We are an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors We are dedicated to environmental education for all people, focusing on youth from the surrounding region. Hartley Nature Center resides in a beautiful 7500 square foot building on Woodland Avenue on the north side of Hartley Park.
In addition to providing programs, equipment rental, park and trail work, we also dispense general park information. Hartley Nature Center relies on income from program fees, sponsorship, donor gifts, membership dues, and grants to continue operating. We do not receive financial support from the City of Duluth.
Hartley Nature Center is dedicated to inspiring life long connections to nature through education, play and exploration.
Education – We are all about education. Hartley serves more than 30,000 park visitors a year, including more than 10,000 school aged children through field trips, camps, Hartley Nature Preschool, special events and public programs.
Play – From summer camps and our nature-based preschool, to the hundreds of school programs and other special events, we strive to get kids of all ages out into nature to connect through hands on play. Nature play comes in many forms- climbing on the old willow trees, building forts in the pine plantations, digging in our nature playscape or skipping rocks across Hartley Pond.
Exploration – Hartley Park provides 660 acres of widely varied recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, bird watching, fishing, snowshoeing or just laying on a warm rock on a sunny spring day, there is something for you here. We are committed to improving a visitor’s experience by providing programming, advice and information about this amazing park.