The Highlands Center for Natural History in Prescott will host “Sense of Place in the Highlands: A Naturalist’s Journey,” an eight-week course designed to help participants better understand the plants, animals, landscapes and ecological relationships of the Central Highlands.
The program is scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, with sessions running from 8 a.m. to noon. Classes will be held at the Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Road, Prescott. The course will combine indoor instruction with outdoor exploration at the center.
Walt Anderson, described by the Highlands Center as a regionally renowned naturalist and educator, will lead the program. The course is intended for beginners, new residents and experienced naturalists, according to the event information.
The program is structured around observation and field study. Participants will be introduced to the distinctive ecosystems of the Highlands while developing skills in keen observation and ecological literacy. The course description also emphasizes building a deeper connection with the natural world through the study of the region’s living systems and landscapes.
The Highlands Center said the course is intended to serve people at different stages of learning. Those beginning their naturalist journey can use the sessions as an introduction to the region, while people with more experience exploring the Highlands can gain additional perspective on familiar environments.
Each Thursday session will last four hours, from 8 a.m. through noon. The combination of classroom learning and time outdoors is intended to give participants opportunities to study regional ecology in both instructional and field settings.
The event will take place at the Highlands Center for Natural History, located at 1375 S. Walker Road in Prescott, Arizona, 86303. The venue’s listed phone number is (928) 776-9550. The event listing includes a “Register Here” option for people seeking to sign up.
The course’s title reflects its focus on developing a sense of place through direct attention to the Central Highlands. Rather than concentrating on a single topic, the program brings together plants, animals, landscapes and the ecological relationships connecting them.
For residents who are new to the Prescott area, the course offers a structured introduction to the natural features of the surrounding Highlands. For longtime residents and seasoned naturalists, it provides an organized setting for continued study and outdoor observation.
The first session is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Highlands Center for Natural History. Additional sessions are scheduled on Thursdays as part of the eight-week program. Further information is available through the Highlands Center for Natural History at (928) 776-9550.
Image: Openverse source — Generated
