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The Nature Zone
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825 Kemper St. • Lynchburg, VA 24501
Tel: (434) 455-5858 • Fax (434) 528-2794
Touch a turtle…feed a toad…see a snake…or just take in the “wild” sights of The Nature Zone! There’s a world of fun and excitement for all ages! Spark your imagination by building a tower made from natural wood blocks, challenge your brain with an animal puzzle, or sit down with a good interactive nature story book at our Discovery Zone corner! Delve into the mysteries of nature using all of your senses at the Exploration Station, home of the famous “Mystery Boxes”! Or, leisurely browse our extensive collection of animal mounts, featuring local birds, snakes, insects and a few exotic visitors!
Have questions about local wildlife? Our friendly and knowledgeable naturalist staff is happy to help you, and you’re also invited to make use of our extensive library of nature publications and artifacts. Of course, no visit to The Nature Zone would be complete without meeting some of the fascinating live education animals that make their home here, including a variety of local and exotic snakes, turtles, frogs and mammals! Looking for a unique gift for that certain someone? Check out the t-shirts, books, and “critters” in our gift shop! And make sure to visit the Kemper Street extension of the Blackwater Creek bikeway, located right next to The Nature Zone…it’s your connection to the most beautiful trail system in Central Virginia! Read Nature Notes to get information on a new topic each month!
We also offer some fantastic Naturalist classes and camps - check them out!
ADMISSION
Children (ages 2-17) - $1
Adults (ages 18-49) - $2
Seniors (ages 50 and up) - $1
Annual Family Pass - $30
Children (ages 2-17) - $1
Adults (ages 18-49) - $2
Seniors (ages 50 and up) - $1
Annual Family Pass - $30
HOURS
| Day | Dates | Hours Open |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday |
10/1 - 5/31 6/1 - 9/30 |
3 PM - dusk 3 - 9 PM |
| Friday | year-round | 12 - 6 PM |
| Saturday | year-round |
10 AM - 4 PM |
RecQuest/Naturalist Programs for Groups
Trained naturalists offer a number of programs for groups. Topics range from the celestial (Star Celebration), to the small (Tiny Wonders: The Story of Insects), with a special focus on local resources. We offer SOL and grade specific programs for school groups, or we can design a special program just for your group. Check out our RecQuest offerings! Call (434) 455-5828 or email Nature.Zone@lynchburgva.gov for more information.
Get Involved 
Volunteers are a special group of people who make a positive difference! The Nature Zone offers volunteer opportunities year round. Whether you like clearing trails or greeting visitors, we can find a job for you.
- Partners in Education Program
- Adopt-A-Trail
- Parent & Child Animal Feeding
- Teen Naturalist Club
- Nature Center Tour Guide
To get started as a Nature Zone volunteer, call or email Paula Tannenbaum, Volunteer Coordinator at (434) 455-5886.
What's New
- Wildlife Rescue Advice
- Learn more about White-nose Syndrome, a deadly disease spreading rapidly through the hibernating bat community. http://www.caves.org/WNS/battle_for_bats.htm
- Check out our Critter Cam, and watch Pickles the 'Possum in action. The username and password is 'nature'.