres of land donated to the organization by Mrs. Dudley Wadsworth.
• The initial 53.75 acres of the sanctuary were either gifted or purchased by the institution between 1958 and early 1960s.

1959

• Groundbreaking ceremony for The Mid-Fairfield County Youth Museum

1960

• Mr. Alan Mahl chosen as the organization’s first Director.
• Programs originate in a barn at the corner of King’s Highway and Wilton Road.
• Junior Staff program formed

1961

• Dedication of building

1962

• Formation of the Women’s League
• Instructional program agreement with Westport, Norwalk and Wilton school Systems

1966-67

• Nursery school established

1973

• Name changed to The Nature Center for Environmental Activities

1974

• Edward T. Peach appointed as Executive Director

1985

• Mary Eason Swett Wildlife Rehabilitation Center opened
• Dr. John D. Horkel, Ph.D. becomes the new Executive Director

1986

• Harbor Watch/River Watch established

1988

• Protected lands expanded to 62 acres

1993

• Building expanded to 22,000 square feet

2002

• Name changed to Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center

2003

• Wheels In The Woods IV established

2006

• Grand re-opening of Natureplace

2007

• 22 acre Partrick Wetlands open space donated to Earthplace

Exterior of the building in 2001

Logo and image from our website in the early 2000's

 
Early 2000s exhibit, Discovery Room display, Animal Hall cages

50th Anniversary Logo designed by John Waski