About Us

Reconnect with Nature. Reimagine Education.

Every year, Elachee reaches over 35,000 students through science-based field trips, in-class programs, camps, and enrichment experiences that align with Georgia Performance Standards. But learning here doesn’t stop at the school bus. Thousands of families and visitors come to Elachee to hike forest trails, explore interactive exhibits, meet live animals, and rediscover the joy of being in nature.

We believe that meaningful experiences in nature shape the way we care for the world and each other. That’s why everything we do is designed to reconnect people with the living world around them.

Our Mission

Elachee Nature Science Center promotes environmental understanding through education and conservation.

Our Vision

To be a premier destination for nature-based learning and discovery in the Southeast. We aim to be a place where families, educators, and lifelong learners connect with the natural world in meaningful and memorable ways.

What Makes Elachee Special

Rooted in the Preserve

We’re located in one of Georgia’s largest protected green spaces. Every program and exhibit is grounded in the rich biodiversity of the Chicopee Woods.

Learning that Lasts

Our programs meet science education standards while sparking wonder, curiosity, and critical thinking inside and outside the classroom.

Nature for Everyone

Whether you’re a toddler spotting turtles or an adult joining a stargazing session, Elachee is a welcoming place for all ages and backgrounds.

Built to Grow With You

From field trips to camps to adult education, we offer lifelong opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful, memorable ways.

The Elachee Experience

Our guests don’t just visit Elachee—they become part of it. Parents return year after year with their children. Teachers build our field trips into their curriculum. Donors support a mission they believe in because they’ve seen the impact firsthand. We’re more than a nature center. We’re a community rooted in discovery, connection, and care.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, we invite you to experience the wonder of Elachee. Come hike, learn, play, and grow with us.

Plan Your Visit

General FAQs

What types of events can be hosted at Elachee?

Elachee welcomes private parties, children’s celebrations, meetings, and small gatherings that align with our mission and environmental guidelines. Events must respect the preserve and the shared public space.

Where can I find registration details?

Each program or event has its own page with current dates, pricing, age ranges, and registration information.

How does Elachee balance safety with exploration?

Elachee prioritizes risk-aware learning, not risk avoidance. Staff are trained to create environments where children can explore, experiment, and learn while maintaining clear safety protocols and boundaries.

How does trail access support Elachee’s mission if hiking is free?

While trail access itself is free, it plays a critical role in Elachee’s mission. For many people, hiking is their first connection to Elachee. That initial experience often leads to deeper engagement—through programs, memberships, volunteering, or giving—which helps sustain education and conservation efforts across the campus.

What makes Elachee’s trail system different from other local trails

Elachee’s hiking trails are part of one of Georgia’s largest protected urban forests and are intentionally pedestrian-only. This creates a quieter, safer, more immersive experience that supports both wildlife habitats and human wellbeing. Interpretive signage and habitat diversity also mean the trails function as outdoor classrooms, not just recreational paths. Chicopee Woods Area Park is also home to separate mountain bike trails. Please see https://www.negasorba.org/ for more information.

Can Elachee accept injured or orphaned wildlife?

No. By law, Elachee is not licensed for wildlife rehabilitation. Please contact: