About Woodlawn Nature Center
Woodlawn Nature Center is a natural history center with ten acres of oak forest and meadow. Its purpose is to maintain a woodland park as a sanctuary for flora and fauna native to this area and to provide educational opportunities for everyone interested in nature.
As part of the Elkhart community for more than 40 years, Woodlawn provides not only a haven within the city, but a center for community activities; woodland trails for educational, leisurely, or fitness walks; and outdoor picnic areas to enjoy a peaceful meal.
The Beginning In 1965, the Woodland Nature Council, a not-for-profit organization, was established by Dorothy Greenleaf Boyton to operate a Nature Park on 10 acres of forest land she had donated to the City of Elkhart. Along with the land donation, Mrs. Boyton also financed a building for the Center.As a result of Mrs. Boyton's enthusiasm and love for natue and the efforts of the many volunteers who have joined in the operation the the center, many area residents, organizations and visitors benefit from nature education programs and exhibits each year.
Inside the Center The Natural History museum includes a wide variety of fascinating displays and more. Here you will find ...Native American Collection: View tools, clothing, and artifacts of woodland and plains Indians.
Ice Age Indiana Exhibit: Imagine the Ice Age as you view mastedon fossils found in 1971 nearby in Shipshewana, IN.
Nests and Eggs: View a rare, century old egg collection and a variety of bird's nests.
Wildlife Dioramas: Explore exhibits that feature mounted birds and animals in habitat settings.
Seashell Display: See over 300 species of seashells on display, including a Giant Clam.
Wetland Wonders Room: Learn about the beauty and benefits of an important declining habitat.
Wildlife Viewing Window: Observe birds, squirrels, rabbits and other small wildlife through a one-way window.
Nature Library: Search through books and magazines to learn more about our natural environment. Children can play with nature toys and games for an enhanced learning experience.
Out on the Grounds: Before or after visiting the Nature Museum, experience the tranquility and adventures to be found in the Nature Trails.
If you walk softly, you may catch sight of black and fox squirrels, eastern chipmunks, groundhogs, cottontail rabbits, and a variety of birds. You may see cardinal, chickadee, nuthatch and various woodpeckers. Spring visitors include warblers, scarlet tanagers, brown thrashers, veeries, and kinglets.
Over 1/2 mile of looped trails wind through the woods. Various species of trees are marked, and guides showing leaf shape, marked symbols, and information about each tree species are available for your use.
Around the Building: Picnic areas and benches are available to sit and relax or enjoy a meal. You may even spot a few butterflies as you stroll the meadow.
Building Rental: The Woodlawn Center/Nature Museum is available for rental. Call ahead to reserve. $45.00/non-members. $40.00/members.