Connecting People with the Natural World
North Branch Nature Center connects people with environmental education, natural history, and community science. More than 17,000 people visit NBNC to be in touch with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.
Our 28-acre preserve of forest and fields is nestled in a gentle bend of the North Branch of the Winooski River, just two miles from downtown Montpelier. NBNC is the delight in the eyes of children as they watch fireflies in a field. NBNC is a group of naturalists exploring the secrets of warblers and willows. And it's a quiet place to walk or ski, swim or sit, or simply relax beside the river. There is much to explore. Please join us.
NBNC News Watch
The Caterpillar Lab @ NBNC - June 21-22
The Caterpillar Lab | June 21-22
Caterpillars take over the Nature Center! The Caterpillar Lab is a traveling world-class education organization that transforms nature centers into a spectacular living museum, zoo, research laboratory, incubator, circus, art studio, classroom, and all-around nature party. More Info
Summer Camp Spots Available!
We still have spaces open in many of our summer camps! PreK through 6th grade kids will channel their inner salamanders, learn to build like beavers, and explore like foxes. Learn more.
Homeschool: April 28 - June 9 Opening!
Modeled on our ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) program, the ECO Homeschool program takes the classroom entirely outdoors. Each Monday, the woods and fields surrounding North Branch Nature Center will be our classroom, whether it's deep in the woods, or along the banks of the North Branch itself. Learn More
Our Land Acknowledgement
North Branch Nature Center acknowledges that we reside upon the traditional and unceded home of the Western Abenaki People. These lands and waters have been a site of meeting and exchange among Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. North Branch Nature Center honors, recognizes and respects the Abenaki as the traditional stewards of this landscape. We strive to respect and protect this land, while continually honoring the legacy of Vermont’s Indigenous People, the Abenaki People of the Dawn.
The River's Edge Blog
Hunting for Connections
History on the Land – Part Two
Planting Tomorrow’s Forest
More about North Branch Nature Center
Connecting People with the Natural World
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 229-6206
Hours: Center Open Monday-Friday 9-4
Trails Open 24/7
