Hours vary seasonally.
The Fleming Environmental Education Center is a welcoming space where visitors of all ages can connect with nature through engaging and interactive programs. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and a love for the natural world in everyone who visits.
We offer a variety of hands-on educational experiences that allow visitors to learn about the environment in a fun and engaging way. Our programs are designed to cater to visitors of all ages, from young children to adults. Our experienced educators are passionate about environmental education and are committed to providing visitors with an enriching and memorable experience.
The center is conveniently located on the rightmost end of the front porch, making it easily accessible for visitors. As the public portion of our campus it is open to everyone and we welcome visitors from all over the world.
In addition to our programs and activities, visitors can also enjoy the Bald Head Woods trailhead, which is located within walking distance. Bald Head Woods is the second largest intact maritime forest in North Carolina and this scenic trail is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the island and experience the unique and diverse ecosystems that can be found here.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from out of town, we invite you to come and explore the natural world with us at the Fleming Environmental Education Center.
We would love to discover and explore the Bald Head Island with you! For information of booking private groups (10 people or more), school field trips, birthday parties or other program questions please email programs@bhic.org.
SCAVENGER HUNT
We have a free island-wide scavenger hunt! Start at the BHI Conservancy and explore the ecosystems of Bald Head Island in search of clues. You’ll travel to the maritime forest, salt marsh, and coastal dune ecosystems and learn about what makes this island so special! Make sure to read all the clues and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Once you’re done, you can stop by the BHI Conservancy for a free prize!
Our center is home to a variety of native animals to Bald Head Island, including box turtles, corn snakes, yellow-bellied sliders, and musk turtles. Come see these fascinating creatures up close and learn more about them.
In partnership with the NC State GIS Department, we offer the Tangible Landscape program. This program allows visitors to interact with a 3D landscape model and learn about the impact of different environmental factors on the terrain.
Come discover and learn with our digital microscopes! Microscopes reveal hidden worlds that are otherwise too small to see. You’ll be able to examine different coastal artifacts that we’ve found on the island!
The animated sandbox is a unique feature that teaches visitors about topography and bathymetry. By shifting and moving the sand, visitors can change the layers of the earth and understand how water flows. Plus, it’s a fun and therapeutic activity for all ages!
Watch your drawings come to life with the Draw Alive activity! Choose your favorite sea creature, color it in, and write your name. Then, scan it in and watch it appear on the screen before your eyes!
Playful interaction with loose parts activates children’s imaginations and creativity and helps them learn early STEM skills through hands-on combining, counting, sorting, rearranging, stacking, and more. The fundamental value of loose parts is that they are, well, loose—an essential quality and best practice.
We love using iNaturalist to explore Bald Head Island. From the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed, every observation you make with this free citizen science app contributes to biodiversity science. Check out some of the most recent observations on the island here. You can take pictures and share your findings, too: learn more here!
For those who enjoy hiking and exploring, the Bald Head Woods Nature Trails provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature. Managed by the N.C. Division of Coastal Management in partnership with the Bald Head Island Conservancy, this 191-acre parcel of undeveloped land protects the island from storm winds, providing a natural barrier for the interior of the preserve and the outlying beaches, homes, and communities. The Conservancy offers a trail map to guide visitors through the area.
