Mission

The mission of Earthplace is to build a passion in our community for nature and the environment through education, experience and action. Founded in 1958 and accredited by The American Association of Museums, Earthplace maintains a 62 acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, exhibits an interactive natural history museum with wildlife dioramas, houses live wildlife for public viewing and hosts many public nature programs and events.  Other activities include a state-licensed preschool and summer camp, and the Harbor Watch water quality testing program. 

Earthplace is located at 10 Woodside Lane, Westport, CT, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturday, 9AM to 4 PM and Sunday 1 to 4 PM.  The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk.  Admission to the grounds is free.

Earthplace is a private non-profit organization exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Earthplace is an independent organization, and receives no federal or state funding and only limited local funds.  Earthplace relies on the generosity of its members and friends for the majority of its financial support.  Earthplace also receives donations from grants and foundations, as well raises money through special fundraising events.  We invite you to join our efforts by becoming a member, by volunteering your time or by donating money to support our efforts.

 

History

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		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		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 trail established
2006		Grand re-opening of Natureplace
2007		22 acre Partrick Wetlands open space donated to Earthplace