Elachee Nature Science Center has hosted quality environmental education camps in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve for over 30 years. Each week of camp uniquely blends traditional camp activities and inquiry based learning opportunities set in the beautiful woodland Preserve surrounding the Center. The pace is slow and child-friendly. Our campers study nature while walking trails, wading in creeks, creating crafts, and singing songs. Their adventures and experiences at Camp Elachee increase children’s knowledge and appreciation of nature, strengthening lifelong connections to the natural world as they make new friends along the way. Themed preschool, elementary, and middle school camps are available on a week-to-week basis.
Pre-K Camps 9am–noon,
Elementary & Middle School Camps 9am–2pm, morning and afternoon extended care available.
1st Wednesday Home School & Jr. Master Naturalist Programs Preview Day
Wednesday, July 31st 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Visit Elachee to see what our First Wednesday Home School Series is all about. Tour the buildings, take a guided hike on the trails, visit the live animal room, and talk to the Education Director and Program Manager about the series which begins August 7th. You can register for the first semester on this day. Free.
NEW! Nature Preschool Starts August 12th!
Elachee Nature Preschool for 3 & 4 year-olds begins Monday, August 12th . The very first program of its kind in the southeast, the preschool is a state licensed, 9-month program whose goal is to immerse young children in a nature-based curriculum designed to teach environmental awareness and early childhood education concepts through nature play.
The 2013-2014 school year will run from August 12th , 2013 through May 23rd , 2014, and will follow the Hall County School District calendar. Time slots available: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:45-11:45am or Tuesday & Thursday, 8:45-11:45am.
Preschool Open House Dates:
Friday, June 7th, 12 noon-3:00pm
Tuesday, June 25th, 4:30-6:30pm
Saturday, July 20th, 2:00-4:pm
Parent Orientation Day: Thursday, July 25th, 5:00-6:30pm.
Elachee's “E-house” is a new solar and sustainable demonstration building, and is a feature of the “All About Energy” program for students. This little gem (12 x 20 foot) is complete with solar panels, xeriscaping (a special type of landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation), energy efficient windows, and insulation plus a “green roof”.
The E-House has been opened for students and was officially opened to the public at our Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20th.
The E-House is a Hall County Earth Share Project with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Elachee Nature Science Center, Hall County, Hall County Schools, Lanier Technical College and ZF Wind Power.
Educating for Today . . . Preserving for Tomorrow
Annual Program Report
Look what we....Elachee and YOU...have achieved!
A quick scan of the Annual Program Report shows all the accomplishments made possible with the help of Elachee's generous friends and supporters. Your support truly does make a difference.
Elachee's Nature Shop Now Online!
Share the Joy of Discovering Nature!
Does your child collect rocks? Love insects? Enjoy science experiments? How about imaginative play with puppets? The Nature Shop has all kinds of treasures sure to delight. The Nature Shop also has great gifts for teachers, gardeners and nature lovers.
Members receive 10% discount- use coupon code memberdiscount.
The first Saturday of every month except January and August, 10-11:30am.
If you are interested in learning about local native plants and animals, this monthly hike is a great way to explore the Chicopee Woods with an experienced guide. A great opportunity for small scout groups to work on badge requirements. Includes admission to the museum exhibitions.
Program Fee: Adults, $5; Ages 2-12, $3; Under age 2 & Members free. Check the Calendar for dates
Stars Over Elachee
Monthly Spring through Fall. Fridays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays at dusk. Learn to use a telescope and star chart to view stars, planets and constellations in the night sky. Programs begin just before dark so bring a flashlight and pencil. This program is most meaningful for adults and children 8 years and older. Pre-registration is required due to limited availability so call to reserve one of our telescopes and for exact program times and locations. View/print current monthly Star Chart
Program Fee: Adults, $10; Children through age 12, $5; Members, Free.
Call for information and to register. Check the Calendar for dates
This event takes place at Elachee's Aquatic Studies Center. View Map
Volunteer Trail Crew Work Days
Saturdays Monthly.
Join us as we work to improve Elachee's Trails!
The work we do varies: digging new trail, building bridges & steps, repairing eroded trails – but we always have fun! Tools & training provided. Bring water, lunch, & gloves. Children 8-18 yrs old are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great way for families to volunteer and help maintain Elachee's Trails! Meeting locations vary- Call for information and to register.
Check the Calendar for dates
I found a baby bird, a baby squirrel, a turtle crossing the road, a snake in my yard...What do I do?
Elachee is not licensed by the Dept. of Natural Resources to handle animal rehabilitation and cannot accept injured or orphaned wildlife.
Please take a few minutes to complete our Stakeholders Survey. Your input, suggestions and constructive criticism will help us formulate our strategic plan and help determine our future direction. Thanks for your support.
Camp Elachee Summer Day Camp 
Wednesday, July 31st 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Elachee's Nature Shop Now Online!
I found a baby bird, a baby squirrel, a turtle crossing the road, a snake in my yard...What do I do?