Fairlawn Nature Center

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The Fairlawn Nature Center is located in Fort Island Park. Inside, visitors can explore environmental education displays and meet our educational ambassador animals, which include native wildlife that have been rehabilitated but cannot be released, as well as rescued exotic animals. Our center is also a permitted wildlife rehabilitation site for small mammals, one of many across Ohio.

We offer a wide variety of talks, hikes, programs, and camps throughout the year for all ages. Scheduled programs take place both inside the building and outdoors in the park. When the center is open, it is free and open to the public. The building may occasionally be closed during programs, so please check our website for days and times of nature education programs. Visitors can enjoy our interactive displays, table-top activities, and live educational animals, and learn about our ongoing conservation programs. One of our summer highlights is the ever-growing pollinator gardens next to the building.

Volunteer Opportunities
We always welcome volunteers to assist with daily animal care, programs, and maintaining our pollinator gardens throughout the spring, summer, and fall. If you’d like to help, please contact us to get involved in this rewarding work.

Closed on Sundays and Holidays

The Nature Center is typically open:

  • Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Please note that the building may be closed during scheduled programs or hikes, and our Naturalists are sometimes called away for city business, wildlife care, or veterinary visits. Hours are subject to change without notice.

Program Registration
All programs require registration 

Trails
Explore our boardwalk trails! View the Boardwalk Map for details.

Educational Programs & Outreach
Our Naturalists offer environmental education programs for students, scout troops, adults, and families. Classes and camps are held at the Nature Center and the surrounding park, or we can bring programs to your school or other locations.

To request a program or schedule a visit, please contact a Naturalist by phone or email, or submit a program request form using the link at the bottom of this page.

More information on:

Requesting a Program with the Naturalists

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We encourage groups to participate in our programs and learn about the natural world. Some of the programs we offer are Boy Scout and Girl Scout badge work, school and community visits, and Naturalist led hikes. Request a program (PDF)

Please submit the completed form via the following options:

Phone: 330-668-9518
Mail: City of Fairlawn
Parks and Recreation
Attn: Troy Dunn, Naturalist & Field Biologist
3487 South Smith Road
Fairlawn, OH 44333